Preparing for the Holiday Season with your Children
Who all is excited for the upcoming holiday season?! I’ve been looking forward to it as soon as last year’s ended. For half of the parents I’ve spoken to, they are dreading the financial aspect and the craziness that occurs in stores. Well, no matter which end of the spectrum you’re feelings are on this matter…it is almost here, like it or not. Since this is unavoidable, why not make the best of it and show your children what holiday spirit is all about!
HALLOWEEN
The first holiday approaching is Halloween! This is my second favorite holiday behind Christmas. Me and my little girl are going to fill the house with spiderwebs, orange lights, and Halloween decals as soon as October 1st gets here. You may be asking yourself, is all of this necessary…and my answer to you is, not really. Why do I do this then, other than my excitement to celebrate everything? It is the feeling that children get when things are celebrated and they are a part of it. Try to remember when you were a kid (be honest about these thoughts now) and the feeling you got when you dressed up in your favorite costume. Now, let the nostalgia take over as you remember entering or approaching decorated houses. Why not YOU be the source of your child’s nostalgia when they get older? Makes sense right? I suggest guiding them as they do the decorating. It doesn’t need to be over the top, but at least a little something.
THANKSGIVING
Good ole Turkey Day! How many of you have or go to a huge family feast or at least make the best of the dinner with the little family you created? I am hoping that is everyone reading this 🙂 Just like Halloween, the sense of the holiday spirit and the feeling children get should be a priority on this overlooked day as well. As far as decorations go, I think Thanksgiving is more subtle that the over two major holidays on this. How can you maximize this holiday then? I think the best way to do this is by having a family tradition or two and I don’t mean just the cooking. Starting a tradition will give your kids something to look forward to and be a part of. Some examples of this could be touch football or create a “thankful” wall. A “thankful” wall?! The two ideas mentioned were just examples of hundreds you can start, but yes, a “thankful” wall. This is when each member attending dinner writes 5 things they are thankful for, children that cannot write can draw them, and post them on a designated wall. After dinner, get everyone settled in the living room and each person may read theirs and give an explanation of why they are thankful. This idea is something that I plan on starting this year with my little girl. The wall will enlighten your loved ones on things not said normally and remind them that they and life in general matters in a good way. There are lots of traditions you are able to start. Just a suggestion.
CHRISTMAS
This holiday, you either love it or hate it. If you hate it, it’s typically for the financial or stress related issues that was spoken about above. To children, this is most likely the favorited holiday of the bunch and not just for the presents. When I take my daughter on Christmas season adventures, I see her eyes light up, her curiosity and excitement bubble. When you were a child, I almost guarantee that you were no different. Give your little one that same enthusiasm and excitement that you had, if not much more!
What can you do to maximize the Christmas for your child? Just like any holiday, it all starts with the decorations. Something me and my daughter find entertaining with decorations, is making a few to add to the ones we buy. This will make it more personal for them and also can be an amazing bonding experience for the both of you. Go on adventures to see Christmas lights, attend holiday events going on in cities around you, and go see the big man himself, Santa! The presents are the main reason a lot of parents dread Christmas, if this is the case, don’t make the holiday about the presents. I do not mean, forget the presents. I mean, try to instill in your child that Christmas is about togetherness and the season itself. Teach them that giving is what is most important and take them to help in their community or people in need. This will grow their character instead of their need for materials. Gifts or no gifts, this should be done anything in my opinion if your children are old enough.
Conclusion
So to wrap this up…holidays are about togetherness, your children’s experiences, holiday spirit to give a sense of nostalgia, and helping others. Teach these lessons and keep these points in mind and everything else you’re stressed about will flow more naturally. Be patient with your children on the crafts and decorations; guide them instead of being their drill instructor. Let this be the holiday season that you instill traditions, values, and future smiles of nostalgia for yourself and your family!