- Think ahead on what PJ’s everyone wears to bed Christmas Eve. Christmas morning photos last a lifetime. Wrap some new PJ’s with a small, low-tech toy and allow the kids to open that one gift before bedtime.
- Prepare a casserole or ready-to-eat breakfast- something that keeps you away from a stove while the fun ensues.
- Keep scissors, batteries and trash bags at arms-reach. It’s the same every year- don’t waste time hunting them down.
- An extra trash bag at-the-ready is great for grabbing ribbons, boxes and gift bags to recycle for next year.
- Take a nibble from the Santa cookies BEFORE you go to bed. To forget, is a rookie mistake and not fun explaining away to your child.
- Kids in diapers? Keep a diaper bag handy so they don’t have to miss all the fun.
- Sippy cups and lids with straws are your best friend around all those new presents and electronics! Even travel mugs for hot coffee are a safe bet!
- Set a pre-determined time to FaceTime or SKYPE with out-of-town family once the mayhem dies down. Grandparents love seeing the mess and watching the kids play. No need to make them stop- just engage them in conversation about their gifts!
- Thank goodness for phone photos of your kids with their gifts. Open gift; smile; click; and save. Later in the week, take time to text or email the gift-givers a thank you. Print, if you’re old fashioned and sending a thank you card.
- Remember that the holidays are NEVER how you plan. NOTHING is perfect. Go with the flow. Enjoy the togetherness with all its ups and downs.
Happy Holidays from #HoustonFamilyMagazine!