The holiday season is supposed to a time of celebration and togetherness. But for many of today’s multi-tasking, mile-a-minute families, it can be frenzied with stress, anxiety, and bickering.
On top of everyday routines and obligations, we also have to deal with gift shopping, hosting out-of-town guests, and attending a slew of social functions. All too often, busy MOMeos find themselves struggling to get through the holidays and breathing a sigh of relief when they’re over, instead of relaxing and enjoying precious time with loved ones.
Here are three simple rules for ensuring holiday harmony.
Rule Number One: If you want to avoid holiday stress and family mishaps, you must plan ahead. As simple as that sounds, it’s crucial.
Rule Number Two: Engage everyone and keep them involved. Family members should not be off doing their own thing when they’re supposed to be connecting (or reconnecting) with loved ones.
Rule Number Three: Make an effort to preserve the memories you’ve worked so hard to create. A simple photo album posted online will be greatly appreciated by those who were there and those who were not able to attend.
Things to consider if you’re homebound:
Take into account everyone’s ages. To keep the family together and prevent individuals from splintering off on their own, choose activities all ages will enjoy, such as charades. If you have toddlers, college student and grandparents, you might consider putting together a scavenger hunt, road rally, or contest.
EXAMPLES: Each Thanksgiving our family conducts a “Design Your Own Miniature Golf Hole” contest. After we put the turkey in the oven, we call friends and neighbors and tell them where to meet us. An open field or backyard works, so long as the grass is mowed.
We equalize the opportunity to win a prize by allowing teams to bring only one paper grocery bag full of tools and decorations. We invent different categories such as Most Playable, Most Creative, and Most Beautiful. Passers-by are encouraged to vote. Prizes are trinkets from the Dollar Store, or better yet, some homemade knick-knack. Remember, delegate duties and engage others.
A road rally or a scavenger hunt requires more planning, but there are some great resources online. People get excited about what they create, so enlist the help of older children in the research and planning stages. Prevent arguments by making certain everyone understands the rules. By all means, do not let seriousness creep in and ruin the fun.
Great, but what if you’re stuck in the car or airport?
Plan ahead for unexpected delays. Folks who travel with little ones are used to packing well. Bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. The more healthy snacks you have the more you will enjoy your travel experience.
What happens after little bellies are full? Books on tape provide a pleasant shared experience, as will sing-along CDs. “Do your ears hang low? Do they wiggle to and fro?” Children love silly song lyrics so be prepared to eventually switch gears to another activity. “I Spy with My Little Eye…” is always popular. Add a creative twist by adding meaningful clues; perhaps relating to the holiday or invoking the image of a family member.
Counting games have built-in potential to occupy and distract weary travelers. In the car try counting cows (or whatever). In the airport, you could count people wearing brightly colored shoes.
If it’s the parents who are stressed…
Children pick up feelings of holiday anxiety, so simplify whenever possible. Combine parties and get-togethers to reduce time spent partying. Stick with the routine as much as possible. Keep stressful holiday shopping and eating out to a minimum; start preparing early to avoid unnecessary angst. Consider shopping online, but do it early.
If you’re worried about money, do a gift exchange and draw names. Give inexpensive, easy homemade gifts such as jars of dry cookie mix or a coupon offering to wash and wax a car. Make sure you and your children eat nutritious foods, drink lots of water, and get exercise.
Busy moms who avoid holiday havoc plan ahead, keep it simple and accept imperfection. With that in mind, enjoy your family and don’t forget to preserve the memories.
As a parent educator, author and speaker, Jodie Randisi is passionate about helping individuals and families reach their full potential. After receiving her degree in special education, Jodie became a certified Family Manager coach so she could work alongside individuals and families to help them create a balanced lifestyle and the home of their dreams. Her latest book, 201 Things to Do When Children Say I’M BORED! The Checklist and Journal for Busy Families can be purchased online at www.201thingstodo.com.