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

The most wonderful time of the year should be as stress-free as possible.

The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year. It's when family and friends get together over delicious meals, we give thanks, give back, and spread cheer. But between juggling everyone's schedules, meeting various people, and hosting events, this time can also be very stressful – particularly if you have a big family.

For all of the fun and festivity, there are plenty of challenges that can arise at this time of year, so it's worth thinking ahead for some stress tips to get you through it all. We turned to mother of five Courtney Adamo to get her take on how to navigate the festive season and make it as stress-free as possible.

Shop Courtney's holiday wishlist here.

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.

What’s your best advice for navigating the holiday season?

To be honest, the holiday season is pretty stress-free for us. We live far away from family, so it’s usually just the seven of us — we don’t have relatives to visit or in-laws to host. While of course, we miss our families, I do think this helps to keep things less busy and more relaxed. Again, I think my best advice is to simplify — even if that means minimising social commitments. Easier said than done, I know.

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.

What are some things you can do to help ensure the holidays are as stress-free as possible, particularly when hosting family and friends?

One thing that helps is to create lists and start early with the planning and shopping. I always promise myself I’ll start earlier next year, and still, it feels like the time gets away from me each year. But I do think it’s helpful to be organised. Again, I also think it’s helpful to stick to traditions too — so you’re not making new recipes or trying new things, which just adds extra stress.

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.

For more from Courtney follow her @courtneyadamo