If you’re trying to cram “˜the holidays’ and all that they entail and cost into only a few weeks, you’re bound to be robbing those around you of joy instead of giving it to them. This year, commit to prioritizing and planning purposefully…and start doing it now! As 2011 draws to a close, you might just find that you’ve created the meaningful holiday season you’d just about given up on ever having.
Over the past couple of days, we’ve shared tips and suggestions for taking the stress out of this holiday season. First, we shared four tips for making sure your holiday spending doesn’t break the bank. Next, we offered five ways to manage your time more efficiently during this busy time of year. And finally, today we’ve got a few ideas for making the holiday meaningful for kids and family. As those sleigh bells are jingling and ring-ting-tingling too, make a pledge to fill this holiday season with the things that really count.
Family/Kids
10. Don’t overstimulate them. These days, the typical kid has more than just visions of sugarplums dancing in his head. He’s thinking about toys, movies, video games, vacations, and food…and that’s just for starters. Yes, the holidays are an extravaganza for all five senses, but by regulating what and how much your children receive and do, you’ll be doing them a favor. Their attention will be more focused, and they’ll be more likely to understand and remember special moments.
11. Follow a tradition. It’s amazing how much kids value and remember family traditions. Unlike anything else, they’re a source of fun, they strengthen family bonds, and they form a meaningful link to the past. Whether you’re baking cookies, watching a favorite holiday movie, or piling into the car to look at neighborhood lights, don’t underestimate the value of time spent together, enjoying each other’s company.
12. Give them a memorable experience. Instead of showering your kids with a pile of this year’s “it” clothes, toys, and electronics (which, let’s face it, will probably be collecting dust by the end of the school year), give your kids the gift of a meaningful experience. Chances are, your family will remember an event that reinforces values and makes them feel special.
Tomorrow, we’ll share 9 tips for gifting your children with meaningful experiences, so please check back!