Making the Most of the Holidays!

Tips for a Family-Friendly and Connected Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but it can also bring stress and overwhelm. To ensure it becomes a meaningful and memorable time for your family, focus on creating opportunities for connection and making your celebrations truly family-friendly. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the holidays:

Plan Together as a Family:

• Family Input: Involve everyone in planning the festivities. Let kids share their ideas for meals, activities, or decorations, giving them a sense of ownership and excitement.

• Shared Calendar: Use a family calendar to keep track of events. Visual aids, like a countdown calendar, can also build anticipation.

  
  

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:

• Simplify Traditions: Choose a few meaningful traditions to focus on rather than trying to do everything. This reduces stress and creates deeper connections.

• Gifts with Thought: Opt for gifts that encourage shared experiences, such as board games, craft kits, or tickets to an event, rather than just material possessions.

  
  

Create Connection Through Activities:

• Family Craft Time: Spend an afternoon making ornaments, baking and decorating cookies, or creating personalized holiday cards. It's a fun way to bond and create keepsakes.

• Volunteer Together: Teaching kids the joy of giving back through volunteering at a local charity, donating toys, or baking treats for neighbors instills lifelong values.

  
  

Carve Out Screen-Free Moments:

• Technology-Free Zones: Designate times or spaces for screen-free interactions, like during meals or storytelling sessions.

• Board Game Nights: Host a game night where everyone can disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other.

  
  

Make Meals Meaningful:

• Cook Together: Involve kids in preparing simple dishes. They’ll feel proud of contributing to the meal and enjoy the time spent with you.

• Share Gratitudes: Start a tradition of sharing something you’re grateful for before eating. It’s a small act that fosters connection.

  
  

Embrace Outdoor Adventures:

• Nature Walks: Enjoy a walk outdoors, collect natural materials to use for decorations, or just admire holiday lights in the neighborhood.

  
  

Stay Mindful Of Stress Levels:

• Keep It Manageable: Remember that it’s okay to say no to some invitations or events. Overcommitting can detract from family time.

• Take Breaks: Schedule downtime for yourself and your family to recharge amidst the hustle and bustle.

  
  

Build New Traditions. Some suggestions are:

• Memory Jar: Create a "Holiday Memory Jar" where everyone writes down their favorite moments throughout the season to read together on New Year’s Eve.

• Cultural Exploration: Introduce your family to holiday customs from different cultures, adding a sense of curiosity and inclusiveness.

  
  

Document the Moments:

• Capture Memories: Take photos or videos, but don’t forget to live in the moment. Consider giving kids disposable cameras to capture the holiday from their perspective.

• Family Scrapbook: Spend a quiet day after the holidays compiling pictures, ticket stubs, or written memories into a scrapbook.

  
  

Reflect and Look Ahead:

• End-of-Year Reflection: Sit down as a family to talk about your favorite moments from the past year and what you’re excited about in the new one.

• Goal-Setting: Encourage kids to set simple goals or wishes for the coming year, making the transition from holidays to everyday life smoother.

  
  

The holidays are a perfect time to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time together. With intentional planning and a few thoughtful traditions, your family can create a holiday season filled with joy, love, and connection that will be cherished for years to come. Happy Holidays!

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article.