That's what a lot of the songs say, and for many families it is. But for some families it can be described as stressful, overwhelming, excruciating and just downright tiring! There seem to be so many expectations from all directions and then there are those we place on ourselves.
Following on from my last blog, I just wanted to remind parents to be kind to themselves over the Christmas and holiday period. Pick your battles - whether it's with your children, relatives or friends. Leave the dishes, leave the mess on the table and the wrapping all over the floor. Go and sit with the kids and play with their new toys or just lie down and read a new book together. Take a minute or two throughout the day to give to yourself. Even if it means locking yourself in the toilet for 5 minutes!!! Just sit and don't forget to take a moment to breathe!! I often forget to do that! I am a big fairy lights fan at Christmas and I just love watching them twinkle in the trees wherever I go. At night, I turn all the lights off in the house for a little while and just watch my tree with it's twinkling stars! A simple pleasure and my happy place!
Check in with those values again and focus on what is important to you. Keep practicing! Most of all, don't be hard on yourself. You are just as important as any other person in your life and so are the things you value. Enjoy the moments, enjoy the warm hugs and the laughter with your loved ones. Merry Christmas everyone!! xx