The holidays are supposed to be a time of family togetherness, gratitude and relaxation but too often they turn into a mess of trying to do too much in too little time and wishing it were all over. This year, start your preparations early so that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you can enjoy the food, family togetherness and festivities without wondering how in the world you’ll be able to get it all done.
1. Get your extended family on-board with your plans now. Chances are good that they’ve been feeling just as stressed and over-extended as you and will welcome the chance to put the focus back on family togetherness. Somethings that you can suggest include:
? Drawing names instead of everyone buying for everyone else.
? Giving presents only to the kids.
? Exchanging family gifts instead of individual presents.
? Making holiday gatherings potluck instead of sticking one family with all of the hosting duties.
2. Do as much of your shopping online as possible. Not only can you do it in your jammies, you’ll be able to make smarter choices since you’ll have time to carefully read descriptions without the pressures of being in a crowded store.
Getting an early start can help you stay within your holiday budget as you can spread your purchases out over several months, spending just a bit each week until your shopping is done. This will help you avoid spending too much in a panic as you rush to cross everyone off your list.
3. New toys are a very important part of the holiday season for children, but that doesn’t mean that you have to buy into all the holiday hype to get this year’s hottest craze. Instead, look for toys that will provide hours of fun for years to come instead of being quickly abandoned for the next trend. Here are some timeless classics that are sure to be hits:
? Building block sets.
? Wooden dollhouses or castles.
? Toy kitchens, food and serving pieces.
? Wooden tool sets.
? Dolls, stuffed animals and puppets.
? Easels and other arts and crafts supplies
Why drive yourself crazy looking for this season’s impossible to find toy when there is a wealth of time-proven favorites to choose from?
4. Reconnect with your family by looking for activities that everyone can do together. Cozy evenings with mugs of hot chocolate and a good board game or puzzle will provide warm memories for years to come. Build a snowman in your backyard or take a walk around the neighborhood to look at the neighbor’s holiday decorations. Don’t discount the value of these kinds of low-key activities!
Instead of packing your schedule full of recitals, parties and other formal activities, pare it down to just a few this year and enjoy more relaxed time with your family instead. You’ll not only get to spend quality time together, it will also make the other activities you choose to do more enjoyable as you won’t be exhausted and overwhelmed.
5. Spend your time doing the things you love instead of the things you think you “should” be doing. Make the decision to not feel guilty about not conforming to what the media has convinced us that the perfect holiday should be.
? If you’re not keen on baking, don’t feel bad about store bought cookies.
? If elaborately wrapped presents isn’t your thing, stick them in plain gift bags and call it good.
? If you’d be just as happy ordering a ready made dinner from the deli, do it!
? If the thought of caring for a live tree makes you want to weep, fake can be fabulous.
? If you’d rather give your children a few carefully chosen, high quality toys instead of mountains of trendy ones, don’t apologize.
? If the thought of going to the mall and big box stores drives you mad, shop online without regret.
The holidays are ours to enjoy, so don’t worry about meeting other people’s expectations. Spend them doing what you enjoy with the people you love instead of stressing out.
Authors Jacob and Carol Maslow are the proud parents of five preteen children who have learned from experience that real toys don’t require batteries. Carol works as a therapist, specializing in integrating developmentally delayed preschoolers with their classmates. Jacob works at online retailer Today’s Concept, where parents can find the classic Melissa and Doug Toys.
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