10 Tips for Keeping your Sanity During the Christmas Chaos

There's only one week left till Christmas, who's sanity is on the brink of destruction?  I know this time of year is hectic but there are some ways to keep your cool and enjoy the holiday season without cancelling Christmas altogether.

1) Hydrate - Despite the rumours, we cannot survive on coffee alone. Make sure you keep hydrated while your shopping, wrapping and baking. This will stave off pesky headaches that could hinder your holiday spirit.

2) Take short cuts - No one will know and you'll look like even more of a super mom than you already are. Cookie exchanges are a great way to save time and impress your friends. Another great way to save time is to prepare your side dishes in advance. A lot of dishes can be made the night before (check out these make ahead mashed potatoes!, this will save your sanity on the day of the big meal and give you time to enjoy your company.

3) Make lists - Know what you have to do and when it needs to be done.  Lists can not only keep you organized but make you realize just how productive you are, so you can cut yourself some slack.

4) Don't multitask yourself to death - We know you can clean the house, wrap presents, and make supper all while baking dozen of cookies but who are you trying to impress? Take one night to wrap the presents, one night to bake the treats and for the love of God don't even think of cleaning till the last day or your efforts will be undone within hours.

5) Take time for yourself - In the midst of the chaos take a long bath or stop in for a massage or pedicure while you're out shopping and don't forget to log onto your favourite momstown message board to vent and get some holiday ideas from the mama's!  

6) Ask for help - See that guy sitting on the couch leisurely watching the hockey game? He's your husband and he's perfectly capable of taking some tasks off your plate. Have a hard time giving up the control? Give him the easy tasks like grocery shopping and stocking stuffers (accompanied by a detailed list).

7) Eat - I know it tempting to snack on all the sweets and delicious holiday food but to feel good and have energy we need fuel. Eating properly around the holiday season will also help keep you bloat-free for holiday parties.

8) Let go of the guilt - Accept that you may not get every gift on the list and not everything that "needs" to get done will.  But no one will notice and they're there to spend time with you, not critique your perfectly decorated table.  Cut yourself some slack this year and don't stress about the small things.

9) Shop with Focus - Don't wander into stores without a clear idea of what your coming home with.  Find out where the sales are and call ahead to confirm they have the "must have" toy of the year so you don't waste your time.

10) Embrace the Chaos - It's Christmas, so embrace that crazy aunt and the noisy house that's what the holidays are all about! 

And if all else fails throw some rum in your Eggnog and just let relax.   

Merry Christmas!