Less is More

When it comes to the December holidays and winter break, less really can be more. Some years the accumulated stress of  travel plans, shrinking budgets, family obligations, the wish to create memorable family traditions, and attending special events can weigh us down. If you think of it from the perspective of the young child, what do they look forward to and seem to enjoy most about the holidays you celebrate? Well, they may tell you, "Presents!," of course, but don't forget the delight in their eyes when they see and smell delicious family foods and special treats they've helped make, or their smiles when they run into their grandparents arms or romp all through the house with their cousins. There are special books, songs, and games, beautiful observances, large and small family gatherings, and even outings to the snow or a favorite family get away. Most of all, our children enjoy our company. They like to be included in what we are doing. They genuinely crave being with us when we are relaxed and attentive and doing anything that is mutually enjoyable. They love it when we laugh. They love the feeling of belonging to a wider family of loving and good natured people. They love it when we have extended time to just hang out with minimal schedules. Sounds good to us, too, right? How do we create that spaciousness when our good humor and creativity can come to the fore and happy memories are made for all? By thinking through our holidays and winter break, keeping simple routines, and paring down plans to a slow pace with time to enjoy the things most beneficial to us and our kids. When they are grown they won't remember most of the stuff they were given, but they will remember and treasure the warm feelings of special times spent with you.

Please share with us in the comments section ways you have found to wind down the frenetic pace and stress of family holidays. Have you ever chosen to say a polite "no" to schlepping the kids and all their gear on an airplane or a road trip to stay with grandparents and asked the grandparents to come to you? What have you chosen to let go of  or to hold onto in your family holiday observances, special events and preparations? What is one creative thing you might do with your child that costs little or nothing that you would all enjoy? What ideas are you glad you tried in years past? I look forward to hearing your ideas and experiences.