Remember when the days between Thanksgiving and winter break seemed to take so long… and you couldn’t wait for school to be out again? Ah, those were the days. Now the action-packed December is both a blessing and a curse. And winter break? How will you survive two whole weeks of Holiday events and kids home from school?
Today we’re kicking off our 12 Day Holiday Survival Guide for Parents. We will share ideas and tips for games and activities to keep your family happy and sane through the break. First up… how to keep stress levels down so everyone–kids and adults–enjoy the holidays!
- Don’t overschedule. It’s okay to say “no” to invitations. Parties and activities arise right and left this time of year. Don’t feel the need to make an appearance at every one. And even those you do attend, give yourself permission to leave early or even go alone, leaving the family at home.
- Create and keep family traditions. Traditions, especially over the holidays, are something for the whole family to look forward to. They are fun! The kids will look forward to the traditions and will appreciate knowing what to expect.
- Schedule down time into winter break. Don’t just say you’re going to have time for relaxing, schedule it! Plan a morning, evening, even a whole day to lay around as a family in your holiday pajamas and be lazy! Don’t forget to feed the kids (and yourself!), but make it an easy meal. You may enjoy your scheduled down time so much that it will become a family tradition!
- Stick to the kids’ typical daily schedule, most of the time…. Kids appreciate a daily structure that they can anticipate. When their schedule is varied too much, your kids may act out. You will want to pick out some new activities for the winter break to add excitement, but prepare the kids for these changes. Help kids who have a hard time with surprises, by having them help out with planning.
- Take some time for giving. Nothing can put your frustrations into perspective like thinking of others. Take time to go through your things (including old toys) together with the kids picking some to donate, with your family pick and donate to a nonprofit, or volunteer at a local organizations, such as a food bank.
What do you do to make the Holidays fun and stress-free?
Read more from the Holiday Survival Guide:
- Traveling with Kids
- Fun Paper and Pencil Games
- Waiting Game for the Plane or Car
- Activities for Kids during Airport Layovers
- 34 Conversation Starters for Your Family
- Teaching the Giving Spirit to Kids
- Group Games for Family Gatherings
- Indoor Games to Play at Home
- Fun Education Games for Kids
