Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it is also a time of huge stress on parents and that is why having some 'me-time' is vital over the season. While every parent wants to spend time with their kids and enjoy the festive season, it is only natural that mums and dads need to be a little selfish and get some relaxing time too.

The kids may be pulling you from place to place so be proactive and arrange for them to go to their grandparents or ask your partner to mind them while you meet up with friends. It is great to have some time for you and this is especially important at Christmas when it can be kiddie or family overload. Don’t feel guilty for that either as here is why you need some alone time:

It is tiring – Christmas is tiring, and the kids will have you up early most days and be jumping on you to play every single game they have! Of course, this is great (some of the time) but once you have played with them a few times and have spent days with them it is understandable that you are tired.

The kids are delighted but demanding at times – Kids love Christmas and they get so much stuff at Christmas that they have no clue about what they want to do first. This can make everything a bit frantic and between their petty squabbles or need for your attention, you may need to escape.

It makes you a better parent – Getting away from the kiddies will give you some time to get some energy back and be reminded of you and who you are as a person without the kids. Every parent needs this and we call this recalibration. A time to

escape the normal day to day life and have fun on your own. You could go to meet friends, have dinner or simply go on a shopping trip. Personally, I like to escape to a coffee shop to read alone in peace and I find this works wonders for me.

Not everything is about family and friends, it is OK to be alone – Families are wonderful, and we love having them to spend time with but there is a point when it is more than enough. If you had family over throughout Christmas, you may need a total chill out by spending some time for you. As great as life in a family is everyone needs that personal time. Christmas means everyone being together, but it can become stifling at times. Get away and you will feel so much better.

Christmas is a good time to have time to yourself – Once you go back to work or get back to the normal routine it may be hard to get away. If you have family around, they may be delighted to take care of the kids and give you some time to yourself.

Once everything returns to normal and 2019 is in full swing it can be nearly impossible to get the me time you need so much.

Enjoy!