Christmas Advice From a Person Who Doesn't Celebrate Christmas

Zara and I already had our holiday, but we know Christmas is coming up for a lot of others. Though I'm sure you've already done your shopping (right?) I still have a bit of advice about Christmas shopping. It's pretty short and sweet: Don't break the bank.  Every year I see people breaking their necks, sometimes literally, to get to Black Friday sales to get the perfect gifts. There is never anything wrong with giving gifts, but please remember that your children and family members will not disown you just because you didn't max out the Visa.

What I've learned in my 6 months as a mother is that everything is a toy to babies. Zara will play with anything within reach, and she's have a great time too. She loves to rip up napkins, rip up paper and rip up cardboard boxes. She loves playing peek-a-boo with herself using a blanket. She loves to play with my hair whenever it falls in her face, and she loves to play with her ribbon. My husband gave me a gift wrapped up in a bright purple ribbon. I was going to throw it away, but she got her hands on it and now it's become another one of her "toys."

Okay, I know what you're thinking. "My 10 year old don't want no ribbon!" Sure he doesn't, but there are still affordable gifts that your child and your wallet will appreciate. And don't forget to show your children how good it feels to give gifts of their own. Kids get so focused or getting, getting, getting. Let them be on the other side for a change. Since they're probably about to get a truckload of new toys, why not tell them to go through their old toys and pick out some to give to a homeless shelter. Teach them about how blessed they are to have gifts and how some people aren't as fortunate. It's a great way to get your kids in the habit of giving back and it helps to prevent them from becoming brats.



Zara's Mommy,
Nadirah Angail

Living on Baby Time

I'm used to rushing through tasks, trying to get them done quickly so I can move on to the next one. Not anymore. I live on Zara time now. If you have baby, then you know they're not in a rush to do anything (other than eat).  She loves to lounge, relax and take her time. I could fight it and try to force her to be like everyone else, but why? Most people spend their entire adult life rushing, cutting corners for convenience and still not having enough time to do what they really want. We're constantly looking for faster ways to do things, but rarely finding ourselves with more free time at the end of the day.

If Zara wants to take her time and enjoy herself, who am I to stop her? Besides, I'm sure she'll have the rest of her life to be in a rush. So when she wants to spend another  15 minutes nursing even though she's not eating anymore, I let her. When she wants to stay in the tub splashing water well after I've finsihed washing her up, I let her. When she wants to sit on my lap all day even though I know I have things to do, I let her. It does take a lot of time, but she's much more pleasant and it's great bonding time for the two of us.

It's also a great lesson for me. Babies are pure, untouched by any type of corruption. There is a lot we adults can learn from them if we take the time. Forcing myself to be patient with her has allowed me to be more patient with myself. I've been able to relax more and enjoy my life, instead of rushing through it. How many times have you said "I can't wait until today is over?" "I can't wait until the weekend?" We're constantly waiting on something else, forgetting about the blessing of the present. If all we do is spend our life looking forward to what is to come, we're never taking the time to enjoy what is here. I'd hate to wake up one day as a old woman and realize I spent my whole life waiting on what's next. Enjoy what's now. It may be the last now you get. Nothing is promised to any of us. So if your child wants to take her time eating her dinner or getting dressed, let her, and see how much more peaceful you life can be.




Zara's Mommy,
Nadirah Angail