‘I’ve learned that Christmas isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about celebrating love, laughter, and the birth of our Saviour during all the craziness,’ says Salomé Criddle.
Ah, Christmas. As the nights grow longer and the chill increases, you can almost taste the festive air. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves while meticulously planning every detail, from colour-coordinated wrapping paper to perfecting the family photo.
As a wife and mother, surviving the holidays should be an art form - a triumphant balance between festive dreams and the occasional hiccups that come with juggling it all. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve learned that survival comes with equal parts of preparation, prayer, and maybe a sneaky stash of hidden chocolate for emergencies.
Here’s how I survive the festive rollercoaster, and by survive, I mean resist the urge to hide in a cupboard
Here’s how I survive the festive rollercoaster, and by survive, I mean resist the urge to hide in a cupboard (under the stairs) until the chaos of it all is over. Seriously though, I systematically navigate it with a plan, plenty of lists, and as much temperance as I can muster.
I’m a planner by nature, so I usually aim to have my gifts bought and wrapped while everyone else is still thinking about Halloween. I think that’s the benefit of my family skipping the Halloween season. While everyone is trick-or-treating, I’m putting Christmas baubles on the tree! I’m notorious for decorating early, much to my friends’ mixed reactions. Some say I’m proactive with Christmas prep, but despite all my planning, there’s always something - or someone - I forget.
My husband has an “anointing” for chucking in gift requests at the last minute. Just when I think that I’ve controlled the “proverbial beast” that is Christmas shopping, Paul throws a spanner in the works, submitting requests that have us scrambling for presents! It happens every year without fail. Honestly, I should be used to it by now, but it never gets old.
This year, we’re calling a truce: I’ll plan, and he’ll add the surprise element to keep Christmas morning fun. Our priority isn’t finding the “perfect” gift but remembering that it’s the thought that counts. The real joy comes from seeing my kid’s faces light up - even over something as simple as markers. And truthfully, the best gift for me is just five minutes of peace!
Carving our own traditions has been tough. I used to want to be everything to everyone
Carving our own traditions has been tough. I used to want to be everything to everyone: the perfect hostess, the present-giver extraordinaire, the mediator between family traditions. But after a few too many near-burnout moments, I realised something important: it’s okay to set boundaries. You can’t please everyone all the time, and that’s fine. Christmas should be about joy, not stress.
Where is Christ in this year’s Christmas adverts?
Pro tip: One of the best decisions we made was to create our own family traditions. We blended the best of both worlds and added some new ones that are just for us. Now, we have a Christmas Eve movie night, where we all snuggle up and watch our favourite holiday classics, just the four of us. No fuss, no stress—just family.
Let’s be real: Christmas can be overwhelming. With cooking, cleaning, shopping, and entertaining, it’s easy to forget the most important part—taking time to breathe and connect with God. That’s why I prioritise self-care and prayer.
It doesn’t mean escaping to a spa (though I wish!). It’s as simple as a quiet cup of tea with my Bible or a quick five-minute prayer when the house is still. The key is intentionally making time to connect with God—physically and spiritually.
An awesome verse to keep in mind during the holidays is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s a reminder that during all the hustle, it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and remember why we’re celebrating. Jesus is the reason for Christmas, and focusing on Him helps keep everything in perspective.
Do you live on Christmas Street? If you do it could be a gift!
Honestly, I can’t forget my husband in all this! I love the holidays because we get more time together—not that we’re always ‘lovey-dovey,’ but it adds a bit of wonder to the season. After losing so many relatives in recent years, we’ve become more grateful for our connection. That said, the holidays can still test any marriage. With family gatherings, meal planning, and gift-buying, it’s easy to lose focus on each other.
We’ve learned to carve out time, even for a quick coffee or late-night chat. Holiday hiccups happen, but we’ve learned to laugh, grow, and embrace the imperfections. And when all else fails, there are always mince pies and Netflix!
Well-known Christians reflections on Christmas
So, how do I survive the Christmas holidays as a wife and mother? I plan, I pray, and I embrace the chaos. I’ve learned that Christmas isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about celebrating love, laughter, and the birth of our Saviour during all the craziness.
My best advice? Let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters - your faith, your family, and the joy that comes from being together. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan. And remember, sometimes the best Christmas moments are the ones we didn’t plan at all.
So, here’s to another holiday season filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of grace. Merry Christmas, and may your holiday season be as beautifully planned - and as perfectly imperfect - as mine!
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