Get Real—Set Reasonable Expectations
The holiday season may be portrayed as trouble free and festive. But family problems may escalate when the season arrives. The reality of the holidays, much like life, is that real people and families are not perfect. If you can change your expectations—don't expect holidays to be like the movies!—you may have a more enjoyable experience.
Tips for setting reasonable expectations:
* Do your best to stick to your regular family routine. Changing your schedule to fit in holiday activities and traveling can be tough on you and your kids, so try to keep things as normal as possible. Try to keep bedtimes and mealtimes the same even when you're away from home.
* Talk with your family about schedules. Take time to explain each day's activities to your children and let them know what you expect from them. Together, choose activities that you really want to do. You can't do everything, so you might let your children pick their favorite things for your family to do. Do the things that you all will enjoy the most, and then say "no" to extra activities.
* Talk with family members about your expectations for their behavior at the holidays. We can't tell our children to behave if a family member models drinking too much, swearing and bringing their old baggage to the table.
* Talk with your family about finances. Even young children can learn how to budget for gifts. Urge them to get creative and make presents for family members instead of buying them. Receiving a thoughtful gift from a child can be a memorable holiday moment. Many families concentrate on special things they can make or do for each other.
Maintain Your Health:
* Eat in moderation - Eat small meals several times throughout the day.
* If a meal is particularly delicious - take half of it off your plate and save it for later.
* Drink water - stay hydrated.
* Drink in moderation or replace alcohol with lemon water, fresh tea or sparkling organic lemonade.
* Get your sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to stress.
* Exercise - Use 10 minute movement morsels if you cannot get outside to ride your bike or go for a walk.
Take Time To Relax and Play with Your Family:
Plan quiet time or at least downtime from activities. Take a few moments to read a book, take a bubble bath, or sit down and listen to your favorite songs. You also may want to:
* Play a board game with your family.
* Go for a walk with your family to see holiday displays in your neighborhood.
* Join your kids for fun family exercise. If you choose something outdoors, the fresh air and exercise can lift your spirits.
* Settle down for storytime with your family. Pull out holiday stories that you loved as a child and read them aloud together.
Volunteer at a Local Charity:
Carving out a few hours to volunteer at a charity might seem impossible but giving your time and energy may help you find the spirit of the season. Stuck for ideas? You and your family might help wrap gifts for needy children, deliver meals to families in need, or visit residents in a local nursing home.
Just Do Your Best:
As you enjoy the holiday season, do your best to limit stress. Don't expect everything to go as planned. Your child may get sick on the holiday, the oven might break as you are cooking a special dinner, or a storm may prevent relatives from visiting. When these things happen, let the family help decide on a new plan. For example, if the electricity goes out, grab your flashlights and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes!
Don't let unexpected events ruin the holidays for you. Be adaptable and flexible. You can help yourself and your children relax and enjoy the holidays for what they truly are: a time of joy, celebration, and peace with friends and family.
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Ready Meryl Starr's Personal Organization
