Christmas is meant to be "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" (as the classic song says), but it can also be the most tiring time of the year. Especially if you’re a parent that’s been up half the night…
While the kids are joyfully jingle-belling all day, when it's Christmas time and you’re wrecked from lack of sleep, it’ll only take one more bell jingling for you to reach breaking point. And if everyone keeps telling you to "be in good cheer", you’ll be tempted to usher them all out the door with a "cheerio".
Taking some inspiration from the Christmas song, here are some tips for making this festive season a cracker, even if you’re suffering from a lack of sleep.
Fresh Air Is Free
Even if it’s a little frosty outside, fresh air does you the world of good when you want to feel more awake. Leave the carolling out in the snow to the kids and take yourself on a power walk instead. You’ll come back pumped and ready to take on the Christmas dinner preparations.
Naptime
There’ll be no need for scary ghost stories if you don’t take a nap; a tired mum should be enough to scare anyone away. Do everyone a favour and insist that you need some shut-eye, and your heart will be glowing again before you know it.
Help Is At Hand
Do yourself a favour and when friends come to call, make sure you give them a job to do when they offer. From sticking the kettle on to spending time with your little ones so you can whiz through the washing up, don’t try and do everything yourself.
An Apple A Day…
While marshmallows for toasting are high on the wish list, healthy foods such as fruit will give you back the energy you’re lacking. Apples don’t seem very Christmassy, but there’s a reason they’ll help keep the doctor away. They’re packed full of vitamin C which is just what you need to give your immune system a boost this time of the year.
Hot Baths Are Bliss
There won’t be much mistletoe-ing going on if you’re feeling sluggish and sleepy; a long hot bath or shower will soothe your body and senses. While it’s no spa treatment, when you’re a mum, even a small bit of pampering will leave you feeling prettier again.
Party Time
Even if the parties you’ll be hosting are for immediate family only, inject some sparkle into your outfit to give yourself a much-needed lift. You’ll feel much more festive if you’re glittering as much as the Christmas tree and it will also distract from those under-eye bags from lack of sleep. Now go dazzle everyone!