We know the holidays can feel like many things: stressful, pressure-filled, and frenetic. But if we’re lucky, the holidays can also feel restful, grounding, and refreshing. As a parent, you are in a unique position to create something for your kid that lasts far beyond the next 60 days of the holiday season. With the help of intentional traditions and times of being present together, you’ll create a holiday experience your kids will cherish forever.
If this concept feels like something you’d like to adopt as your own this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pause regularly to cherish this time of year.
The holidays are often characterized by busyness, but it’s important to slow down and take in all the moments you’re experiencing this year. Remind yourself often of what a privilege it is to experience this holiday season with your family while making memories together.
Understand the power of traditions.
Traditions have long been considered a great way to build lasting connections. Kids, in particular, benefit greatly from traditions, which help them feel a sense of belonging and safety. When you consider that your traditions will help your kid feel loved and accepted, it’s a great reminder to keep your family’s traditions consistent.
Change the way you talk about the holidays.
Sometimes, the holidays and memory-making can feel like a massive undertaking. Depending on how overwhelmed you feel, you might even start to view the holidays as a negative thing that you can’t wait to check off your lists. Try adopting a positive tone about the holidays. Instead of talking about your holiday tasks using “I have to…” phrases, swap them with “I get to…” phrases to think about them in a more positive way.
Be open to recalibrating.
Ask your family what they want for the holidays—their answers may surprise you. Based on their feedback, be open to change. Maybe that looks like changing a years-old tradition to fit your family’s needs better right now, or it might look like swapping one tradition for a new one. Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed.
If we can encourage you to do anything, it’s to be present for the gift this holiday season brings to your family. You are creating history, preserving memories, and growing in your relationship with your family all at the same time.
If this concept feels like something you’d like to adopt as your own this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pause regularly to cherish this time of year.
The holidays are often characterized by busyness, but it’s important to slow down and take in all the moments you’re experiencing this year. Remind yourself often of what a privilege it is to experience this holiday season with your family while making memories together.
Understand the power of traditions.
Traditions have long been considered a great way to build lasting connections. Kids, in particular, benefit greatly from traditions, which help them feel a sense of belonging and safety. When you consider that your traditions will help your kid feel loved and accepted, it’s a great reminder to keep your family’s traditions consistent.
Change the way you talk about the holidays.
Sometimes, the holidays and memory-making can feel like a massive undertaking. Depending on how overwhelmed you feel, you might even start to view the holidays as a negative thing that you can’t wait to check off your lists. Try adopting a positive tone about the holidays. Instead of talking about your holiday tasks using “I have to…” phrases, swap them with “I get to…” phrases to think about them in a more positive way.
Be open to recalibrating.
Ask your family what they want for the holidays—their answers may surprise you. Based on their feedback, be open to change. Maybe that looks like changing a years-old tradition to fit your family’s needs better right now, or it might look like swapping one tradition for a new one. Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed.
If we can encourage you to do anything, it’s to be present for the gift this holiday season brings to your family. You are creating history, preserving memories, and growing in your relationship with your family all at the same time.