Dear Parents,
I wish you all a restful time off to reflect and enjoy your family. We are busy trying to fit in as much fun as possible while staying up late looking for the perfect gifts to give for our friends and families. You can feel a bit rushed, tense and cranky. Many of us try to make a memorable few weeks by going on vacations, seeing shows, and going to many parties. All of these activities are fun, but there is also specialness in tranquil times. They are the moments that are pulled out of our memories and shared.
I share with you three simple tips to have a more relaxing time with your loved ones.
- Take time every day to have fun and connect with your family.
It’s easy to rush around from activity to activity. Instead of doing more, try to do less. Rush less, breathe more. Take time every day to have fun and connect with your family. What are three things that you can do with your family that do not involve going out somewhere in your car or are on a time frame? Take a midnight stroll (or late night) to look at the stars, enjoy freshly fallen snow, and discuss those important philosophical questions like: “What do you like better, chocolate chip cookies or snicker doodles?”
- Think back on your own childhood. What are the memories you hold dearest? Focus on making THOSE memories with your kids.
Did you bake cookies with your mom or grandma? Did your dad take you for long walks to look at Christmas lights? I consider myself lucky in that I grew up in the country and my parents were not afraid to let my brother and I experience boredom. We came up with great ideas of things to do together, decorate cookies, draw pictures, makeup our own games, play outside in really cold weather and survive! One of my most favorite memories was walking across lots to my grandparent’s house to make German cookies with a press out extruder. There were Christmas trees, Yule wreaths and various geometric designs. My grandmother was always amazed at the amount of detail and care that I put into the decorations. I also cherish the time I was able to spend with her.
- Disconnect from the outside world.
Resist the urge to share every detail of your family’s holiday celebration on social media – or at least don’t live stream everything. It is liberating to shut off all the flashing social media notifications and just enjoy the flashing Christmas lights when you go out for an evening stroll with your family. The people you went to elementary school don’t need to see your entire Christmas meal in their Facebook feed.
I just have eight words: LIVE IN THE MOMENT. PUT DOWN THE PHONE.
I am looking forward to seeing you all in January!
Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit,
Christine
Image Credit: Elena Shumilova “One Winter Night”