If you’re an expectant mother who is due this holiday season, you’ll need to be even more organized than usual. Here are six tips to ensure a stress-free Christmas.
Christmas is a busy time of year for all women. If you happen to be expecting a new addition to your family around the holiday season, things can get even more hectic. However, a little bit of preparation can relieve some of the anxiety.
1. Do All of Your Shopping Well in Advance
Whether it’s baby stuff or Christmas presents, make sure you are super organized. Ideally, you should be aiming to get all of your shopping done by November; before the December crowds descend on every shop in the country. However, if you’ve left things a little late, don’t forget there is always the online option. In many ways, internet shopping is preferable, because it allows you to buy all your gifts with your feet up.
2. Make Sure Your Maternity Bag is Ready
While you’ve got so much else on your mind, it’s easy to overlook the basics, like a maternity bag. Remember, your bundle of joy may arrive early, so by week 35, it’s a good idea to have everything ready should you need to make a sudden dash to the hospital. When packing, bear in mind that, although hospital’s are usually kept warm, your baby may need an extra blanket
3. Delegate Some of the Chores
No one is going to expect you to be cooking a lavish Christmas dinner when you’re 8 and a half months pregnant – no sane person anyway! Wrapping presents, putting up decorations and all of the other Christmas regalia, is also a big job for someone with a baby belly. So, make sure that your husband or partner is helping out as much as possible. If he’s no chef, settle for a simpler Christmas dinner or arrange to visit family members.
4. Don’t Go Overboard With Presents for the Baby
If your little one has recently arrived, bear in mind that he or she, hasn’t got a clue what all the fuss is about. Your baby will probably sleep through most of the day and spending lots of money on lavish presents is a waste. A small token gift or two, such as a teddy bear is fine. Alternatively, you might want to get a special Christmas suit for your newborn – this is more for you than for him or her!
5. Plan Your Route to the Hospital
Depending on where you live, getting to the hospital in mid to late December, might be difficult. Make sure you have provisions in the car, such as de-icer, a blanket and possibly a snack. If your other half is planning to attend a Christmas party, and will be drinking, make sure you have a back-up driver.
6. Politely Prevent Unwanted Visitors
Whenever a new baby arrives, friends are keen to drop-by. This is great, but it can be wearing for new parents, especially at a time when family are visiting anyway. So, politely explain that unexpected visits are inconvenient, or simply make a plan for friends to call around in the new year. Most people, especially those who have children of their own, will be more than understanding.
If you’re expecting a baby this holiday season, be prepared, be organized, delegate and…good luck!
