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Holiday Harmony
10 Tips to Make Your Holiday the Best Ever
By Shel Franco
No matter what the plan, be willing and able to adjust it. No matter how well you planned ahead of time, surprises and unexpected events will occur. Flexibility allows you to bring variability and energy to your holiday plan. Stubbornly insisting that the plan be precisely followed when roadblocks occur can create unwelcome stress and tension. Relax and go with the flow.
Slow down. The more you and your family members attempt to "fit it all in," the greater the chance that irritability and frustration will occur. Set a steady pace that attempts to accomplish a little bit of the plan at a time. Do not push to accomplish everything on your list. Remember, a holiday is about enjoying and savoring the time you have with family and friends.
When traveling (especially by car), bring a variety of games, toys, books and videos to occupy time. Be creative. The words, "I'm bored" or "this is boring" are a cue to make a different choice and change to another activity. Perhaps it is time to get out of the car and run around. It could be time to stop at a new restaurant. A travel center could provide treasures of trinkets, books and brochures to rekindle interest.
Though it's important to do a lot of things as a family, it is OK to split up on occasion. You don't have to do everything together as a family all the time. Different people have different interests. Allow for opportunities to explore these different interests without those people who are less interested and prone to "grumble and moan" through the activity.
Seek opportunities to have one-on-one time with each of your children. The experiences of the individual will add life and energy to the family as they are shared and talked about later.