Anyone Else Totally Stressed?

My heart goes out to you - I always wonder how people who work in retail make it through the holiday season (which begins earlier and earlier it seems).

Perhaps you can mention to your child's teacher that this is your busiest time of year and you will be more available for Valentine's Day, "100 day" celebrations, and end of year parties (if you actually can be).

I would also focus on the one or two things that you want to achieve this year for your daughter's Christmas (how would it be magical for her?) and let everything else go.

People do not realize the pressure that is placed on moms this time of year. Sometimes it makes me almost frantic with worry. But, somehow, by the grace of God every Christmas day seems perfect (but the weeks leading up to it are tough).

Good luck . . . .hang in there.

ETA: I, too, am so sorry on the loss of your dad.

Some time soon, while DD is in school, close the blinds/drapes
in (perhaps) your livingroom.
Put on some very quiet, peaceful music.
Probably NOT seasonal music.

Sit comfortably.
Take your shoes off.
Close your eyes.
Consciously relax ALL your muscles, let your body go limp.

Now, as you let yourself drift away to the music,
summon up in your mind your daughter's image
(and, perhaps, DH's image).

Look at her (them) with affection, with appreciation, with sweet projections.
Think about how beautiful and smart and healthy she is.
About how much joy she brings you,
even when she's not even doing anything special.
Dwell on that image and those thoughts for a few minutes.

Then, smile, put your shoes back on,
open the blinds and get back to work.

You're welcome.

L.:

I'm truly sorry for the loss of your father.

You have a lot on your plate. Instead of trying to deal with it all at once - break it down to small pieces to make it easier to "digest".

1. The loss of your father - I've not lost mine, but I can see that pain would be horrible!!

2. Work - if you personally cannot change the outcome there, DO NOT stress over this - continue to do the best you can, even when you are hurting, so that YOU can give customers your 100% every time you are in the store.

3. Home finances. If you own your home - see if you can refinance the house to get a lower mortgage. Maybe even get a home equity line of credit to consolidate all the bills at once and be able to "breathe". If you do not - then you need to prioritize your bills - rent first, car payment, then credit cards - call each credit card company and tell them WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY. Most will work with you.

4. Daughter's school. I don't know what grade she is in - but our school gives us 2 to 4 weeks notice on things. If you need to bring cookies, stop at the store and buy them if you don't have the time to make them.

Go to your daughter's school or call them and find out their policy on notifications. Let them know that YOU need more than 48 hours notice to put something together. Talk with the principal and let them know you are grieving the loss of your father, adjusting to a new school, etc.

your daughter wants to help?! GREAT!!! Give her tasks to do around the house to allow you to do these other items. If she wants to help with these items, then buy the easy bake cookies - the ones where she can wash her hands and put them on the cookie sheet and bake them. it's OKAY to hand out responsibility. It's OKAY to tell your hubby to do it.

JUST SAY NO!!! Don't feel obligated to do anything else. When asked, just say, "I'm sorry, I'd like to help but my plate is full right now". That's it! This should not be so stressful. Good luck to you!!!

Just say NO!!! Easy fix.

Sorry for the loss of your Dad

To answer your question!
Yes L.
One of the many joys of Motherhood!!
Your not alone.
My day dream at the moment is to be sitting on a beach,tanning myself,sipping cocktails and having long peaceful naps.
Happy holiday season ,enjoy and HOPEFULLY all us Mamas will get some respite soon
B.

I agree with saying no to as much as possible! the first few Holidays without a loved one are so hard! and its hard to find the Christmas spirit when you're remembering he wont be with you. Is your mother alive and healthy? If so it might be good for her to keep busy this holiday season. Ask her to help with costumes, or take cookies to daughter's preschool. Preschoolers are not much help but love to be involved! My rule with a preschooler is bake one batch of cookies with the child, do the rest alone! Wrap one or two presents with the child and the rest alone! etc Ask your husband to take her to a special Christmas show or something so you can get more done around the house in peace. Husbands can be great shoppers IF you tell them exactly what to get and where to get it and write it down so be sure to use him for that! and yes we're all overwhelmed this time of year. I think after losing my brother in December and my father having a stroke the next December, I actually am at the point (YEARS later) that I appreciate the important things about Christmas more if the family can get together -that's all that's important!