(Note: This is one of my favorite holiday posts–I’m re-posting after several years and hope you enjoy it).
Every year it feels like the hustle and bustle of the holidays creates a terrible strain on couples and families. Forget about the giving spirit, sitting by the fireplace peacefully snuggling, or quietly sipping eggnog while decorating the Christmas tree; there’s no time for all that…THERE’S TOOOOOOO MUCH TO DO!!!
We all seem to get caught up in buying gifts, throwing parties, decorating the house, working extra hours to pay for the gifts etc., that we forget that the holidays are a time of love and connection. We’re so busy running around like crazy people that we fail to take time out and just enjoy the season.
The holidays are a time for families to come together to relax and enjoy one another. They’re a time to create wonderful memories with lots of laughs, love, and traditions. Although this may sound like more stress to many of you, the truth is it only takes a few moments.
Here are several ideas for you to incorporate into your holiday… just a moment at a time:
• While decorating the Christmas tree, play Christmas music…you have to decorate it anyway so at least enjoy it.
• In between putting the lights and the ornaments on, dance to the music with your partner or children. Have fun with the dancing: dip each other, spin, do funny steps etc. This only takes a few minutes, yet kids love it and the memories last a lifetime (dance to three songs).
• Every Christmas season get in the car and take a twenty minute drive admiring the decorations on the houses.
• On Christmas Eve make hot cocoa for the kids to sip while someone reads, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”.
• On New Years Eve buy bubbling cider for the kids and have a pre-New Year’s celebration before putting the kids to bed.
• Choose a great Holiday classic movie and sit down as a family, snuggle up, and watch the show.
There are many ways to slow down and spend time with your family during the holidays. Don’t stress yourselves on getting the most perfect gift and instead spend time creating loving memories. If you’re stressed out during the season, it defeats the purpose…and, it ruins the experience for both you and your loved ones.
The gifts are great; however they’re not the main course. Remember that for yourself, and then teach your children the same message.
CHALLENGE: Choose one thing off the list above and implement it in your family…or create your own and ENJOY.
If you have other traditions you’d like to share, please send them for others to enjoy.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!