Photo By: www.daykarobinsondesignsblog.com
As a mommy, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, friend, and so many other things, holidays normally consist of thinking of everyone but yourself. After compiling the lists of what to buy for who, what, when and where, you can easily lose sight of YOU. During the madness of the holidays, there is only one mission; finding out where you need to go to accomplish your to-do list and make sure you don’t have to tackle someone’s grandma in the department store to get it done.
Shopping for others during the holiday season can be stressful. Not to mention all of the other things that have to get done like cooking, hosting dinner, and still conducting your daily tasks in life outside of tending to others. So let’s take a Maddie Break this holiday season! What is a Maddie Break? This is a vacation where all of us well-deserved Modern Domestic women will let go of any and all responsibilities, pack up and head to a little piece of heaven.
Let Go of the Guilt
‘I don’t want to be a neglectful mother!’ ‘I don’t want to let my family down!’ ‘What will everyone think of me?’ If any of these thoughts crossed your mind as soon as a Maddie Break was proposed, you are reading the right article. The first step to taking care of YOU and everyone in your life is getting centered. Actually, try being a bit self-centered for once. It’s okay! As long as you make sure your child(ren), pet(s), etc. are in safe hands, this is a proposal and you need to take advantage of it. We are in the age of the millennials where we highlight all work and no sleep, which is ridiculous. You are your vehicle for happiness and success, therefore you are entitled to some TLC. Let go of any guilt and fill up on happiness!
Be True To You
So you don’t know where to travel? Is your budget fully restricted to regular lifestyle needs, and now to holiday shopping? No worries! It is very possible for you to get away for little to nothing. Have a friend that lives in a coastal city you dream to visit? Are there areas within your hometown you wish you had time to tour? Take advantage now! Call your friend, ask for their time and their guest bed or couch and sight-see that new city! Are there new developments in your city? Have a stay-cation! Book a local hotel room, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and grab your bikini for that indoor Jacuzzi and your favorite book to escape momentarily. In order to have the peaceful moment you yearn for, you sometimes have to create them. Creations as such are the most memorable.
Have a Best Girl Holiday!
Photo By: http://travelnoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/static1.squarespace-9-
Have you seen the movie Best Man Holiday? The characters all met at one location as couples and spent the holiday season together! How cute right? Well what about doing that, but with your girls? Check out inexpensive venues through Airbnb, an up-and-coming rental lodging company (locally or away) and rent a home, loft, etc. for you and your girls to bring in the Holidays together! Everyone can bring an idea of their own for fun. Take time to acknowledge why you are thankful for the friendship and share the love! Life is short and it’s always a good time to share why you’re thankful for someone. Chick flicks, a potluck (where everyone contributes) and cute pajamas will make for a very thankful holiday getaway!
Thanksgiving and the holiday season are about peace, love and gratitude. Do not allow stress to take away that joy from you. You cannot continue to celebrate holidays the same way and expect different results. If your aunt has frustrated you every Thanksgiving for the last five years, there’s no guarantee that she will be shade-free this holiday season. If your siblings consistently rely on you to bring in the holiday cheer, with no help, you need to focus on bringing that cheer to yourself this season. Keep in mind, this is not to encourage hate, animosity or any type of negativity. This is to encourage self-love, self-gratitude and finding well-deserved balance. After practicing the Maddie Break, you will be more than grateful that you decided to put yourself first this holiday season.
Written By: Winnie Caldwell, Contributor & Founder of The Wire By Winnie Hanger Blog