This may very well be the most stressful time of the year for parents and especially single mothers. Just like mothers everywhere, single moms want to make their children squeal with delight on Christmas morning. I wish I could solve all the financial problems single mothers face day-in, day-out, much less during the Christmas holidays. I can give you a few thoughts that I know for sure after many years of Christmases.

1. Children love the surprise of Christmas. Just knowing someone cares about them.

2. Christmas is a great time to teach children the value of giving. I once gave away a doll at Christmas to a child in the neighborhood and that memory stayed with me all through the years.

3. Even with limited means you can create family traditions  which will carry children through times to come as they grow into adulthood. One of my treasured friends always served tiny sausage for breakfast on Christmas morning. This was a treat in their house.

4. This is the season to ask for assistance if you really need it. There are so many willing to give during the Christmas season. Call a local church or other agencies. See the list on the SMORE website under “Resources.”

5. Go to church. If you don’t have a church home, look around. Many churches will have special Christmas Eve services and they will be happy to have you visit. Call and ask. Calder Baptist, my home church, always has a service.

6. Always remember your attitude is contagious. Your children will mirror it.

I hope you have a Wonderful Christmas!

Gail

I raised three children as a single mother before I remarried. I have experienced the potholes, pests, and perils of being the single head-of-household. As an educator in regular and special education for twenty years I know a great deal about child development and how to handle kids. I am the founder of SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. I’m also a Certified Professional Coach and my stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving is available on Amazon.