Parenting|

‘Call In The Squad’ And 7 Other Ways To Prep For The Holidays Like A Boss

by Team Scary Mommy
Woman examining pine trees in market

The holidays are a great time to enjoy the season while you reconnect with friends and family. But let’s not act like any of it is easy. Parties to attend, baking to do, and presents to buy also means less time on the regular stuff you do every day to keep your family reasonably functioning.

But with a few simple hacks, you can stress less during this hectic time of year. Here are 8 of my favorites:

1. Hydrate like it’s your job

Between the furnace running 24/7, late nights, big meals, alcohol and sugar, your body takes a beating this time of year. Double down on the basics like sleep and water. Seriously, go drink some right now.

2. Healthy breakfast? Non-negotiable

Yes, it definitely seems easier to skip it or hand everybody a cereal bar. But even though it’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can be really, really stressful. Kids eat way more sugar than usual and bedtimes go haywire. Decrease the likelihood of a 5-alarm meltdown with a solid start to the day.

3. Aim for one or two Insta-worthy moments

We already know you’ll look great and with a little help, your partner can, too. With a clean shave, he won’t look as exhausted as you both feel. Luckily, Gillette at Sam’s Club is offering great deals this December on each pack of razors and cartridges (like $7 Instant Savings) to get his face ready for holiday parties and pics. And with large package sizes, one trip to Sam’s Club can help you stock up on shaving needs for the whole year.

4. Flip the script (and the schedule)

Move your regular chores from the weekend to weeknights. Louder for the folks in the back! Get everyone to do their chores during the week. After Thanksgiving, weekends are for parties and rest, not cleaning bathrooms.

5. Go hard with calendars and lists

Use every available resource. Reminders, calendar apps, paper calendars, alarms — use ‘em all. Avoid the dreaded “Oh, wait. That’s TONIGHT?” moment.

6. Stockpile essentials because guests WILL use all your toilet paper

Guests in the house means supplies go fast. Hoard the basics — coffee, paper towels, razors — so you’re not in line for 15 minutes behind someone arguing about the price of wrapping paper.

7. Lean out

You cannot do it all. No is a complete sentence. Don’t apologize. Don’t explain. Keep it movin’.

8. Call in the squad

Trade time with another mom. Offer to watch her kids while she shops if she’ll watch yours while you wrap gifts. That’s just, like, the rules of feminism.

Listen, when you start to freak out about pulling off the perfect holiday season, stop yourself right there. And maybe go drink some water. At the end of the (very long) day, the holidays are really about enjoying the moments as they come and making memories wherever you can. You got this, boss lady.

Gillette razor blades feature cutting-edge technology for a perfect shave. Until December 24th, you can stock up at your local Sam’s Club or at samsclub.com and be all set for the new year!