The holidays are a lot of work.
It’s especially true if there are children involved. There’s the planning, the gift buying, the gift wrapping (my least favorite part), the crafts, the parties, the decorations and the explanations.
This is one of the first Christmas holidays that Nate really understands what is happening. He’s asking questions and is much more a part of the celebration than ever. Still, a lot of this is an experiment. What works for our family? What is too ambitious and what is too boring?
Here are some things I’ve learned along the way this season. Obviously, some of these items will be too late for this year, but as you enjoy Christmas this week, take mental notes of what works and what doesn’t. Before you put away the ornaments and tree skirt for the year, make a list of wishes and changes you would make for next year. It’s not a lot of work and you’ll already be halfway ready for next December.
Try New Things
Try something new this year. Go to a Christmas concert, ice sculpture contest, or holiday bake-off. Has the family been ice skating? What about the movies on Christmas Day? You never know what might be a new tradition that is the highlight of your season. This year, Nate and I hit a groove making different ornaments and crafts. Sites like Pinterest offer lots of kid friendly ideas that might save your sanity when you need to harness some of that kid energy. I’d rather do that than baking anyway!
Say no to some things
For a variety of reasons, we were invited to more parties than usual this year. Honestly, it was more than we could attend, even though all of them were thrown by good friends we love to see. But it we attended every single one of them, I would have been exhausted and Nate grumpy from not enough naps. We picked the ones that worked best for us and enjoyed those.
Don’t stress about decorating
I love decorating for just about anything, but Christmas decorating took a different pace this year. We put up the tree, of course, but for a while, that was it. Slowly, piece by piece, I put a nativity here, some lights there. Two days before Christmas, I’m still adding. And that’s ok. There’s no rule that says that every decoration has to be out the day after Thanksgiving. Ultimately, the deadline is Christmas Day and if it still doesn’t work, let it go. Some years are freer than others and it may work to rotate decor items anyway.
Find something that you want to try different next year
I have received so many beautiful Christmas cards this year, all of which are gracing the back of our front door. It’s a happy reminder of those we love. I enjoyed opening the envelopes to find a pretty card or a happy photo of a family I know. Because it’s been a treat every time I go to the mailbox, I regret not joining in this tradition sooner. It will require a bit more planning and work, but I want to send out a card to those who shared with us. I think it’s worth the effort.
The key is simple: find what works for your family, right now. Christmas can be a relaxing time, even before the to-do list is done.
Finally, I would like to thank our readers for being a part of Dale City Patch. It’s a privilege to have you here. I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!