I was visiting with my cousin at my mother’s annual holiday party when he commented to me he was glad to have “endured” Christmas. I told him that once his children were older, like mine who are now 22 and 18, he would enjoy the holiday more. I recalled how I felt after decorating, shopping, wrapping, and celebrating with the girls in tow, and how my joy was tempered by exhaustion.
Our self-care tip this post-holiday week is to rest and recharge your battery. Don’t put pressure on yourself for playdates, taking the children out or visiting friends and family unless that’s easier for you. Resist preparing gourmet meals, downloading holiday pictures or catching up on errands. You have the entire year ahead.
What to do instead? Rest. Restore. Recharge. No child has ever died from a diet of hot dogs and macaroni. In fact, many of them prefer it. They will gladly wear the same clothes and don’t care if their rooms are a mess. Also, let them entertain themselves. What about the new toys they took seconds to unwrap? They can play with them!
For a healthy and happy new year, you need to have the energy to enjoy it. As Ann and I always say, you must keep your pitcher filled to take care of yourself and those you love. Don’t run yourself ragged like little Spudgy and miss out on the fun. Give yourself a break this week. You deserve it. And get some sleep.
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