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Welcome to December's issue of Roots and Wings, which homes in on a few Ps that we Mums Abroad can do to make the most of this time of the year.
1. Plan: OK, so it sounds dull as dishwater, but making a plan for December may just help keep you as serene as the angel at the top of the Christmas tree. Pour yourself a glass of something you enjoy, draw a deep breath, and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Who is where and when? What will you be eating? Who do you need to send cards to? And presents? What do the kids most want? When are you going to get time to yourself? What else do you need to organise?
Keep the plan for next year. And the year after. And tweak it each time.
The most important part about planning is not expecting everything to go according to plan! Loosen up, and let fun diversions happen. You can soon get back on track.
2. "Perfect!" This is your response to any help given during the festive season. So the table isn't laid out exactly as you would have done it - but your son slaved over it for 15 minutes, so it is "perfect, thank you" (and try to resist the temptation to redo it, especially if you want him to help again!). So your daughter has stuffed rather too much cream in the brandy snaps, and there is cream all over the kitchen side too - but she has whipped the cream until her arm was stiff and managed to get most of the cream inside, so it is "perfect, can't wait to try them"!
This way, your kids will love to get involved and help, and, if you can learn to cope with the small side effects, it could save you time too! Ditto for your husband, your in-laws, your family - whoever is around and who offers!
3. Be Present. The best present you can offer your family and friends during the festive season is to be fully there in mind, body and spirit. No use the kids enjoying a lively round of Monopoly if you are absent-mindedly moving the little metal car around day-dreaming of what you'll do when you get back to work, or the 101 things that need done in the kitchen. When you're playing - play!
4. Pace yourself. Whatever you're up to over the festive season, you can only enjoy it to the full if you have the energy and motivation. Replenish your supplies with some down time, a good book, a chilly wintery walk to blow out the cobwebs, or just plonk yourself down in front of a good film. 5. Pamper yourself. The festive season can be stressful, whether you're travelling, hosting, or just being around the family more full time and in a confined space now that school is out. Find a little time each day to do something good for yourself.
And finally, after you've pampered yourself, why not get dressed up and
6. PARTY ! This season makes it easy to go out - or stay in - and celebrate. It's a great excuse to invite people in, or to drop round. You'll have your own ways of partying - the real key is to do what you enjoy. | 
