If we’re keeping it real, May is A LOT.
Especially when you have kids, your calendar fills up before you even realize it. There are graduations (at all levels), recitals, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, school lets out and for me personally, it’s my birthday month. It also acts as the unofficial start to summer since the kids get out of school.
In years past, my kids have attended year round school, but with the girls attending a new school next year, this will be the first time they’ll be on summer break and attending summer camp. (Christian will still attend school year round.)
While May can be full yet manageable, if you don’t write things down and take them one day at a time you will find yourself noticeably stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe I’m an optimist, but I believe that can be avoided with some reasonable planning and staying present in the busy moments.
I’m a firm believer in things to do lists but I lean on them heavy during May.
Whether it’s what the kids need for their gymnastics showcase or what the menu should be for our Memorial Day backyard party – I write down everything on a daily basis as a way to close the tabs in my head. I talk about this in the book and any chance I get I will talk about it again.
There is no special award for remembering everything, so no need to do so.
Now, when it comes to making occasions MAGIC, a little bit goes a long way.
For school occasions, I try to get every bit of information necessarily to make sure I show up for the kids – early with whatever they may need so they don’t feel left out. I also like to be of help to their teachers and school staff in the best way I know how, so I always ask if they need any supplies or donations to make the occasion run smoothly.
I also inquire how many guests can attend to avoid inviting too many people. But of course, if we can, we invite family members to come out and support because that always makes the kids feel special.
When I can help it, I do this about 2-3 weeks in advance so family can make space for it in their schedule. But even if it springs up on your radar last minute, there’s no harm in asking your village to come out and support.
Don’t assume they’ll say “no.” Let them tell it. But if you never ask, the answer will always be “no.”
For Mother’s Day, I really keep that day open for whatever the kids and Chris want to do for me. I know that it’s a day that people assume all moms want to be alone, but sometimes you want to spend some uninterrupted time with your loved ones.
This year, I slept in and then Chris and the kids surprised me with breakfast in bed. I FaceTimed my best friend who is also a mom and then we headed to my brother and sister in law’s house where my brother in law cooked for all of us and along with my parents in law. It was a beautiful day.
And I love the take that my friend Kendra has on the day.
Spending time alone for the sake of self care shouldn’t be reserved for a special day like Mother’s Day.
It can and should be scheduled whenever necessary anytime throughout the year before you’re radically experiencing burnout. That could be once a quarter or even month depending on the season you’re in (and your access to childcare.)
When you’re invited to a birthday party, bridal or baby shower, graduation or wedding, take a gift.
I say going the extra mile and getting a meaningful gift is always worth your while. But at the minimum, give them a gift card to somewhere you know they’d actually shop (with a card!) Those little touches make a meaningful difference.
When it comes to hosting a party – plan away.
Come up with a theme, then a guest list and menu. Depending on how fancy or casual the party is send out invites physically or via text. Ideally, 4 weeks before.
But even if it’s two weeks out because you’re spur of the moment (*raises hand*) you’ll be surprised how many people are down to join the party – literally.
If you have the budget, order catering or grocery store platters made for the party – especially if you have a long guest list.
We’re planning on hosting 60 guests at our house on Memorial Day which my birthday happens to fall on this year. As long as the weather holds up, we plan on keeping majority of guests in our backyard to keep clean up minimal.
I’ll talk about how we prepare for a summer backyard party in detail later, but I’m not going to lie – I’m looking forward to it. It’s a lot of work but I think it’s about the delicate balance of working hard and smart. We’re getting 80% of the food catered and I’ll make a grazing table the morning of. Other than that, everything will be easily accessible for guests. (I loaded up on lots of toilet paper, hand soap, trash bags and paper towels!)
Logistics aside, let’s not forget what makes occasions MAGIC – the people.
God did not design us to be alone, friends. So when the opportunity arises to join with a friend – new or old – this season, take advantage. We are not entitled to tomorrow. See them today.
Even if you don’t get everything perfect – which you won’t because you’re human – the occasion will be wonderful as long as you’re sharing it with the people who are a part of it. In May and throughout the summer, these personal occasions are often shared with like minded and loved ones who we couldn’t see on a regular basis 3 years ago, so enjoy them.
They – just like you – are the MAGIC.
