This post is sponsored by Responsibility.org. Thank you for supporting my blog!
With holiday obligations marked all over our calendars, there are plenty of reasons for us to get stressed about – the gifts we are still endlessly searching for, the ones that need to be wrapped, letters to Santa need to be written and mailed in time, cookie exchanges, and parties. But for many of us, the biggest stress of all are the family obligations and the burden of continuing on traditions.
The holiday stress officially hit me the week before Thanksgiving; when I was still frantically coordinating our Thanksgiving meal between our families and I know that it won’t end until Christmas day.
There is often nothing I want more than to pour myself a glass of wine at the end of the day, but then I remember that it’s only the idea of doing so that is most appealing, not necessarily what my body needs.
What my body and mind really need is for me to sit down, put my feet up, and surround myself with my family at the end of the day and watch Elf, our favorite Holiday movie of all-time, for the twentieth time, and smile when I hear my kids say “Ewww, gross!” at Elf pouring maple syrup, sugary cereal, and chocolate all over his breakfast spaghetti.
It’s opportunities like these that remind me of the importance of seeking out those moments, like sitting on the couch for a few minutes while everyone is together, without electronic devices, and fully present with each other. Times like these bring me more comfort than the actual glass of wine that will later undoubtedly bring on a pounding headache since my body does not like sulfites found in wine.
Having partnered with Responsibility.org and their #TalkEarly program this year has helped me find the best strategies to cope with stress without relying on alcohol to wind down at the end of the day. Most importantly, finding ways to talk to my children about the difficult conversations around the topic and I’m grateful to have a place that I can go as a parent that shares information regarding the best strategies.
Does the holiday hustle bring on stress and how do you cope with it during this busy time of the year?
Laura, you are the real deal. I have been reading your posts for months (even stalked your blog’s archives for older ones from years past) and I love how candid and open you are with us about your beliefs and how you live your life. Thank you for being an example to those of us. It’s not about being perfect but about being honest with who you are.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and your personal views regarding alcohol this year. I am sick of other moms saying “I need a glass of wine” and people liking those posts on social media as if it’s funny. Too tired throughout the day? do something! Excercise. Go to bed earlier. Sit on the sofa and snuggle with your kids… but stop numbing yourself with alcohol to pass the time till bed time. Ridic.
I used to drink quite a bit, but when I got pregnant, even the smell of alcohol made me feel bad. Now, my body just feels so bad every time I drink, I just can’t do it. I often get told “you need a drink” or “just drink a beer”. I am kind of thankful that my body told me no though. I feel like I’m setting a good example for my daughter who can see me saying no without feeling bad or left out.
Just like you, my body is the one that says “no thank you” for me. I think most of us don’t need wine, we really just need to sit down, put our feet up at the end of the day, and be OK with the fact that we might not “get it all done”. I hope you have a terrific holiday with your family!
A glass of wine at the end of the day is not the answer to numb the business. We just need to be less judgemental of ourselves and families and learn to relax. The reason many mothers need it is because keeping up with the joneses is exhausting.
I don’t’ think that drinking a glass of wine at the end of the day makes me a worse mother I enjoy wine -a lot of it.
Merry Christmas Laura. Thanks for talking about some of the issues that nobody seems to be brave enough to talk about. Happy new year to your wonderful family as well.