My top 7 sanity tips during a busy holiday week.

It just took me an hour and a half to get to the grocery store and back. I have at least 10 loads of laundry on my basement floor. My dog needs a bath so damn bad.
This time of year is busy. That’s an understatement.
In addition to the holidays, we are celebrating my daughter’s 2nd birthday the day after Christmas. We’re having a party at our house. Yep, we are insane.
Last night, my husband, Brian, could sense that I was getting a little overwhelmed with everything that needs done. He casually says, “What needs done? We have mostly everything done, right?” Um, no. Nothing is wrapped. I have to bake. I have to clean. I still have to get together a couple of gifts.
Then, I stopped myself. Why am I making this harder than it has to be? Do I really need 7 kinds of homemade cookies? Do I really need to make party favors? Does Madilyn really need to sit on Santa’s lap? (We went to visit Santa but she wouldn’t sit on his lap.)

Who in the hell really cares, right?
We went to a holiday party last week at a friend’s house. I was complementing her on her house which was beautifully decorated. All of the walls were painted in bright, festive colors. I mentioned to her that I am hesitant to have a big party at our house because it still needs so much work done. She reminded me that no one gives a shit. She’s totally right. It’s not about the decorations or the cookies or the party favors. It is about the celebration. Take a time out. Spending time with loved ones. It’s about remembering what is important this time of year. Amen sista!
So, here are my top 7 sanity tips during a busy holiday week.
1. Have your babies in the spring or summer. Believe me, it would be easier. You get to go outside and take nice walks with a newborn AND you don’t have to plan birthday parties around the holidays.
2. Take the dog to the groomer. Hey, I wish I had the funds to hire someone to clean my house, do all the laundry, etc. However, I am taking the dog to a groomer. She will look stinkin’ cute with her holiday bow in her hair.
3.  Eat out. Well, kinda. I’m not taking a Big Mac or a large pizza all to yourself. I’m talkin’ some brown rice from your favorite Chinese take-out place or maybe an awesome salad. Even oatmeal from Starbucks totally rocks. Do what you gotta do. Don’t completely overdo it this week. Remember it is just a week. Enjoy some holiday treats? Of course. Just don’t gorge yourself. You’ll regret it later and it’s totally not worth it.
4. Don’t wrap everything. Brian and I were raised differently. In his house, Santa brought all of the gifts and everything was wrapped. In my house, Santa brought the toys and mom and day gave us clothes and other stuff. Santa’s toys were not wrapped. Our Santa was economically and cares about the environment, right? I think I will win this battle. Ha!
5. Don’t compare yourself to others. Sure, I did make homemade icing this week. I am a total nerd. You don’t have to. Do what works for YOU. There is no competition. Even though I made icing, you should see my bathrooms. Maybe my priorities are wrong? I’m not sure.
6. Find YOU time. Find an hour to take a hot bath. Have a glass of red wine. Go to a yoga class. If you are happy during this time of year, everyone in your family will be happy, right?
7. Make real food. Make what YOU like. Don’t worry if no one else will eat it. Who really cares. Be the standout. Bring what you like to holiday parties. I bet everyone will want to try it. Make real food for at least one meal a day. Go ahead and have mom’s famous holiday pie for dessert. Just make sure you load up on the veggies for lunch that day. Totally doable.
Try this simple, protein-packed dish. Perfect for a quick snack or light lunch before you hit the mall or the gym. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Holiday Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 handful of greens, chopped (kale, spinach, collards, etc.)
1/2 onion, chopped
Directions:
In a frying pan, saute the onion in a little oil until it is soft. Add the carrots and greens. Cook for a few minutes until the carrots are a little softer. Add the chickpeas. Saute for a minute or two. Salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy!
Need a little help in the kitchen? I am here for you. I am taking a very limited number of clients in January for virtual food coaching. Yep, that’s right. You cook in your kitchen and I’ll cook in mine but I’ll support you via email all month. Click here for all the details. Sign up. They are filling up fast. After all, you are so busy. Let me help you get some decent food on the table after the holidays.