If you've dreamed of being that Martha Stewart vision of a mom whose Christmas season is perfectly curated instead of filled with chaos, Tina O'Connor has some advice.
In a recent press release, O'Connor says in the long run you're likely to be far happier if you spend your time ensuring your efforts are meaningful rather than striving for perfection.
She adds: You just have to embrace the concept of teamwork when approaching the season. O'Connor, who recently released the book Be That Mom, suggests a variety of ways to include kids in holiday preparations. Don't see your kids as an obstacle in your preparations, include them, says O'Connor, adding, it's good to plan activities with your children that utilize the skills they have at each stage of development.
Include them in Christmas decoration or gift-making processes that they'll not only enjoy, but will also excel at, she says. Baking is fun and easy to do as a family-friendly activity. Consider giving edible gifts that your children can help make.
Bogged down with Christmas letters and cards? Kids love affixing postage and stuffing envelopes. Include your kids in party planning. They will be more likely to help you with preparation for the event as it nears even with some of the not-so-fun stuff like cleaning.
Get your kids involved in making decorations. You can work together to make centrepieces and other décor items that people will be hard-pressed to guess were made by little hands.
Bonus: these can also be given as parting gifts to any party guests.
