5 Tips for Parenting During Christmas

Christmas is one of the most special times of the year, not just for kids and parents, but also for grandparents. It’s a time of giving, and spending, but also of emotional stress and strain. Many families struggle to maintain the holiday spirit while caring for aging family members or dealing with other crises. There is nothing more festive than Christmas and nothing more wonderful than spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, that means that the holiday season can be very stressful for parents who want to put on a smile and appear happy but don’t feel like it. 

5 Tips for Parenting During Christmas

Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, most parents will experience a funny combination of guilt, hope, and despair. When you feel the pressure to make the holidays extra special this year, it can be hard to figure out what to do with your kids. The tips below can help you plan a fun, safe, and secure Christmas that everyone will enjoy.

  1. Give fun, not stuff

“Give fun, not stuff” is a phrase that perfectly describes the holiday season. As a parent, this is a time to nourish, connect and celebrate with the people you love. Instead of focusing on gifting, consider how you can use the season to reach out to your friends and family.

  1. Traditions are awesome

Christmas is a time for traditions. Family gatherings, Christmas dinner, presents, and more all bring a sense of joy and excitement. While many people focus on the more joyous parts of the holiday, a few traditions are more of a challenge to uphold as a parent. For example, some families have a religious ceremony at their house, while others have a big party at a restaurant.

  1. Make “give lists” with Your Kids

While Christmas is a great time to give to others, the holiday only occurs once a year, and you don’t want to miss out on those special occasions that you want to share with your family. The best way to ensure you have those moments is to make a “giving list” with your kid for other people in your family to fill out, and you can make a “receiving list” for people you and your children want to give to.

  1. Sing your way through the season!

What better way to start the Christmas Season than with music! From December 1st to December 16th, you can catch all your favorite holiday songs, sung by not-so-famous singers, along with James Brown. And, if you can’t make it to a concert, you can still belt out the melodies yourself! Or maybe you would be crazy with the holiday songs like with the headband, or even create a dance step while singing your favorite holiday song. It is more enjoyable if you do it with your little ones. They are the cuties’ ones if they do it, and it will release your stress for sure. 

  1. Box up that holiday-themed kid stuff!

We’ve all done it—box up that holiday-themed kid stuff! Whether it’s a book about Santa, a Christmas calendar, a much-loved stuffed animal—or a bowlful of candy canes—it’s time to say goodbye. While it’s never easy to let go of a childhood favorite, it’s a necessary step in the transition from childhood to childhood memories.

With the holidays just around the corner, with the lights are ablaze, the air is filled with holiday cheer, and everyone is coming together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Being a parent during the holidays is always a challenge, and this one is no exception. And this is the time too, to start thinking about holiday activities with the kids and family. Often, it’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of the season, just wanting to get everything done in time for Christmas. However, there’s no reason to rush. If you approach Christmas day with the same energy and enthusiasm, you will approach any other day. You’ll be able to enjoy the holiday, not stress out about it.

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