With the holidays approaching in a few weeks, things can get hectic pretty quickly if you aren’t prepared. Between holiday hours at work, school parties and programs, extended family gatherings on both sides, local holiday events… the list can grow pretty quickly. At times we have let things get out of control during the holidays. I plan a break in school so we can enjoy doing fun holiday things as a family. With visits to Santa, Christmas Parades, family get togethers, etc. Sam’s work hours also increase leading into the holidays as he works in retail, and without fail over the past few years our kids get a cold right before or after the Christmas season. Over the years through trial, error and necessity I have learned how to slow down and make the holidays more relaxed with kids.
Make the Holidays More Relaxed and Create a Bucket List
Create a list of activities your family wants to do. Then try to work these activities into your schedule. If you are invited to additional events or parties, see if it is something your family really wants to do. If not politely decline the invitations. It is not your job to make sure others have a happy Christmas. Focus on YOUR family.
Also make sure to plan for some white space in your schedule. Knowing they have some down time mixed in will help make kids more relaxed and less cranky during the holidays. Even Mom and Dad need a break at times rather than always going from one activity to an event to another gathering.
This year for our family we are keeping it VERY basic as Sam’s hours will increase after Thanksgiving and we will also have a newborn. Our days will consist of a simple fun holiday activity every day whether that be decorated Christmas Cookies. Enjoying a yummy snack and watching a Holiday Movie. Driving around to look at Christmas Lights. Making a Christmas Craft. Wrapping gifts for others, and any other activities the kids want to do within reason… trying to set a cookie trap to catch Santa like Cindy Lou may have to be put off until next year:) By spreading these things out our days are simplified, and we can really enjoy each holiday activity.
Have Kids Write Out Some Gift Ideas
Plan ahead and ask your kids for gift wish list that you can pass along to family and friends who may ask for ideas. This way you are sure it will be something they genuinely want rather than something they don’t need but is trendy at the time.
We always ask the kids for something they Want, Need, Wear, Read, Etc. We also pay attention to interests they have, books they are reading, and maybe even look out for something silly they would enjoy. Over the years we have chosen to forgo doing a certain dollar amount per kid or gift amount per kid. Instead, we curate a small gift bag with random things they will enjoy or have asked for. Last year this looked like Holiday Candy, Character Chapstick, Crayons, Playdoh or Stickers. Lanterns, a small Toy or Stuffed Animal, Books, etc. The kids also drew names for each other and went shopping for the sibling whose name they picked. Between Santa, Dad and Mom, two set of Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Siblings, and Friends our kids were blessed with many gifts.
Focus on Others
Remind your kids that the Holidays are about others and how we can show them Jesus’ love. This could look like having your kids play Secret Sibling by draw names then shop for the sibling whose name they picked. Put together Cookie Jars for Family and Friends. Make a Calendar filled with pictures of the kids over the past year for Grandparents. Let each kid pick out a toy for a Toys for Tots drive. Adopt a Foster Kid and purchase items from their Christmas Wish List. Or put together an Operation Christmas Child box filled with goodies for a kid the same age as them. Gather up loose change in the house for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
We have done all these things over the years, and it is so fun to do for others as a family. It makes the holidays more fun when you simplify your schedule. Do activities that your family is genuinely looking forward to. Make gift giving easy and do for others rather than making the holidays all about your kids.
Have any other ideas on how to make the holidays more relaxed with kids? Please share with us in the comments below.
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