Holiday Joy isn't Just for Our Kids!
Last year marked my first holiday season dedicated to bringing joy to my kids. However, it should also be a joyful period for us as parents! Engaging in or establishing holiday traditions with our children makes the season more special, but it can become overwhelming rather than inspiring if we don't consider our own holiday experience as well. Here, we'll concentrate on carefully planning activities that enhance your holiday joy (both holistically and logistically). Plus, try to steer clear of these general joy stealers: comparison and unmet (unrealistic!) expectations. I'm praying about this for both you and me!
Start with holistic planning. Remember, you're a member of your family too! As soon as you can, take a moment to jot down YOUR vision of the perfect holiday season, both with and without activities involving your kids. You'll probably notice that some activities fit into both categories. For example, I really enjoy taking my kids to visit Santa. (Are we the only parents whose children have never been scared of Santa? Or perhaps that fear just hasn't developed yet?)
Once you've got your list, check it twice for: 1) a festive date night; 2) a night with your friends (with food you don’t have to prepare, maybe some wine, and/or a fun but simple ornament exchange); and 3) refreshing alone time - Heyo!
Next, logistical planning steps: Put it on the schedule! As a mom, if I didn’t schedule the activities that bring me joy, especially this time of year, they simply would not happen.
Step 1) Connect with your spouse about Monday-Sunday availability.
Aim for at least 2-3 dates that work for both of you, weekdays and/or weekends.
Step 2) Connect with your sitter(s).
It's a hectic time of year, so the more dates you give your sitter(s), the higher their likelihood to commit. If they're available multiple dates, praise God then schedule time with your friends and some alone time, too. (Don't forget about their Christmas gift/bonus!)
Step 3) Coordinate with your friends.
The more the merrier - sometimes - but aim for a more intimate holiday gathering of around 4-6 friends. That said, if it's too tricky coordinating multiple schedules + childcare, go ahead and push this to January! It'll give you something to look forward to after all the Christmas festivities. (Bonus joy: If you're relying on your spouse instead of a sitter, encourage them to arrange a get-together with their friends as well!)
Step 4) Coordinate alone time (Heyo again!).
Even if you're just doing your Christmas shopping alone, soak it all up... The holiday decorations, scents, warm drinks, and music. (I also hope you can enjoy a solo church service, some extra prayer time, or perhaps a winter pedicure or massage!)
Then, enjoy! This year, don’t let the holiday joy stealers of comparison, unmet (unrealistic!) expectations, or lack of planning joyful experiences for YOU impact your whole families joy this holiday season. Because when you are joyful, it’s less overwhelming and more inspiring to spread joy to others.
Finally and most importantly, may Christ be our most joyful source of inspiration this holiday season. As you craft a memorable holiday for your family, I pray He guides you to keep Him foremost! Merry Christmas!!
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