STAYING SANE AT Christmastime

It’s easy to get overwhelmed during this busy time. Let experienced mother of five Tamela White share her top tips for making it through the holiday madness.

It was with her kids in mind that Tamela decided to dedicate a room in the house to them. “I like to have little areas that are just for them,”she says.“A place they know they can decorate a tree, draw on the chalkboard and have fun with their own Christmas decorations, that they can do whatever they want with.”The kids’playroom is a perfect Christmas nook in the home, complete with a hot cocoa play set. The kids’freedom with their own holiday décor brings to life the spirit of Christmas. SHOP EARLY.

“One thing I always try to do is to shop early,” Tamela says. “Even picking up little things I see that I know the kids will like in their stockings makes it so much easier when it comes to the last day.” By starting early, you can avoid much of the stress of holiday shopping. It gives you extra time to get everything you need, gives you a better chance of items not being sold out and frees up your time for other last-minute necessities.

MAKE A LIST.

And check it twice. Tamela likes to make a list of the family’s favorite holiday activities and stick to it. “There is always so much you can do, but sometimes we get so busy decorating and doing other things that we don’t stop to enjoy the quality time with our families,” she says. Making a list and sticking to it will help you prioritize the fun family traditions, whether it’s looking at Christmas lights or cuddling up by the fire with a good movie and hot cocoa.

SAY NO.

This is a hard one, but remember that there are only so many hours in the day, and the Christmas season is only a few weeks long. Learn how to say no to the low-priority events and activities that, if you’re not careful, will crowd out the activities you really want to do with family and friends.

(right) Tamela’s signature simplicity carries into the laundry room with bright white counters and shiplap walls. A collection of vintage bottles is dressed up for Christmas with a garland.

“A freestanding bathtub creates a look I love,” Tamela says. “It gets a lot of use.” Shiplap and wooden accents make the space feel distinctly farmhouse.

Clean lines and décor pair with warm brass fixtures for the modern primary bathroom. Elegantly patterned wallpaper and a small Christmas pine tree add pops of color to draw your eye.