Ways to Keep Your Family Sane
Through the Holiday Season

 Carol Raines Drummond, Ph.D.

cdrummond@mindspring.com

(404) 760-0020

• Maintain your typical daily routines with regard to diet, exercise, and sleep as much as possible. Children’s moods and attitudes are often directly related to the amount and quality of their sleep – resist the temptation to totally toss regular bedtimes during the holidays. As the time to return to school approaches, phase back bedtimes to pre-holiday routines.
  
• Find ways to simplify your gift giving and minimize shopping time. Drawing names among adult family members, giving donations to favorite charities, and shopping on-line can all save time and energy. Taking children shopping in the holiday madness can be stressful to all.
  
• Celebrate family rituals, or begin new ones. Children learn to rely on family traditions as a way to understand what makes their own family unique and special.
  
• Build family down-time into your schedule. Play games by the fire, make cookies, drink hot chocolate together. Select your social commitments with care and don’t overschedule your family.
  
• Have regular babysitters that are familiar with your children and their routines. This will lend a sense of security to both you and your children when you attend adult activities.
  
• Reconnect with friends and family through Christmas cards or letters, e-mail, or simple gatherings.
  
• Find ways for you and your children to give to others. Even young children can select toys to give away to make room for the new ones. Adopt a family through your church or synagogue, visit a shelter, or find other ways to help those less fortunate.
  
• Remember what the holidays are about, whatever your religious preference. Attend services as a family and talk with your children about the true meaning of the season.
  
• Forgive yourself when you can’t meet your own expectations. Your children will remember the overall tone in the family, not the perfection of the decorations or gift wrapping. If you can’t find the time to write Christmas cards, send Valentine’s Day cards instead. Keep life in perspective and maintain your sense of humor.

Reprinted with permission from Trinity School.