Planning for the holiday season can bring about a whole mix of emotions, especially for mums who are responsible for most of the coordination and organisation effort. With the festive season just around the corner, it's important to put a plan together that helps to manage the hustle and bustle, all while keeping the family budget intact and helping young children adapt to any changes in their routine.
How can you effectively plan for the festive season?
1. Early Start: Begin your holiday planning well in advance. Create a calendar to outline key events, school holidays, and commitments. A visual aid helps in avoiding clashes and spreads out your to-do list over time, reducing last-minute stress.
2. Prioritisation: Determine what's most important for you and your family. Is it baking, sending cards, or perhaps the feast? Prioritise these activities and give yourself permission to put aside less important tasks or delegate them to someone else.
3. Task Listing: Break tasks into manageable pieces. Rather than 'prepare feast', list specific components (e.g., menu planning, shopping).
Managing the Budget
Whether we like it or not, budget has to come into the equation during these tough times. It’s important to stay realistic and spend within your means. Your children will remember the family memories – not how much you spent on their gifts or Christmas outfits.
1. Budget Planning: Set a realistic budget early on and stick to it. Consider everything from gifts, decorations, and special meals, to holiday outings. Allocating a set amount for each category prevents unexpected expenses.
2. Mindful Spending: Sales and discounts can be tempting, but stick strictly to your list. Seek out discounts and use coupons for planned purchases wherever possible. For groceries, Everyday Rewards and Flybuys are great ways to accumulate savings and dollars to spend closer to the big day.
3. Homemade Gifts and Decorations: Encourage creativity by making gifts and decorations at home. It's a fun activity with children and also lightens the financial load.
Navigating Routine Changes for Children
Different activities can shake up your entire family’s routine, especially if you have young children. Consistency and adaptability are key during this time to reduce stress. While it’s important to be consistent and keep a sense of normality, there are also times where you just need to roll with it, and that’s ok!
1. Consistent routine: Try maintaining a semblance of the regular routine for young children. Keeping meal and bedtimes consistent helps mitigate the anxiety that comes with change.
2. Prepare for change: Discuss upcoming events with your children. Use visual timetables or storyboards to help them understand what to expect and when.
3. Plan for downtime: The hustle of holidays can be exhausting for little ones. Ensure that there is downtime scheduled to help them relax and recharge. Calmer days spent reading holiday-themed books or watching festive movies together can provide a comforting respite.
4. Involve the kids: Involve children in the preparations. Simple tasks like decorating cookies or crafting gifts can give them a sense of purpose and excitement about the season.
By approaching the season with a detailed plan, mindful budgeting, and attention to the needs of young ones, mums can navigate the holiday season with more joy and less stress. Remember, the spirit of the holidays is about connection and creating cherished memories with those you love. The key is balance: between work and rest, planning and spontaneity, saving and splurging, all while ensuring the family sails through the season smoothly.
