How do you plan for the holidays with a new baby, toddlers and bigger kiddos, an overwhelming tridemic and [insert any of the other wild things here!]?! It’s beginning to feel a lot like “planning” — and we’re here to help.
Emma’s Holiday How-To-Get-Through-It-All-Tips for new parents & care workers.
Invest in old school holiday cheer!
- Get your craft on (pompoms paired quite nicely with the White Lotus finale!).
- Bake for your community — our favorite is a danish salted butter cookie.
- Deck your halls. It doesn’t need to be a tree — try stringing some of your crafts up, throwing some greenery in a vase, and putting up small twinkly lights. Baby safety bonus points!
- Turn on the tunes. A perfect song can transform a gray afternoon into a cozy, nostalgic setting. Try Lizzy’s holiday playlist.
As the nights get crisp and dark, lean into comfort and care — run yourself a warm bath with coconut oil, listen to some meditations while foam rolling or go on that nature stroll.
During all of your holiday gatherings, try out some juicy mocktails →
- Helpful for caregivers or birth workers on call, or new parents who are taking a booze breather.
- Have you ever tried making homemade eggnog?
- Bonus points if you make some for your preggo pals!
Lean into ritual and your loved ones to feel connected, held and joyful.
- Do a round of cheers with reflections on the year past, cook a new dish together, or take a stroll in one of your favourite spots.
- For new parents and postpartum families — enjoy short holiday visits and deliveries of treats, gifts or meals.
- If you’re on call — it tends to mean no plan is set in stone and you are at the mercy of a tiny baby making their entrance. When you are gathered with your people, small rituals and connections can make your time together even more impactful.
- If you’re supposed to be traveling and are worried about canceled plans, think of some plan B, C and D’s — got friends in town you could see safely? Is there a place you can gather for an outdoor fire and cozy drinks? Doggy walks with pals?
However you move through the next few weeks, we wish you health and special moments, big and small. And in all the caring, may you be gentle with yourself.
Xo Brood.
What we’re reading lately
- On asking for – and being open to – care.
- From a City of Glass to a City of Care. We are a part of this Tyee feature on loneliness and connection in Vancouver.
- Emma’s guide to showing up for new parents in the Daily Hive.
