10 top tips to reduce stress at Christmas

Parent holding baby in christmas hat while looking at fairy lights

Christmas is often referred to as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but it can also mean a lot of stress. If you’re a parent, even more so. Throw a new baby into the mix and you may feel like skipping Christmas altogether! But don’t worry; we’ve put together some top tips to reduce stress at Christmas.

1. Shop online

If you have a new baby, or are in the final stages of pregnancy, the thoughts of tackling a packed supermarket are likely to be daunting. Instead, make a list, grab your phone and shop online. You can have everything delivered to your door stress-free. Remember to book early to get your delivery slot!

2. Triage your cleaning

If you are expecting visitors, don’t think that you have to scrub the entire house from top to bottom. Concentrate only on the rooms visitors will see such as hall, living room, kitchen, bathroom. Use the rooms they won’t see to store excess clutter until Christmas is over.

3. Budget wisely

We’re all feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise and this can be a real worry at Christmas. Set a budget and plan how much you will spend on food, gifts, etc. so you won’t get a big shock when your bank statement arrives. Keep receipts in case you need to return anything and ask for gift receipts when buying presents – just in case!

4. Say yes!

If help is offered, say “Yes!” Even if you’re hosting the family for Christmas dinner, you don’t have to do it all yourself, particularly if you have a new baby. Take the party into the kitchen, put on music and provide drinks while assigning tasks to your willing helpers. Dinner prep will go with a swing!

5. Plan easy meals

While Christmas dinner is the star of the show, be free and easy with the rest of your Christmas holidays. Save the leftovers for the next day for a quick and easy meal. Make sandwiches, snack on nibbles or enjoy a cheese board. This gives everyone a break from long stints in the kitchen, leaving more quality time for you and the family.

6. Be prepared

We wish for everyone to have a happy and peaceful Christmas. But if a crisis should occur, have all your emergency phone numbers to hand. It can save vital minutes if you’re not scrambling to find them online. Here’s a handy PDF for you to print off and fill in. Keep it in your changing bag or stick on the fridge. We’ve provided some useful numbers to get you started.

ClevaMama-Emergency-Phone-List Download

7. Find a quiet space

A house full of visitors can be overwhelming, so if you need to feed your little one, find a quiet room away from the noise, heat and hubbub. It’s a lovely opportunity for you and your baby to focus on each other and will refresh you both. If you’re in your own home, retire to the nursery, switch on your sound machine to create a calming atmosphere and enjoy a little ‘just you and me’ time.

8. Give yourself a lift

Need a quick lift during this stressful time? Add some citrus-scented oil to your ClevaPure Salt Lamp & Humidifier to instantly lift your spirits and soothe your soul. Lemon and orange scents can boost your mood immediately. Go on, give it a try! Check out our blog on essential oils for more recommendations.

9. Get some fresh air

Christmas can be stressful, whether you are at home or away. So take a little time out to go for a walk and enjoy a some fresh air and exercise. Pop your baby into a cosy footmuff and if you have older kids who have gotten bikes/scooters/skateboards for Christmas, this is a chance for them to try them out. A family walk in the park can be a real tonic after a heavy Christmas meal.

10. Know when to quit

Christmas can be an overwhelming time for babies and young children. All the lights, noise and changes to their routine can wear them out in no time. Watch for sleep cues or tiredness and put your little ones down when needed. If you’re away from home, take a Moses basket or pod for baby to relax in. Bring a travel cot and mattress for tired babies and toddlers.

We hope these tips will help to make Christmas a little easier for you. Above all, enjoy this time with your family during this season. From our ClevaMama family to yours….Merry Christmas!