by Jennifer Howard

Created on: August 11, 2008

The holidays will be here before you know it. Soon the stores will jammed packed with adorable dresses and suits for your toddlers. If the holidays were not stressful enough imagine trying to keep your toddler in his or her holiday best. Unfortunately there are no magical tips to keep your toddler looking pristine through all your holiday events. Instead of trying to achieve the impossible just try taking the stress out of the situation.

I have had to try to keep both a boy and girl dressed and looking their best for our holiday celebration. It is a near impossible task. With my daughter the cute head bands and bows were the first to go. It never failed that she managed ruin her hair before we even got where we were going. Do not even get me started on those white tights they pick up every spec of dirt your child comes across. My son is the king of spills. I can not tell you when it will happen, but trust me he will spill something all over his clothes.

We know it is inevitable that our children will look like wrecks at the end of the night if we are trying to keep them looking their best. It is unavoidable. The best thing you can do is let go and take the stress out of the situation. It will make things easier on you and your child.

I don't buy just one outfit. I usually buy at least two. Buy one dress outfit with all the frills. Pick that suit or dress that you thought was absolutely adorable in the store. Don't save this outfit until your holiday gathering. Make an appointment at you local photo studio or if you are a photography enthusiast pull out your camera. Get some good pictures of you child in his or her holiday best. This way you will have some great picture of your little one in their nice clothes even if they don't make it on the holidays.

Once you have taken photos save this outfit for photo opportunities during your holiday get togethers. Dress your child up and get all your picture taking in the first hour or so. Not only will you child not be disheveled, but they will not be cranky either.

I try to buy a few casual holiday outfits. Since we have an hour drive to see our relatives I dress my toddler in a cute but casual outfit for the drive. I do not stress if he is messy by the time we get where we are going. I bring his other clothes with me and change him when we get where we are going. We get all of our photos and everyone gets to see him in holiday outfit. I then change him again when it is time to eat. He doesn't ruin his nice clothes and he also has something cute to play in.

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