I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas together. For us, the girls have just started 8 weeks of summer break. So in celebration of the season, I wanted to share my tips for Christmas and the holidays. 

1. Keep it simple. Sometimes as parents we overcompensate and try to do too much, with kids this may mean we buy an ‘extra’ gift. Remember when they were babies and they loved the box, not the gift. Kids are simple creatures, they really just want your love and attention. 
2. Slow down. This is a manic time of year, so take care of yourself. Put on a face mask early in the evening, relax with some music playing and read a book. Don’t feel that you have to be everywhere, doing everything. Take a step back and find a moment to relax.
3. Phone a friend. Share a casual chat about life, plans for the holidays and so on. What is important is that we make time for friends and chat with them. You and they will feel better for it.
4. Establish your routine. Christmas can throw everything out the window, late nights, sleeping in. Try not to let it all slip away. Keep your routine as much as possible, especially for your kids. It will ensure you are able to make the most of each day and feel the true festive season, not just one day of fun.
5. Exercise. Eating too much is a fact of this time of year. So make a family habit of exercising. Head around our favourite park. Take the scooters to the boardwalk. Whether you're heading into summer or winter, try and keep exercise as a daily habit. Your mental and physical health will thank you for it.
6. Get baking. I know I said earlier be careful not to over indulge, but baking Christmas treats with the kids is so much fun. Gingerbread men, cookies, pudding, cakes. Let your imagination go and get creative with the kids.
7. Craft it. Make an angel banner. Make some stars. Make a Christmas wreath. Go old school this Christmas and recycle objects around the house. 
8. Hug. When our stress levels go up, which can be common at this time of year, we tend to put up barriers. Start today and hug your kids that little bit longer. Hug your partner. Remember to tell them you love them. 
9. Have fun! Create new traditions. Sing your heart out. Dance with your kids. Create new memories!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season, I am going to be switching off for a few weeks but I will be back in January 2023!

Merry Christmas!

Emily x