While the “most wonderful time of the year” approaches, families with small children delight in all the exciting firsts to come - first pictures with Santa, first cookie baking, first presents under the tree... but there’s also the first tears over the “wrong“ toys, first major meltdown at a family dinner, first time you sort of hope for the holidays to be over. What I love about Hailey is her cheerful attitude but her realistic understanding that this can be a challenging time of year. Hailey and I were able to talk in between babies napping. I’m so glad to share her wisdom here.
Quiet Corner Mama :
Hailey Santelli, Woodstock native, doula, @born_to_nest on Instagram.
@born_to_nest
Mom to :
My daughter Ruby is 2 and half
My son Finnley is 8 months
As we gear up for the holidays, some moms don't worry about having the right present for their kids, but that their kids will have TOO MANY! Have you felt this way? How do you handle the too-many-toys issue?
The holidays can be extremely stressful for anyone especially on a young family. Although Ruby is only two years old and Finnley 8 months it’s still extremely important that our children don’t get showered in gifts. We ask family and friends to give money towards their saving account, tickets to a show, or we ask for more practical things like a car seat or clothing. Being a young family and not having an endless bank account I’ve learned over the years to ask for things that will bless my family instead of materialistic objects that my kids will most likely not play over time.
Sugary treats are part of what make the holidays so special but they can make our kids a little wild! How do you let them enjoy but not get out of control? (I'll be taking this advice for myself, too!)
As for the sugary treats it’s hard finding the balance. I’ve learned the best thing to do for Ruby if we know we’ll be attending a party that day is to make sure she has a good meal BEFORE we leave the house. Once we arrive Ruby is often overwhelmed with excitement and sitting down for a meal is an unrealistic expectation. I’ll typically let her enjoy all the chips, cupcakes, and juice she wants. If its late at night and close to bedtime I try and cut her off the sugar train an hour before we leave. It can we hard and I try not be a drill sergeant but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow.
You've mentioned keeping a schedule for your kids. When do you feel it's important to stick to it and in what instances do you go off-schedule?
Schedule. During the holidays. Haha what schedule? Both Ruby and Finnley go to bed early. Ruby is asleep by 7 and Finnley by 6, yes I said 6, every night. We have created these schedule in order for my husband and I to get a break and feel human again by morning. It’s great but unfortunately it difficult for late night parties and holidays.
The best way to keep on schedule is to have the party at your house. That way when it’s time for your child’s bedtime you don’t have to leave and can keep enjoying the party. The second tip I have for keeping on schedule is to ask yourself and your partner this question. Will I and my child be able to enjoy the event? If the answer is no because the kids will be whinny or I’ll have to bounce my baby around the room in order for them to not cry then I would suggest leaving the party early or skipping it all together. If the answer is yes then break away from your schedule for the night, make some memories, and go with the flow.
What's your favorite holiday memory with your kids?
My favorite holiday memory with my family is making homemade cinnamon rolls Christmas morning. I started this tradition when my husband and I got married in 2016. It’s been so fun incorporating Ruby and soon Finnley into the baking process. Watching ruby beam with excitement while sprinkling the cinnamon and sugar onto the dough warms my heart.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
It’s the first year Ruby truly understands Christmas. I can’t wait to wake up this year and sit around the tree with my two babies. With the smell of cinnamon rolls baking, Ruby giggle over a brand new baby doll, and most likely trying to get the wrapping paper out of Finnleys mouth I know my heart will be full of thankfulness.
Any other tips? We are all ears!
Every year you’ll look back of picture of your children and say things like, look how little, her hair has grown so much, he’s losing his baby face, he’s getting so big. Don’t wait to start those traditions. Don’t run around all day rushing from one house to the next just to realize you didn’t have a second of peace with your little ones. Take in every moment. Fill your heart up rather then give it all away. Be thankful and stay in the moment.
Happy Holidays,
Born to Nest
🎄
ah, I think there’s something in my eye! 😭 Thank you so much to Hailey for our first Quiet Corner Mamas interview. Know a mom who can share some wisdom? Contact me at chelseabaum@macaronikid.com
