By Sandi Anderson
The holidays can be a magical time, but they can also be stressful. Here are a few tips—some are new, others tried and true—to help you and your family have a “holiday happy time” this season.
For Parents
- Be realistic. Don’t try to do it all. Pause and reflect on what really brings you happiness, joy, and peacefulness. Is it the memories that are created? Once you can name them, you can make and or change them.
- Involve the kiddos in the planning. Bake cookies together, have a snowman building contest, or take turns being Santa’s helper when handing out presents. Have kid-friendly activities ready (adults can be counted as kids too!).
- Create new traditions. Not all families and friends live close or have the same schedules. Be willing to change dates or the time of year, like Christmas in June; trade hosting to every other year; or instead of baking cookies for months, everyone bakes their two favorites to share.
- Take time for yourself. This can relax your mind, resolve problems, and rejuvenate the patience needed for the holidays.
- Have clear, open communication with family. Talk about your expectations to avoid misunderstandings. Suggest a dollar amount that fits everyone’s budgets comfortably. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a one-person show: share a task from your list or assign dishes to others.
This is your time to enjoy friends and family. The best times happen when you stop to share them.
For Grandparents
- Offer your help, but don’t insist. Be supportive, let your children take the lead. After all the help you’ve given, it provides them with a chance to give back, and for you to receive gracefully. Yes, this does take practice for some.
- Be flexible. Things do not always go according to “the plan.” Be prepared to flex and go with the flow. Fun backup plans are good.
- Share your memories. Tell your grandkids stories about your early Christmas times. It is really good to have fun memories about their parents as children to share.
- Respect your children’s parenting style. Even if it is a different style, be supportive. Now, that doesn’t mean “no” is a dirty word. And house rules should still apply, such as no fighting in the house, no jumping on the couch, and no cell phones at the table.
For Both Parents and Grandparents
- Be mindful of stress levels. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause take a break, talk to someone, or excuse yourself for a mini-meditation breather.
- Practice gratitude. Focus on the positive aspects of the holiday season.
- Be present. Put away your phones and distractions and enjoy the moment. It’s nice to have a “phone” basket.
- Create a peaceful atmosphere. Decorate your home in a way that promotes relaxation and joy.
- Remember the true meaning of the holidays. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the spirit of giving.
Following even a few of these tips can help you create a holiday happy season filled with joy, laughter, love, giggles and lasting memories.
Sandi Anderson is a Life & Soul Coach, Intuitive Healer, and Medium in private practice in the Chippewa Valley for over 25 years. Her intentions are to facilitate the healing and transformation of individuals on all levels of mind, body and spirit, helping them to find inner wholeness and align with their highest purpose. sandrson@me.com
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