My Sunday photo 10/12/2023

  

Last night we saw the Christmas tractor parade. Cold but fabulous and even better didn't cost a penny for this festive activity ☺ 

A Guide to Overcoming Mum Guilt During Christmas

Hey readers, 

As the festive season approaches, the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, the warmth of twinkling lights, and the promise of joyous family gatherings. 

However, for many mothers, the holiday season can also bring a heavy dose of guilt.

 The pressure to create magical moments, bake Pinterest-perfect cookies, and orchestrate flawless celebrations often leaves moms feeling like they fall short.

 It's time to cast aside the guilt and embrace the imperfect beauty of a real, authentic Christmas. 

Here's a guide on how to stop feeling guilty as a mom during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations. 

The glossy images of picture-perfect holiday celebrations portrayed in the media can set unrealistic expectations. 

Understand that perfection is an illusion, and it's okay if your holiday doesn't resemble a scene from a holiday movie. 

Embrace the imperfections and cherish the genuine moments that make your family unique.

2. Prioritise Self-Care. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle, moms often neglect their well-being. Remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. 

Take moments for yourself, whether it's a quiet cup of tea, a brisk walk, or a few minutes with a good book. 

By recharging your batteries, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones.

3. Learn to Say No. 

The holiday season comes with a barrage of invitations, events, and commitments. 

It's essential to recognize your limits and learn to say no without guilt.

 Focus on the activities and gatherings that truly matter to you and your family. 

Quality time is more valuable than quantity, and a well-rested and present mom is the best gift you can give to your loved ones.

4. Embrace Imperfection in Traditions. 

Traditions can bring immense joy, but they can also become stressors when they don't go as planned. 

Be flexible and willing to adapt traditions to fit the current circumstances. 

Whether it's a simpler version of a cherished activity or a new tradition altogether, the essence of the holiday lies in the shared moments, not the perfection of the event.

5. Involve the Family. 

The burden of holiday preparations doesn't have to rest solely on a mother's shoulders. 

Involve your family in the planning and execution of holiday activities. Whether it's decorating the tree, baking cookies, or wrapping gifts, creating a sense of shared responsibility not only lightens the load but also fosters a collaborative and festive atmosphere.

6. Focus on Presence Over Presents. 

In the frenzy of gift shopping and holiday preparations, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. 

Remind yourself that the essence of Christmas lies in spending quality time with loved ones, not the number or expense of gifts. 

Be present at the moment, savouring the laughter, shared stories, and the joy of togetherness.

Remember, being a mom during the holiday season doesn't require perfection; it demands authenticity and love.

 Embracing imperfection and letting go of unnecessary guilt allows you to create a Christmas filled with genuine joy and cherished memories. 

So, this holiday season, give yourself the gift of self-compassion and celebrate the imperfect beauty of your unique family festivities.

Cheers for reading x 

My disdain for chrismas markets.

Hey readers, 

In the heart of winter, cities transform into enchanting wonderlands adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the nostalgic melodies of seasonal tunes.

For many, Christmas markets epitomize the spirit of the holidays, offering a picturesque setting for families and friends to revel in the joy of the season. 

However, as the markets set up their stalls and the air fills with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, I find myself grappling with an unexpected aversion to these festive gatherings. 

Here's a closer look at why I harbour a distinct disdain for Christmas markets.

1. Overwhelming Crowds. 

   The allure of Christmas markets is undeniable, drawing hordes of visitors seeking a taste of holiday magic. 

Yet, the overwhelming crowds that characterise these events create an atmosphere that is more chaotic than festive.

 Navigating through the masses becomes a cumbersome task, robbing the experience of the anticipated joy and tranquillity.

2. Commercial Overload. 
  

 What was once a celebration of craftsmanship and local artisans has, in many cases, transformed into a commercial extravaganza. 

The onslaught of mass-produced trinkets, generic holiday merchandise, and overpriced goods eclipses the charm of supporting local businesses.

 The emphasis on consumerism dampens the spirit of authenticity that I yearn for during the holiday season.

3. Repetitive Offerings. 

   While each Christmas market aims to offer a unique experience, the reality often falls short. 

The prevalence of similar vendors peddling generic holiday wares and uninspired decorations leads to a sense of déjà vu.

 It's disheartening to witness a lack of innovation and diversity in the offerings, turning the market experience into a monotonous affair.

4. Weather Woes. 

   Winter weather can be unforgiving, and the prospect of wandering through an open-air market in freezing temperatures is less than appealing.

 The biting cold, coupled with the potential for rain or snow, can turn what should be a festive outing into an uncomfortable and chilly ordeal.

5. Exorbitant Prices. 

   The charm of Christmas markets often comes with a hefty price tag. 

Whether it's the cost of admission, inflated prices for festive treats, or overpriced souvenirs, the financial burden associated with these markets can leave a bitter aftertaste. 

The pursuit of profit takes precedence over the spirit of goodwill and community that the season should embody.

6. Clichéd Entertainment. 

   Christmas markets often feature a lineup of clichéd entertainment from repetitive carol singers to predictable street performers. 

The lack of creativity in the festive offerings contributes to a sense of boredom rather than the anticipated enjoyment of unique and engaging experiences.

7. Environmental Impact.

 

   The environmental toll of Christmas markets, with their disposable packaging, excess waste, and energy consumption, adds another layer to my discontent.

 It's disheartening to witness the ecological impact of what should be a celebration of joy and togetherness.

While my perspective on Christmas markets may lean towards the negative, it's essential to recognize that many people cherish these events as an integral part of their holiday traditions. 

In acknowledging diverse viewpoints, we can foster understanding and perhaps work towards creating more inclusive and sustainable celebrations that resonate with a broader audience. 

As for me, I'll be seeking my festive joy in the quieter, more intimate corners of the holiday season.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 03/12/2023

 

One minute your painfully having to participate in pretend play then the next your enjoying bonding over games with your son :) 

 

Older children's Christmas gift guide 2023!

Hey readers, 

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you are looking for some gift ideas for your older child you have come to the right place. 

Whether they are into sports, science, art, or gaming, we have compiled a list of 10 cool and fun gifts that they will love. 

These gifts are suitable for both boys and girls, and they are sure to spark their creativity, curiosity, and imagination.

1. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game. 

This is a fast-paced and hilarious card game that will keep everyone entertained. 

The game is simple: players take turns to flip over cards and say the name of the card out loud.

 When the card matches the word, everyone slaps their hand on the deck. 

The last one to do so gets the pile. But watch out for special cards that change the rules. 

This game is great for improving reaction time, memory, and coordination.

2. Kanoodle Pyramid. 

This is a 3D puzzle game that challenges the brain and spatial reasoning skills. 

The game comes with 200 puzzles of varying difficulty levels, from easy to super hard. 

The goal is to arrange the colourful pieces into a pyramid shape that matches the challenge card. 

This game is perfect for solo play or as a family activity.

3. Logrotate Moon Lamp. 

This is a realistic and beautiful moon lamp that can light up any room. 

The lamp is made of eco-friendly PLA material and has a touch sensor to change the colour and brightness. 

The lamp can also be controlled by a remote and has a rechargeable battery.

 The lamp comes with a wooden stand and a USB cable. 

This is a great gift for anyone who loves astronomy or wants a cosy night light.

4. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen. 

This is a creative and fun 3D pen that allows you to draw in the air. 

The pen has an adjustable speed and temperature control and comes with three colours of PLA filament. 

You can use the pen to create anything you can imagine, from sculptures, jewellery, and models, to art projects.

The pen is easy to use and safe for kids.

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera. 

This is a cute and colourful instant camera that captures and prints photos in seconds. 

The camera has a selfie mirror, a close-up lens, and a brightness adjustment dial. 

The camera also comes with 10 sheets of film, a camera case, a photo album, and stickers. 

This is a great gift for anyone who loves photography or wants to preserve their memories.

6. Wizarding World Harry Potter Magic Wand. 

This is an authentic and magical wand that will make any Harry Potter fan feel like a wizard.

 The wand is 12 inches long and comes with a spell card that teaches you how to cast different spells.

 The wand is made of high-quality resin and has a realistic look and feel. 

This is a great gift for anyone who loves fantasy or wants to explore the wizarding world.

7. GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball. 

This is a cool and fun basketball that glows in the dark. 

The basketball has two LED lights inside that are activated by impact. 

The lights are battery-powered and last for over 30 hours. 

The basketball is made of durable rubber and has a standard size and weight. 

This is a great gift for anyone who loves sports or wants to play hoops after dark.

8. Refasy Electronic Piggy Bank.

This is a smart and secure piggy bank that works like an ATM. The piggy bank has a number combination lock that can be set by the user. 

The piggy bank also has a voice prompt, a coin slot, a bill slot, and a card slot. 

The piggy bank can store coins, bills, and cards, and can keep track of the balance. 

This is a great gift for anyone who wants to learn how to save money or manage their finances.

9. Superhero 3D Night Light. 

This is a stunning and cool night light that features a 3D illusion of a superhero. 

The night light has a base with seven colours of LED lights that can be changed by touch or remote. 

The night light also has a timer function and a dimmer function. 

The night light is powered by USB or batteries.

 This is a great gift for anyone who loves superheroes or wants a stylish night light.

10. Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Bluetooth headphones. 

Bluetooth headphones make a good Christmas present for an older child because they provide a wireless and convenient way to enjoy music, videos, or games. 

Many models designed for children come with features like volume limiting, ensuring a safe listening experience. 

Additionally, they offer privacy for the child and may be compatible with various devices, enhancing their overall entertainment experience.

 Puro Sound Labs headphones are often considered good for children.

 One notable feature of their headphones, such as the BT2200 model, is volume-limiting technology that helps protect children's hearing by not allowing the volume to exceed safe levels. 

They are also known for providing high-quality sound and comfortable designs. 

I hope this blog post helps you find the perfect gift for your older child. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas! 🎁 🎄 

Cheers for reading X

5 reasons why Christmas Eve boxes are a bad idea!!!

Hey readers,

Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with traditions, joy, and a sense of togetherness. 

One modern tradition that has gained popularity in recent years is the Christmas Eve box. 

These festive boxes are typically filled with small gifts and treats and are opened on the night before Christmas. 

While they may seem like a fun idea at first, there are some compelling reasons why Christmas Eve boxes can be a bad idea. 

In this blog post, we'll explore five of those reasons.

1. Commercialisation of Christmas.

Christmas should be about more than just materialistic gifts and consumerism. 

Christmas Eve boxes can contribute to the commercialisation of the holiday by adding an extra layer of gift-giving to an already gift-heavy season. 

Instead of focusing on spending time with loved ones and the true spirit of Christmas, the emphasis can shift towards acquiring and exchanging material possessions. 

This takes away from the real meaning of the holiday.

2. Added Stress for Parents.

The holiday season can already be a stressful time for parents who are trying to ensure that everything is perfect for their children.

 Christmas Eve boxes can add an unnecessary burden by requiring parents to shop for additional items, wrap them, and ensure that the boxes are ready in time for the big reveal.

This can take away from the joy and relaxation that should come with the holiday season.

3. Inequality among Children.

In households with multiple children, Christmas Eve boxes can create inequality and feelings of favouritism.

 Children may compare the contents of their boxes and feel disappointed if they believe that their siblings received better gifts.

 This can lead to unnecessary tension and disputes within the family.

4. Environmental Concerns.

The environmental impact of Christmas Eve boxes is a growing concern. 

Many of these boxes are filled with disposable items like single-use plastic toys, trinkets, and excessive packaging. 

As the world grapples with environmental issues and climate change, it's essential to be mindful of the waste generated during the holiday season.

 Christmas Eve boxes contribute to this problem and can be seen as a symbol of our society's throwaway culture.

5. Diminished Anticipation for Christmas Morning.

One of the most exciting aspects of Christmas is the anticipation leading up to the main event on Christmas morning. 

Christmas Eve boxes, while intended to build excitement, can diminish the anticipation for the big day.

 Opening gifts on Christmas Eve can take away from the magic and excitement of unwrapping presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

While Christmas Eve boxes may seem like a fun and trendy tradition, there are compelling reasons to reconsider their place in your holiday celebrations. 

Instead of adding an extra layer of consumerism and stress to the holiday season, consider focusing on meaningful traditions that emphasize togetherness, gratitude, and the true spirit of Christmas.

 After all, the most precious gift we can give during this season is the gift of our time, love, and presence to our loved ones, and that's something that can't be wrapped in a box.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 26/11/2023

 

Getting in the festive mood this week by seeing Cindrella at the theatre 🎄