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Shifting Down
Friday, November 18, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Ah, the holidays. They are joyful. They are memorable. And, they are frantic
. Before baby, the hubby and I used to try to make the rounds everywhere. We would carefully map out our holiday journeys to include stops at the parents (having two sets of divorced parents makes that twice - or four times - as fun) and sometimes another family/friend or two. In the course of a one-day holiday celebration, we would find ourselves trying to consume 1-3 sit down meals with families and log 2-4 hours on the road driving from place to place.
I love to visit. I was always scared of missing someone or something.
Then came baby. She was so small and so peaceful (well, most of the time
). The logistics of carting her to so many places to celebrate one day seemed overwhelming and far from enjoyable. I decided that it was time for our holiday plans to shift down.
Yes, babies are portable. Prior to toddlerhood (toddlerhood is a whole other story! LOL!) they often are "go with the flow," and will sleep on the go. Still, it's important to think about your holiday travel plans and what will be best for baby. Too much noise and unfamiliar places and faces may leave your little one out of sorts.
Infants are a great reminder of the beauty of simplicity. Quiet times at home often provide a safe sense of security and certainty that brings out the best in babies.
Stay at home this holiday season? Nah, you may travel near, or you may travel far.
However, wherever you go, consider "shifting down" a bit.
You may find that you all enjoy the moment a little more.
