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Holiday Harmony
10 Tips to Make Your Holiday the Best Ever
By Shel Franco
The holiday season is fast approaching and school break is about to begin. Soon it will be time to load the family in the car and head over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house or another destination that promises fun for all.
Perhaps you're thinking of staying home this year and inviting the relatives over to your house. Maybe you're planning on spending some much-needed rest and relaxation on a family cruise to the Bahamas. Whether you plan a short trip, a long trip or no trip, how you prepare the family can make or break this year's holiday season. These 10 tips can help you make this year's family holiday the best ever.
Allow every member in the family to have input on the type of holiday and activities they would like to experience. Then, reach a consensus on what type of holiday you want to create. Brainstorm all the possible people to visit and the potential activities that would take place at each person's home. Build a list of things you want to do, making sure each family member has a personal priority included on the list. When everyone has a say, you build commitment and lower resistance toward the chosen activities.
If your children are younger, establish the basic plan with your spouse, and present the various options to the children for discussion. As your children become older, increase their input on decisions.
By allowing every family member input, ownership is established. Each family member can now look forward to the specific part they desired and participate respectfully in other family members' choices.
Purchase gifts (and the number of gifts) that you know you can afford. Stress builds as the money dwindles. If you cannot afford a gift, plan to purchase it at a later date. Staying within the family budget models fiscal responsibility for your children and teaches them to work and save for desired items.
3. Stick to the Children's Regular Schedule and RoutineThe younger the child the more important it is to stick to your regular schedule. During holiday time, children under age 10 need to go to bed, get up and eat at the same time they normally do. Young children's bodies are not able to adjust quickly to time changes and schedule adjustments. The more adjustments in his traditional schedule your child is called on to make, the more mood swings and irritability you are likely to encounter. For less stress and a relaxed vacation, keep schedule changes to a minimum.