9 Tips to Combat Holiday Stress and Actually Enjoy Yourself as a Parent

It's time to throw family guilt trips out with the spoiled fruitcake. Do your best to not get wrapped up in unsolicited parenting advice from that one relative or attendance expectations around the festivities. If you need to protect your mental health and just leave the holiday party, this is your permission to do so. Remember, you're going to be the one taking care of your child after a missed nap, a sugar high, or too much stimulation. As a parent, you know what's best for you and your child more than anyone else, and sometimes that means skipping a celebration or only going for part of it.