Beyond the Presents and Parties: Creating a Joyful Holiday Season for Your Family
Stepping Out of the Holiday Bustle:
The Christmas holidays can get a little intense. Here are my three core parenting tips for navigating this busy season.
1.Instead of Balance, Tilt
This is one of the best concepts I’ve learnt about this year. I’ve always found the idea of ‘balance’ pretty hard - it conjures up images of a circus performer trying to keep several spinning plates in motion, but I can certainly get on board with ‘tilting.’
In 2009, Marcus Buckingham conducted a study, aiming to discover what happy and successful women were doing differently.
They (the women surveyed) didn't talk about balance much at all. They seemed to realize that not only was a perfect equilibrium nigh on impossible to achieve, but also that even if they did manage to achieve it, it wouldn't necessarily fulfil them anyway—when you are balanced, you are stationary, holding your breath, trying not to let any sudden twitch or jerk pull you too far one way or the other. You are at a standstill. Balance is the wrong life goal.
Instead, do as these women did and strive for imbalance. Pinpoint the strong-moments in each aspect of your life and then gradually target or tilt your life toward themMarcus Buckingham: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently
For this season, I believe that means letting go of some of the expectations that we should be doing absolutely everything and ‘tilt’ towards the activities you and your family find meaningful.
2. When tempers are running high, get outside
Going outside in the winter is HARD. Putting on loads of layers and bundling up to go for a walk might sometimes feel like a step too far. But honestly, it can also act as a reset button for everyone.
My youngest (and most active child) does not cope well with endless days inside and he is one of the main reasons I became such an advocate for outdoor play.
I have a whole masterclass on Outdoor Play, but here are some quick tips for the winter months:
Whilst experts recommend at least 2 hours a day, remember that some time outside is better than no time outside. Even going out for 20-30 minutes can make a big difference
If you’re relatives are asking for present ideas for your children, don’t feel bad about requesting a more practical present rather than a toy- outdoor gear means you’ll be able to get out more during the winter months . From warm waterproof gloves to snow trousers, having the right equipment makes a huge difference.
Check out the January sales for some lower priced winter clothing for your children. I personally opt for neutral or bright colours so items can be passed down more easily too.
Take a thermos flask with hot chocolate (or tea) to keep warm or aim for a location that has a nice cosy café to visit after play.
3.Adopt the SLOW approach to opening presents.
Our Game plan for Christmas presents: The SLOW Method! Christmas Day can get overwhelming for very young children FAST, particularly when they are shown a huge pile of presents.
So here's what we do:
1. Start with the main present. Give them time and space to open it and appreciate it. If they want to play before opening other presents, then let them.
2. Save smaller items back to be opened during lulls in the day.
3. If a relative has sent a present, consider opening before or after the big day so it can be appreciated more. This works particularly well for items like clothing.
4. Art and craft kits are great items to save back for the holiday lull between Christmas and New Years.
Yes, I know these tips wont work for everyone - and when I posted it on Instagram last year it went down a little like marmite. For us personally, it helps spread out the joy for just a little while longer rather than a frantic period of ripping open presents first thing on Christmas morning.
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