How to Survive Christmas with Children

For the last couple of years I have been super prepared for Christmas. It's taken a while but finally I have written up a post to share a few top tips to prepare for Christmas with children.

Buy things in the sales after Christmas!

I know that this is a little difficult to do now as we are almost at this year's post-Christmas sales, however, make a note for this year! Buy clothes in the next size up, buy wrapping paper super cheap and get yourself ready for next year nice and early. Plus it gives you the opportunity to spread the cost so this time of year doesn't have to be so expensive.

Take gifts out of the packaging!

There is nothing worse than sitting there with a pair of scissors on Christmas day, going through all the gifts and cutting them out of zip ties and other 'fun' packaging. By simply taking the item out of the packaging you are able to save yourself a whole load of hassle!

Wrap gifts with the right number of batteries tucked inside!

Note that I say "tucked inside" and not "put inside". Please, for Pete's sake do not put the batteries into the items until Christmas Day. If the acid leaked and the toy didn't work, that would pretty much ruin Christmas day. Having the right number (and type) of battery wrapped up with the gift, however, ensures that your child (husband, or friend...) will be able to play with the gift almost as soon as they open it.

Use different wrapping paper for each person!

This is particularly important if you have:​

1. More than one child​

2. Younger children who can't read​

As lovely as pretty ribbons and tags with names, being able to differentiate by paper is so much easier!

​Children need time... not things!

The most important point that I cannot put across strongly enough is that your children want you. They want to have cuddles. Eat a family meal together. Read a book. Watch a movie. Go out to the park for a walk. They want to make memories. That is what they will remember, so never feel like you are not able to give them enough if you can't afford £££ worth of "stuff" for them. The material things will be forgotten, but memories last forever.​

Embrace every moment... even the perfectly imperfect ones!

I have OCD. I also suffer from anxiety. I like things to be in order, to be perfect. To be "just so". However I am learning to embrace that with children, the imperfect moments can be some of the best ones. The moments where the girls won't pose for a photo but I get the most beautiful, natural smiles as they are cheeky and run away.  The moments where I'm up late putting things "right" again but I see toys and remember the fun and laughter as they were played with. Christmas can be stressful enough without worrying about the little things. 

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from my family and me this year!

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For more posts about Christmas, visit the Christmas category page. If you have any questions about surviving Christmas with kids, or any other tips to share, let me know in the comments section below.