There are no advent police. There are no family traditions enforcers. There are no report cards given on the kind of memories you’re making. Sometimes doing less is the best gift a tired mom can give her family. Simple. Simple. Simple. Keep it as simple as works for you. And if all you do is give everyone a cup of hot chocolate now and again – including yourself – you are winning. ~ Lisa-Jo Baker

Lisa-Jo Baker gives wonderful advice for moms on her Surprised by Motherhood blog, but these jewels should be snatched up by everyone, not just by mothers.

“Keep it Simple” is a maxim we often hear but usually ignore. It’s one piece of advice we should repeat to ourselves as often as necessary during hectic holidays no matter the time of year.

Lisa-Jo also offers The Tired Mothers Holiday Creed “for the days we are running on empty… For the days we’re sure anyone else would do this job better. Host this family more calmly. Have a house more presentable.” Here are seven of my favorite points from the list of twenty. You’ll also find a printable version at the end of her post.

• I shall accept that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.
• I shall remember that guests will only feel as comfortable in my home as I feel in my own skin.
• I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.
• I shall pause between preparations to savor the celebrations.
• I shall remember that hospitality is about opening the door, not about how fancy the furniture, decor or dishes.
• I shall treat myself with the same grace I offer everyone else.
• I shall not be intimidated by how the holidays, the turkey, the tree or the memories “should” be celebrated but love the people I’m celebrating with instead.

What advice do you follow (or wish you did) for making holidays more enjoyable?

Image (Christmas Tree With Snowflakes) courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.