By Debbie Dobbs, M.A. / Contributor
‘Tis the season to be jolly so don’t let stress overtake your good holiday vibe. Here are some suggestions that work for me, and I hope can help you as well.
1) Do not wear yourself out decorating your home
The decorations are for you and your family, not the neighbors next door, so put up what brings joy to your lives and home and stop there.
2) Honor traditions without stressing over them
Your traditions help you create memories with your children, but this year you may not have time to string popcorn, drive around to see lights, and visit a Christmas tree farm. Instead of stressing about completing all of your traditions, choose a few favorites to focus on. Next year, you can revisit the ones you missed.
3) Sometimes you need to decline
During this busy time of year, there are countless demands on your time, from preparing for guests to volunteering and baking. Prioritizing is key, and saying “no” can help simplify your life, reduce spending, and allow you to relax and focus on the true meaning of the season.
4) Be adaptable
Flexibility always pays off! Try to be open to adjusting your plans for yourself and your children. One year, my daughter wanted to learn to ice skate, but I’m not skilled at it. Instead of trying to be the perfect mom, I asked my brother—a former hockey player—to take her when he visited. They had a fantastic time, and she will always remember ice skating with “Uncle Boo.”
5) Teach your child(ren) the value of giving
Children can become so focused on receiving presents that they overlook the importance of giving. Involve them in selecting gifts for family and friends, emphasizing meaningful choices that suit the recipient’s personality. Plus, model the significance of giving back. The holiday season offers many opportunities to volunteer and serve the community, making it easy to instill the value of helping those in need. Editor’s Note: See related story on page 42.
6) Allow flexibility in your schedule
Incorporating some leeway into your plans allows for unexpected moments or time to unwind. Trust me, your children will appreciate it when the holidays aren’t booked solid.
7) Skip making cookies from scratch (unless it’s your passion)
I find baking stressful! Pre-made cookies work well for me because the joy comes from watching my daughter and my mother decorate them together. They made wonderful memories without the cleanup.
8) Don’t forget to breathe
This seemingly automatic act surprisingly needs constant reminders. It’s remarkable how taking a few deep breaths helps, even if you burn the turkey or find your in-laws arriving a day early.
9) Share laughter
Laugh whenever you can! Each December, we watch the movie Elf. We love it, and when it’s on, you can hear our hearty laughter. Consider starting a new tradition of watching your family’s favorite holiday comedy, perhaps even in matching pajamas.
Editor’s Note: Debbie Dobbs is the Executive Director of The Counseling Place, a nonprofit agency providing affordable, professional and educational services. Reach her at 469.283.0242 or counselingplace.org.
