November 19, 2009
In recent weeks, we have been exploring how your family, and children especially, can make the most of the holiday season that is upon us.
I suggested that you and your children use the opportunity of a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even New Years, to deliberately seek out ministry opportunities and Christian witness toward family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
Today, I would like to add a word of warning, however. Holidays are not always a positive experience for children or their parents. They can be times of conflict and stress, so I would like to share with you some things worth paying attention to and some tips to avoid holiday hazards.
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First, let me say that stressed parents make for stressed children. As an adult, you must first recognize what you need to do to reduce the stress level of holidays in your own heart, mind and body. The wonder of family traditions can be lost when a mom or dad is too tired or feeling under pressure. Be realistic about what you can accomplish to make holidays a nice time for your family. Practicing “realistic simplicity” seems like sound advice when considering how much you can pack into a holiday celebration and retain your sanity. Be aware that if you are trying to do too much, even for a good cause like making Christmas special, then you may be setting up both yourself and your children for a holiday meltdown.
- Manage their expectations. Children can get themselves very worked up over holiday celebrations, expecting more than even Christmas can deliver. Help children be realistic and accept the possibility that things will not go exactly as planned.
- As much as possible, include your children in the planning of special activities, discussing the realities of limits in time and finances, appropriate to their age and understanding. Talk about the “why” behind the activities you are planning.
- Understand that disrupted routines and schedules are stressful to children, even if the activity is designed to be fun. You may consider combining parties and get-togethers to reduce the time you spend away from home. Stick with family routines as much as possible. Holiday shopping and eating out, for example, can be more stress-inducing than parents may realize.
- During busy holiday vacations, set aside time for your children to wind down and relax. You know your children. If there is a boy or girl in your family that is especially sensitive to stress, take them out of the spotlight for awhile.
- Take care of body, mind and spirit. Make sure your children eat nutritious foods, drink lots of water, and get exercise. Do not let the holidays rob you or your children of their quiet time with God. Pray together that God will use the holiday season to be a time of real blessing in your family and neighborhood, to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
Here are some suggestions specifically for maintaining holiday sanity for your children:
Our broadcast today is sponsored by our friends at Northern Safety and Security, celebrating ten years of protecting northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.