Lazy Santa 101

The holidays are full of fun traditions when it comes to Santa Claus and Christmas. I love seeing, watching, and reading about all of the fun things that friends and family do to make Christmas memorable for their families. It makes me love Christmas even more, if that’s possible. Some of these activities make me think “This is something I could do!” or “OMG, never.” (For the most part, anything you might see on Pinterest is a hard pass for me.)

I am a Lazy Santa.

One: Elf on a Shelf. Why do parents torture themselves so? A daily activity to add to the already overwhelming stress of Christmas? Ummm, no. The only redeeming qualities this tradition has are the actual LOL photos from Elf on a Shelf fails and the excuses as to why the scary thing hasn’t moved. Truly hilarious.

Two: Wrapping gifts from Santa. WHY? I know all you over-achieving mommies will disagree, and I do wrap all of the gifts for other people and put them under the tree. But Santa gifts? Nope. I make a pile for each kid with their stocking in their own little space. Every Christmas morning the kids meet in our bedroom and they walk into the living room together while singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus (cutest thing ever) in their Christmas PJ’s (a personal favorite) and run to their gifts.

The best part for parents is you can see it all in front of you. You can take things back, change the kid you give something to, etc. Plus, bonus: Less mess. Less work. Love. (Credit goes to my mother on the above traditions, the original L.S.)

My husband’s family wraps Santa gifts in different Santa wrapping paper for each kid, which is super cute and something I would do if I was not Lazy Santa.

I do wrap our Christmas books each year and they kids unwrap one each day (or four at a time because we forgot for three days) a fun way to read some of our favorite books.

Three: Christmas cookies. I love to make Christmas cookies – even more since I learned the trick to Christmas cookies with kids. I tried for years to do the whole thing – the mixing, cutting, baking, frosting, decorating. Just say NO! With little kids, they don’t have that kind of attention span – the decorating is really the fun part anyway (and we can bake cookies anytime). So I make them early (freeze them – works like a charm!) and then when the time is right, call the kids to the kitchen, break out a ton of parchment and let them go to town with sprinkles. Sticky, sparkly, red & green fun.

Three-and-a-half: Same goes for the Christmas tree. We get it up, put on the lights and most of the breakable/favorite ornaments before inviting the kids to come help. It is a better experience for everyone if you aren’t worried your favorite ornament is going to get broken and kids don’t have an 8’ tree-length-interest anyway, so it is a win-win. Or give them their own tree in the basement! Genius.

Four: Naps. Give yourself and your kids a fighting chance at a happy holiday. Friends and family arrive in town (or you are all headed out of town!) and excitement is in the air. The countdown to Christmas is on and the wine sparkling cider is flowing, and your schedule is out the window. Don’t skip naps! Actually, everyone (including you!) taking time to nap (or at least resting), will make the holidays so much more enjoyable.

Five: Prioritize. What are the things that are really important to you? Make sure that you plan to accomplish those things and let the little things slide. There are no awards for attending every party or crossing every “special” Christmas outing off your list. And plan to have a get together with your girlfriends in January to celebrate making it through the holidays alive vs. adding yet another obligation to December.

The holidays come down to making memories. Priorities evolve as things change and kids get older. There is a learning curve to figure out what works for your family. Trying to get as much as you can done early will help with your stress level (so will copious amounts of wine, FYI) but no matter what, December 25th will come and go. So! take pictures of the well-rested smiling faces as well as the breakdown, crying, tearful visit with Santa. They are all part of the Best. Christmas. Ever. (At least the best this year).

Ho-Ho-Ho! Merry Christmas!

Love,

Lazy Santa


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Jamie Lindamood
Jamie lives outside of Eureka on a cattle ranch with her favorites...husband, Diltz, and their three kiddos, Sydney (10), Henry (8) and Charlie (6). Works at Krehbiel Architecture in Wichita and spends quite a bit of time in her hometown working, playing, and volunteering. At home in Eureka, she is overly involved too...working with the community for revitalization and always enjoys encouraging people to learn how their food really gets to their plate as an advocate of agriculture through her Day at the Ranch tour, You Are Here agriculture education program and Greenwood County Cattlewomen social media outlets.