It’s my mom’s birthday today and the poor woman never gets the attention she deserves. First off, she’s worked every single year on her birthday. And because my mom is retiring this year and literally only has 3 days of work left, she didn’t want to take the day off.

Secondly, we have our big fat Italian Christmas Eve party every year with our family in the afternoon. It goes straight through to midnight (and often much later) so my mom’s birthday kinda gets lost into the holiday madness.

She says it’s fine, and we can just do brunch on another day, but we disagreed. My mom (and Nonna to my girls) is a self-less woman who puts EVERYBODY but herself first. She’s always in the kitchen making US incredible meals. Or helping US dress the kids or lay with them in bed. Whatever it is, my mother is constantly going out of her way for US.

So she deserves to be spoiled, even on Christmas Eve!

This year, we are making the day (at least most of it) about my mom, Lucy. We managed to get her the day off – for the first time in 12 years (thanks to her incredible employer!). And we’ll be making HER a delicious brunch for a change.

On the menu: paleo waffles with coconut whipped cream and berries (yum!!).

Most importantly, we will be celebrating our mother by giving her alllll of our attention this holiday. 🙂

With that in mind, I wrote this post and recorded this video late last night.

The idea came to me as I was mentally planning for our annual Family Christmas Eve party. Now as a mom of three, I’ve sort of figured out how to navigate the holiday party madness. So I’m not consumed with what the kids are eating (or not eating).

There are a few simple yet strategies I use and hope all parents will try!

These 5 holiday party hacks will help you:

  • Help you feel good about what your child eats
  • Help you get some good nutrition into your family at/before the party
  • Help you and your child savour vs. devour the holiday treats
  • Help your child stay put at the table
  • Help your child avoid getting “hangry”

Watch the video here with my 5 Holiday Snacking Hacks here!

The video quality isn’t great for the first 30 seconds, so bear with me and our wifi!

HINT:  One of the hacks involves getting all the kids involved with some fun food exploration.  So the adults can enjoy their meal, while the kids explore theirs!  

\Print off the digital version of this placemat and be prepared for amazing things to happen at your next holiday party!

While you enjoy this video, I’ll likely be cozying up to the women who taught me how to be a great mom (still have a lot of learning to do, but I’ve got a great role model).

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays!