Most people with a family probably like the idea of doing things together and enjoying the Christmas season as a united celebration. Yet it isn’t always easy to do, especially as kids grow older.
I think a key to making Christmas a family event is to include each person’s values and ideals. That probably means taking the time to discover what each person’s values actually are, of course, and then working together to incorporate those things.
For many Australians, Christmas Day is a whirlwind of opening gifts, visiting people and having huge meals before travelling to the next event. Yet what are the little things that actually matter to you and your family? Maybe it’s the tradition of opening gifts on Mum and Dad’s bed or having fresh fruit for breakfast, perhaps it’s singing carols together or having quiet time between gift-giving and dealing with lots of other people, and so on.
Plan at least one important thing for each person into your Christmas Day FIRST and then fit in other things. This way, everyone feel included and can look forward to part of Christmas Day.
Be willing to discuss new idea, too, and accept that some old traditions may not suit any more (what was cute for a 2-year-old may be embarrassing or boring for a 14-year-old).
Throw in some extra fun, too, as part of the lead up to Christmas – and maybe in the days afterwards. Make things more relaxed, having everyone at home without guests or the need to dress up, and do family things – play board games, sing karaoke, do a jigsaw, play charades, make paper chains, watch a movie, give each other massages or play ‘truth or dare’.
Building some family Christmas memories will make Christmas fun and probably reduce some of the stress Christmas can cause.
What an awesome idea! I know I am so busy organising gifts and planning the extended family meal that the little things slide past – and my Christmas wishes are the first to go.
I am going to order Love Santa letters now for all my family – teens and hubbie – and book an evening where we can sit and read them together and talk about Christmas memories and what is special to each of us. We may not fit all our favourites in this year but we’ll be ready to do so next year. Thanks Santa’s Elf – I feel more relaxed and motivated (strange to put both together!) about Christmas than I have for some years. Wishing you the very very best of Christmas in return.
You’re right, Suz, it is easy to get caught in the busyness and forget what is important to the people around you – especially yourself. I hope you get your special Christmas things this year, and for many years to come. Keep that relaxed feeling, too!
You’re right Elf. There’s a whole year of things that have distracted us all from our families and everyone and ‘understands’ quietly. At least December comes around to help everyone feel they must really be at home, no excuses, and have fun too – as per your grand plan:)
I think it is important to have at least one time a year that is special and adhered to. It is part of my grand plan to have everyone happy and feeling hte spirit of Christmas 🙂
Years ago when Christmas sweaters first hit the racks, I bought one. I wore it every chance I got. It got so worn it was unraveling in several spots. Complaining that I had to stop wearing it, my youngest bought me a new one. Since then they have become really overly cluttered with holiday decor. Now all my girls seek out to find the most outrageous sweater they can find. On Christmas day I am quite the spectacle.
Hohhohoho – I love your daughters’ sense of humour, pocs! I am surrised you didn’t just mend that original jumnper though with your craft abilites!
Ooh but I did. I was saving that for another repurposing or crafting topic. I made small bean bag ornaments. A bit heavy and have to be hung on lower branches, but I’m happy with them. I try to hang at least one every year.
bean bag ornaments from an old jumper – not something I would have thought of in a million years, pocs! Them I would love to see a photo of 🙂
As soon as I can figure out how to post photos, I have many I would like to share. I’ve tried many times and just can’t seem to get them to upload.
I’m not enough of a technical wiz to tell you how either, pocs. But email me a couple and I’ll see if I can add them 🙂
I’m what my girls call technologically illiterate. I will email you some photos soon. I’ll have my hubby pull out the hard drive. I’ll try and show restraint, I have tons.