From Rosie: The holidays are one of my favorite times of year, but there’s so much preparation involved. Shopping, entertaining, baking, office partying, dressing up and, of course, traveling—it’s a lot for anyone, all jam-packed into the last few months of the year. If you’re growing a baby inside of you at the same time, it can be even more overwhelming.
However, you can enjoy the festive season and wake up on January 1st with energy you’ll need for your new arrival. My advice for the holidays is rooted in stamina, something every mom needs in order to enjoy the journey of motherhood. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Here is my big list of musts and must-nots to take you from Halloween to 2017 gracefully, calmly and with lots of good memories!
YOU MUST NOT…
Obsess about weight-gain during the holidays
Enjoy the delicious foods that the holidays bring, while remembering that indulging too much can easily make you feel sick while pregnant. Try to eat healthy, fresh foods pre-festivities so that you can lightly indulge in the tasty treats when it counts. Also, when you go gift-shopping, bring snacks. It’s easy to feel faint and lackluster when you’re out and about and your blood sugar drops.
Do all your shopping in one day
The more prepared you are, the better, so that you are neither stressed nor exhausted by the prospect of buying all your gifts. Try to do a little here and there—and often. Think: lunch breaks, on your way to the train and online whenever possible. Buy that perfect gift when you see it instead of telling yourself you’ll go back for it, which just adds another task to your to-do list.
Over-complicate your wrapping and presentation
Believe me I love a well-wrapped gift. I even had monogrammed wrapping paper and ribbon made the year after I got married (I obviously didn’t have a business and four kids at the time). Instead, stick with things that look nice but don’t take a lot of time, like gift bags, pre-made bows, cards with a personal sentiment already printed in them. Find them at stores like The Dollar Tree, and you won’t break the bank either.
Stay in one position too long
Whether you’re baking, wrapping, shopping or chit-chatting at a party, make sure you change position about every 20 minutes, especially if you’re in your third trimester. Standing up or sitting up for too long can become very uncomfortable when you’re pregnant, and it’s good to keep your body moving.
YOU MUST…
Stay hydrated
It may be chilly outside, but with over-crowded, heated malls and parties, it’s easy to become dehydrated or forget to drink fluids. Make sure you always have water on you. Dehydration can lead to premature labor, so it’s very important to keep up the fluids.
Give yourself the gift of sleep
Just because you have guests over or are traveling doesn’t mean you can’t get in those naps. Take advantage of the fact that there are other people around to help with kids you may already have, and slip away for some zzzz’s. Don’t be embarrassed; your need for rest is more important than the slight awkwardness in excusing yourself to lie down for 20 minutes, and people will get it.
Buy a dress you can wear over and over
There are always lots of events during the holidays, and, while you don’t want to buy in a whole new wardrobe, it’s important that you feel good about the way you look and enjoy those parties. I suggest investing in a dress or outfit that you can wear over and over. Find one that compliments your body, is simple (e.g. black, navy or jeweled-toned) and can be dressed up or down easily by changing your shoes, jewelry and accessories. Believe me, everyone is looking at your bump—they don’t care whether you are wearing the same dress. The most important thing is to feel good about yourself.
Know your go-to mocktail
Look, let’s be honest: Abstaining from alcohol can make that office party a little harder to handle. I suggest having a go to mocktail that you can order at restaurants and bars or mix up at home. It should be something that feels special, so even though you can’t get tipsy, you still feel pampered and celebratory. If you’re at home, blend up some ice, pink lemonade and mint with a dash of honey (you can also add sparkling water). Pour it into a champagne glass and garnish it with fresh mint. It looks beautiful, tastes delicious and is very refreshing.
THE GIST
Remember: You’re pregnant, which means you’re either adding to your family or beginning one. While it’s not always easy—especially during this busy time—remember that you’re getting the greatest gift of all this holiday season.
For more expert advice from Rosie Pope, read her recent columns on the site and visit her online at RosiePope.com and @RosiePope on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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