Courtney Adamo’s Guide to Navigating the Holidays as a Mum of Five

What have you learnt over the years about juggling a big family during the holiday season?

I’ve learned to keep things simple, and also to honour traditions. The things that make the holiday season special are often the simple, special family traditions that help shape memories: bringing out the stack of Christmas books, hanging the Advent calendar and letting the kids take turns opening each day, baking and decorating sugar cookies, listening to favourite songs, lighting candles, eating cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, etc. Inevitably, with five kids in a small house, things often feel chaotic, so I am always trying to dial down the energy levels and keep things simple.

How do you personally look after yourself during this time?

I switch my phone off every year on Christmas and leave my phone in a cupboard for a few weeks. I don’t even use my phone to take photos! It’s my favourite time of year where I can be completely switched off from work and really be present with my kids. I always feel a bit lighter without the weight of the world news or the noise of social media.

Also, we try to spend as much time as possible out in nature. I love this about Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere — the weather is warm and the days are long, so you can spend lots of time at the beach.

How do you keep kids entertained when things get super busy?

We’re lucky now to have bigger kids who can entertain the littler ones. If things get busy, our teenagers can take the littler ones to the local creek for a swim or to the skate park or playground. We’re also lucky to live close to the beach and to be able to spend lots of time outside.