26 Holiday Stress Busters for Busy Moms

The Christmas carols you hear only serve to remind you that out there, a maddening situation escalates: the long lines at the cashier, the parties here, there, and everywhere, the long list of people you have to give gifts to (and the equally long inventory of gifts that need to be wrapped!). Instead of humming along, you feel like letting out a scream! What’s a mom to do when there really is just soooo much to do?

Here are some tried-and-tested tips from real moms to help ease the tension and stress the yuletide season can bring:

1. Shop in stores that offer gift-wrapping services, so you don’t have to do it yourself.

2. Get an insight on what your nephews and nieces are into by asking your kids—they’ll clue you in!

3. Use professional delivery services (i.e., LBC, Xend) to send out gifts - even within the metro. It’s economical, reliable, and saves you time.

4. Keep your Noche Buena menu simple. Prepare a few signature home-cooked meals, and order the rest from your favorite restaurant. This allows you more time to attend to other things. - Vicki A. Pangilinan, design consultant, mom to Stella 12, Miguel, 11, and Martin, 4

5. Have a Kris Kringle with your barkada so you only need to buy one gift - and one that the receiver will really like. You can also have one for the kids in your clan. This way, gift giving is made simpler, cheaper, and there’s no need to buy for the entire family.

6. Get everyone in the family involved in decorating your home. It may not look picture- perfect or polished, but everyone gets to join in on the fun, and it makes for great memories. Play Christmas carols to make the atmosphere more festive!

7. Celebrate and eat out on New Year’s so nobody has to make extensive preparations. - Shelli M. Tomacruz, teacher, mom to Mantha, 3

8. Recycle and redecorate old Christmas balls and bells with your kids. - Bave de la Cruz, mompreneur and running enthusiast, mom to Quillan, 4

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9. If you are unable to buy gifts for everyone on your list, hand out personalized gift vouchers, such as “free movie and popcorn,” redeemable anytime. - Chie G. Gatchalian, marketing officer, mom to Andy, 11, and Luis, 3

10. On a tight budget? Take the time to write a personal note on a Christmas card to let the person know he is in your thoughts and prayers during the holiday season. After all, it’s the thought that counts. - Chiara T. Quila, senior merchandiser, mom to Gabbie, 13

11. Divide and conquer! Involve your spouse. Divide the list according to each one’s specialty. Your hubby can buy the gifts for the boys. And you can take care of the gifts for the girls. - Gia B. So, wedding and events planner, mom to Satchi, 7, Lily, 5, and Luna, 3

12. Planning ahead is always key! Start planning for the holidays as early as you can. - Minerva Morante, homemaker, mom to Samantha, 4, and Pamela, 2

13. Give gifts that are easy to wrap, such as books that need only to be tied with a ribbon and a card. Or give plants and herbs in nice terracotta pots. These gifts are not expensive, and don’t need to be wrapped. - Cielo G. Vilchez, homemaker, teacher, mom to Javier, 13, and Isabel, 11

14. Don’t shop with your kids - they slow you down, and you might end up buying them stuff, too! Instead, shop with your girl friends. They can give you great advice during indecisive moments.

15. Bring a huge bag to stuff all your purchases into - it’s easier to carry just one bag, and you help save the environment, too.

16. It’s easier and faster to stuff gifts inside gift bags, instead of wrapping each one.  

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17. At the end of the day, thank the Lord that you can celebrate Christmas! Some countries don’t have the privilege to enjoy this wonderful holiday. - Anita D. Bento, artist, mom to Christian, 25, Desiree, 22, Justin, 20, and Jonathan, 19

18. Shop on Multiply! There are a number of online sellers that offer cute and interesting stuff for your kids’ classmates and even your own friends. Check out iprints.multiply.com,                 momandbabyboutique.multiply.com, and huedmanila.multiply.com for great finds without having to leave your house. - Rowie D. Espiritu, homemaker, mom to Bianchi, 12, and Sophia, 9

19. Despite the Christmas rush, try to find the time to do a quick workout or exercise. If you can’t, call a friend before the day’s end to catch up and unwind. These will give you an energy boost and will help end your day on a high note. - Hyasmin Fadullon-Yee, homemaker, mom to Danica, 5

20. Teach your children to focus on what they intend to give this Christmas rather than on what they will receive. This will change the way they view Christmas and will teach them to quickly respond to people in need. - Chelo B. Gemina, artistic director, mom to Michael, 23, and Nathan, 14

21. Make sure you have a list, broken down into categories: VIPs (such as your husband’s boss), semi-VIPs (co-workers), regular (your bank teller, doctor’s secretary), and set a specific budget for each. Make sure you don’t break your budget!

22. Shop online where toys are much cheaper. Check out amazon.com and toysrus.com for great toys at good deals. - Margo O. Felix, property developer, mom to Martina, 8, and Lucia, 4

23. Discuss your holiday schedule with the kids. Show them a calendar, and tell them your planned activities. They are also enjoying their holiday from school and conflict may arise when they don’t get to do what they expected to do during their break. The rushed home life and endless parties can be very stressful for kids, so giving them a heads-up will help them manage their own expectations.

24. Identify the tasks your kids can help out with during the holidays. Christmas is about giving, as Jesus gave His own life for mankind. The kids can wrap their own gifts (Don’t sweat the crumpled wrapping or uneven tape!) and label them. Older kids can help deliver gifts to neighbors by walking or riding a bike. Giving baked goodies? Ask them to help in the preparations and packaging. - Donna P. Simpao, M.D., homeschool teacher, mom to Vince, 12, Marco, 10, Raya, 8, and Gino, 6

25. Put a twist to your usual gift-giving. Throw a white-elephant party. Ask each friend to bring one new item he owns that he doesn’t like or need. Put them all in a pile, and make each one choose a gift. You are allowed to steal someone’s gift twice. It’s a fun way to get rid of stuff you don’t like (and keeps you from spending, too!)

26. Enlist the help of your yayas. Teach them to make gift bags out of wrappers so they can take care of packing your gifts. - Kat Acosta, mom to Caitie, 5