UH OH! TOP 5 MISTAKES BUSY MOMS MAKE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

OMG!!!! The holidays are quickly approaching. I have a barking dog, two super hungry and demanding kids and a hubby who always wants to cuddle. Not to mention everyone in the entire extended family wants to be super-loving this holiday season. Invites to come and spend the week during Thanksgiving, a visit during Christmas break, family reunion trips to the mountains...UUUUUUGGGHHH! How do you manage it all without hurting feelings or egos in the process??? Here are the top 5 holiday mistakes for busy moms…if you are doing this, STOP it! Trust me, you will thank me later.

OVER-THINKING EVERYTHING:

Let’s face it. As moms we tend to run on auto-pilot A LOT, but when it comes to the holidays, things we normally can do with our eyes closed seem to become more difficult to figure out. Maybe it's the stress of trying to please everyone, or trying to juggle too many things in that one moment. Whatever it is STOP, take a deep breath and remember K.I.S.S (keep it simple stupid)...LOL I would often hear my football coach husband say this to his players all the time. I finally asked him, “why do you say that to your players”? He told me that his team can run these plays in their sleep, but when they start to over-think the play and anticipate what others are going to do instead having confidence in what they know, that’s when things start to go haywire. Going with the flow and having the confidence to know that you will always come out on top will allow you to work smarter, not harder.

MAKING PROMISES:

The worst thing you can do is make a promise you are not sure you will be able to keep. Whether it’s to your kids (the worse), your family, co-workers or friends NEVER, I repeat NEVER make a promise to do something, go somewhere or purchase anything. This is the busiest time of the year and the last thing you need is to see sad little faces (or sad big faces) because you couldn’t keep a promise you made weeks ago. I call this time of year, the “SAFE PHRASE ZONE”. Let’s practice: Hey Cindy, we are having our annual gift exchange party on December 12 at 7pm. Will you be able to come? My response (and I encourage you to use it as well) “Oh that sounds wonderful. Let me check my calendar but I will try my best to make it.” See you just gave the host a shimmer of hope that you may be there without fully committing. That way if something comes up, they are not giving you the side-eye. You’re welcome.

NOT MAKING TIME FOR YOU:

Everyone should ENJOY the holidays…yes that includes you! It’s very important to take time for you. I know what you are thinking; I can’t do that with kids, husband, work and family coming over. Yes you can! Even if its waking up early for a cup of coffee on the porch or an early morning run to your favorite store just to walk around. Make every moment you can count for you and your piece of mind. It’s good for you and it prevents others from getting that not so pretty side of you when you “pop off” on them because you are overwhelmed…lol I often talk to my husband about my “me” plans during the holidays. He has come to realize that I need that time to balance myself and it makes his life a whole lot better. See, everyone benefits.

OVER SPENDING:

Ok…so yeah, we find ourselves spending way too much on things that will be forgotten the day after the holiday is over or even later that evening. Stop buying everything your child asks for…NEWSFLASH they can only play with one gift at a time. Stop buying the most expensive decorations that will be half price the day after (hint: shop for next year’s decorations this year after the holiday is over). The best thing you can do during the holidays is make memories and trust me the best memories are often the free ones. Come up with family traditions that become the norm in your home. For example, my family always watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on Christmas Eve and we have hot cocoa. Pay attention to what brings the biggest smiles on your family's faces and build from there. Your family, soul and your pockets will thank you!

FEELING GUILTY FOR SAYING NO:

Let’s face it, everyone expects you to be everywhere, do everything and fix every problem. The reality is that you are ONE person. A strong person, but one none the less. We have to learn as mothers to say no and mean it. Not saying no and then feeling guilty for it and then try to make up for it later. People often take advantage of our give, give, give spirit, so can you imagine the shock value first time you say “no I cannot do that” and walk away? At first it may feel super weird, and then it moves to unbelievable and finally triumphant.