Christmas is an exciting time no matter what age you are! But it’s especially exciting when you’re younger! Between Santa and sugar, it can’t get much better than that. So because of this, we’ve come up with a list of tips and tricks to help you keep your cool, and keep your kids from bouncing off the walls— well, too much.
Limit the Sugar!
There’s nothing like a high power sugar rush to get your little one running wild way past bedtime. I know that sometimes it’s easier to just give them a lollipop rather than argue over having the lollipop. So instead of trying to give them a sweet treat, try to give them a sweet treat that’s good for them! Most fruits are high in sugar, but won’t give them that rush of energy like candy will. And if a lollipop is what they really want to cut off the sugar intake at least two hours before bedtime. This will help you get them to bed a little easier, plus then the only lollipops they’ll have are the ones that are dancing in their head!
Mellow them Out
With holiday celebrations and late nights out, having a normal bedtime can be difficult. To help yourself the best thing you can do is let them run around until they’ve tired themselves out. This way when you do get home they’re just as eager to crawl into bed as you are.
Skip the Cocoa
I love a good Christmas-feel-good-movie as much as the next Mama! And who can’t resist putting together that moviesque scene with the cocoa and marshmallows all snuggled up on the couch?! But before you reach for the hot chocolate remember, chocolate has caffeine in it! The USDA says that for every 100 grams of milk chocolate there are 43 milligrams of caffeine. Not a lot in a cup of hot cocoa, but enough where your children will end up being restless towards the end of the film. Try opting for a mug of Calm Tea instead: caffeine-free and soothing chamomile and lavender will help ease your kids into dreamland before you know it.
Don’t forget Mama, you’ve got this! The holidays will be over before you know it, so enjoy them while they’re here.