Christmas is a wonderful time to share with your family, but preparations, the pressures of accommodating extended families, and the demands of parenting a newborn can be stressful. Here’s how to cope and create great memories.
1. Plan
Which family will you spend which part of the day or which meal with? When will you arrive, and roughly when will you leave? Decide roughly now, working around baby’s routine and sleep needs and your own (especially in the case of a newborn). “Then let people know well ahead of time to prevent being pressured on the day,” advises Durban-based psychologist Rakhi Beekrum.
2. Keep your side of things simple
With a newborn, it’s easier not to play host – preferably leave that to another family member. Else if it’s unavoidable, delegate: ask everyone to bring something to eat and to undertake a task (decorating, videoing, arranging games for children, dishwashing).
3. Take advantage of eager ‘babysitters’
Enjoy a well-deserved break while allowing others to walk, rock and fuss the newest family addition.
4. Don’t be agitated by advice
Everyone will have a view on how best to dress, burp and raise your baby, but only you get to decide. “Smile and thank them, then feel free to ignore their advice,” says Beekrum.
5. Go gently on the alcohol
A glass of champagne may help you relax, but hangovers are hell when it’s time for that 2am feed. Consider taking turns with your spouse over the festive season, on who gets to let down their hair at gatherings and parties.
6. Pack smartly
If you’re weaning baby, rich Christmas fare may not be the way to go; take a bag with healthy options baby enjoys. Also pack any medications you may need (teething gel, Ponstan) – pharmacies will mostly be closed.
7. Watch the Christmas tree and electric plugs
If baby is beginning to get mobile, these can be magnets for little fingers. Also watch the carpets for slivers of wrapping paper and tinsel that can end up in small mouths.
8. Watch your spending
Under a year, baby is too small to appreciate most gifts, so putting a small sum into an account towards his or her high school or varsity education is a better idea. If family ask, invite them to gift as they please and let them know what you plan to do, in case they’re happy to do the same.
9. Dress baby for the occasion
He or she will be a star attraction, and the photos will be looked back on over a lifetime. A festively-patterned or simple scarlet onesie and fun hat will keep people cooing.
10. Let go of perfection
“Things seldom pan out Christmas-card perfect in the warm mess of families and babies,” says Beekrum. “Go with the flow and enjoy it.”
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