It's the most wonderful time of the year...or is it? For many of us, the holidays have become a time of stress and anxiety.
There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, and family dynamics to navigate. It's no wonder that the holidays can feel more like a chore than a joy, but it doesn't have to be this way! With a little planning and communication, you can help keep your family's holiday traditions meaningful.
Talk to your family about what traditions they like.
The holidays are a time when family, friends, and loved ones get together to celebrate. We get so caught up in the chaos of expectations of the season, that we forget what the holidays are supposed to be about. That's why it's important to take some time to talk to your family about what traditions everyone does like and which ones you can go without this year. After all, the holidays are about spending time with those we love, creating good memories that will last a lifetime. It’s not about repeating old activities and guilting loved ones into them, all in the name of tradition. Instead, focus on what really matters with communication and planning with your loved ones.
Schedule your traditions to relieve stress.
Once you've talked about what traditions are important to your family, make a schedule. Having a plan will help reduce stress and ensure that you're able to enjoy quality time with your loved ones. When making your plan, be sure to account for activities that everyone will enjoy. This may include attending holiday concerts, watching holiday movies together, or baking holiday cookies. When you get everyone involved in the planning, it will show your family that you truly value their input and that it is a family holiday not just yours.
Don't be afraid to start new traditions.
Just because your family has always done things a certain way doesn't mean that's the way it has to be. If you're feeling uninspired by your current traditions, don't be afraid to start new ones! This is especially true if your children are grown and have started their own families. Think about what would make this holiday season special for them and try something new. You may find that these new traditions become some of your favorites!
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, but all too often they turn into a source of stress and anxiety. If you're looking for ways to make your family's holiday traditions more meaningful; try talking to your family about what the holidays mean to them, making a schedule of the traditions that everyone agrees to, and don't be afraid to start new traditions. With a little effort, you can help make this holiday season one that everyone will remember fondly for years to come!
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