Last month our writers shared some of their holiday traditions and plans for the upcoming season. In November, we continue our conversation about holidays. How do we juggle visitors, travel with small children, eat well amidst all that delicious food and most importantly, take time to just BREATHE? This time of year can very quickly become stressful, so we hope our writers' words this month will give you a few moments to slow down, think about how you're spending your energy and encourage you during this busy, but wonderful time of year. ~TMC We all remember the Time Magazine article with this title that was discussing the “freakishness” of attachment parenting trends. Well, I’m here to ask, “Are you mom enough?” My question pertains to something totally different, though. I want to know if you are mom enough to know when you need to take a break.
I find it very difficult to admit when I am in need of a break. I feel like I go, go, go until burn-out is too quickly approaching. I’m talking about all forms of burn-out, not just parenting burn-out. This is a great fault of mine. I think this is probably a commonly dormant trait for females that gets ignited sometime between conception and birth.
It is very easy to overextend ourselves in the less busy times of the year, but even more so in the holiday season. With the holidays just around the corner, I highly recommend getting a plan in motion so that burn-out is less likely.
If your baby is 6 months or under, this is probably not the year to invite your 60-member family to your house to demonstrate your Martha Stewart-like cooking skills for Thanksgiving day. This may be the year to opt out of your family's Black Friday 2am rat race tradition and choose the more peaceful Cyber Monday for Christmas shopping. While these may be exaggerations, planning this year to be a more peaceful holiday season so that burn-out does not occur may be just what the doctor ordered for you and your family.
So ask yourself this, “Am I mom enough to take care of ME, so that I can take care of my family?” Plan a little peaceful time during the peaceful season. Take a walk by yourself. Enjoy a chapter in a book, or even a whole book. Drink a latte. Go on a weekend getaway.
This is supposed to be the time of year that you cuddle everyone a little closer, create life-long memories, start establishing traditions and enjoy your family. Taking that break and refusing to allow burn-out will only make that time even more precious.