Amongst all the frantic to-ing and fro-ing, present buying and wrapping, card writing and posting it’s often far to easy to feel frazzled and stressed in lead up to Christmas and miss out on experiencing the excitement that having little ones at this special time of year feel.  So we’ve come up with 12 tips to try and help you capture a few moments of bliss and share in the magic of Christmas:

1. Put on the Christmas tunes.  Anything from the crooning sounds of Sinatra to a bit of East 17, whatever gets you singing!
2. Cuddle your loved ones. Not a quick hug but a deep, squeezy hug and for those of you with newborns don’t forget to inhale that beautiful sweet smell they have – what a blissful added bonus.
3. Chocolate, cake (or even better a mince pie) and a cuppa of something warm. Ok not necessarily healthy but definitely uplifting for the soul!
4. Look to the sky. Over the last week there have been some glorious sunrises and sunsets; take a minute to enjoy the beauty that is around us.
5. Mr Darcey and Love Actually. Personal favourites for this time of year.
6. Mulled wine. That distinctive smell that Christmas is here not to mention its relaxing effects. 😉
7. Light some candles. There’s nothing more relaxing and inviting than candle light, especially if you happen to combine it with a warm bath and some ‘me’ time.
8. Christmas crafting. Ok, I know this could sound the exact opposite of bliss especially if glitter is involved but put aside the mess and instead revel in your little one’s enthusiasm and enjoyment, guaranteed if glue and glitter is involved!!
9. Have A Lie In. Admittedly not always easy with babies and children (of any age!) but if you can grab even an extra half hour it’s definitely good for the soul!
10. Spoil yourself. Whether this is a massage or a manicure; its all to easy as a parent to neglect yourself especially at this busy time of year – don’t. Even if it’s an express manicure which takes half an hour it’s still important time you need.
11. Breathe. Those same breathing techniques that once helped you through labour can be applied to the Christmas period too. When it all feels too much, stop and breathe slowly and deliberately!
12. Stop thinking about what you’ve still got to do. Instead take a minute to look at what you have done in preparation for Christmas – if it’s nothing then it’s off to the shops right now for you!

So there it is; our 12 tips towards a more blissful Christmas.  Him indoors mentioned adding having a ‘onesie’ day to the list, you know a day where you just ‘chillax’ and don’t go out!  What would you add?