mommy underground (mu),
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No fluff. No superficial expectations. Just raw truths to demystify what motherhood entails. Expect humor,
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mu:: vol 1 :: issue 5 :: Surviving the Holidays Mommy Style
It is the time of year where all things get out of control--holidays, parties, sugar induced energy, and resolution to do things *better* in the coming new year. Why can't we just relish the craziness and tell ourselves we do the best we can? I don't know about you--but after chatting with my girlfriends (or should I say mom-friends) that we women get more worked up over the holiday gift buying thing then our male counterparts, and we need to relieve the pressure and stress of the holidays. Here's some ways to help uncomplicate the holidays:
1 - Wish Lists. Utterly and totally fabulous ideas for ALL your gift purchases. Online or not, MAKE THESE SUCKERS work for you. For the kid (he's only 3) I handed him a toy magazine and a marker to circle his favorites (again, he's 3, everything got a circle). For the husband--Amazon.com. For my parents and in-laws- Amazon.com. Friends and Co-workers? Friendly e-mails asking if they had electronic wish lists (a.k.a. Amazon.com) or various gift certificates they loved--because nothing can be worse than a useless gift that gets stored in a closet for the next 5 years.
2 - Alone time. Send your kids gift shopping with the husband or family member. They should get in the gift giving spirit and buy YOU something too right? And guess what? You have the side benefit of getting a whole hour or three to yourself in the process.
3 - Free Babysitting. If you are like me, holidays mean family time. And when family is involved HAND OFF YOUR CHILDREN. Take advantage of the over-zealous grandparents and make yourself some plans that DON'T involve the kiddies. I've always had a hard time asking my parents to watch the little one--but this year, I made plans I can't break, and now they can't say No.
4 - Cookies, Candy, and all things Bad for your kids. If you've read any of the past issues, you know I am fond of treating my kid. Hey, I am all for nutrition, but have you been in any office or department store lately? Or even your neighbor's house? Inundated with candy and cookies yet? I am--so why should I deprive my kid from what part of the holiday season is about-- good food and treats (moderation is key, but hey, I'm not perfect). So let your kids have some candy. It can make them happy, and you. Nothing can be a better aphrodisiac than chocolate--and that can make after-the-kids-go-to-bed that much more fun for you (and hey, sex relieves stress doesn't it?).
5 - Bribery. Yep, you read that correctly- bribe your kids. Let them help out with the wrapping of gifts and then they can watch their favorite television show. Need to make a batch of cookies for the cookie-walk? Let them be in charge of the frosting and sprinkles--and THEN they can go play the latest computer or video game. Want to read a book little kidlings? Well, help mom put the latest load of laundry away. I am all for doing the fun things--but when things get frantic, you need the help as much as they need to learn the responsibility (and yes, I'll admit to giving chocolate to the kid if he agrees to wait then 30 minutes longer in the check-out aisle at Target--but I won't recommend that bribery to you. At least officially).
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What's in Line?
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Ponderings for the next issue:
--Trusting the Babysitter Won't Kill the Kid(s) (online)
--Resolutions that We Might Not Want To Keep (subscription only)
--Blogging Mommies (running series)-- 2 More (subscription only)
--Greener Grasses in the Workplace (or not)-- AND IT CONTINUES (subscription only)
--Books Even A Mom Would Love-- LITERARY MAMA by by Andrea J. Buchanan and Amy Hudock (subscription only)
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