Monfredo: How to Make the Holidays Sparkle

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Saturday, December 06, 2014

John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

The holiday season  is upon us and many parents are  shopping and also trying to do something meaningful with their children.   Other parents are looking for ways to enrich the lives of their children during the holiday break.  Well, don’t fret, for this holiday column is just for you.

Chances are your children have a long list of gifts and more than likely they’ll get their presents but you are probably trying to figure out a way to get your children to understand the spirit of the season.    Well, in the book Unplug the Christmas Machine” written by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Steaeheli, the children really want to relax and spend time with their families.   The authors stated that children want love in a steady and constant way.  Parents need to set priorities during the holiday season so that they can give their children the attention that they need. 

Gifting

Be sure to have realistic expectations about gifts.  Children who think only about gifts at this time of year can feel terribly let down when the holidays are over.  The authors suggest making other parts of the holidays as exciting as opening presents.  Talk to your children about gifts and your sense of values.  Try shifting the focus from receiving to giving by making special treats or crafts for neighbors and friends or for a homeless shelter.    

Try keeping the holidays on an even pace.  Children are excited about the holidays and when the last present is opened, they feel season is over.  Again, the authors suggest postponing important family traditions until a week or so before the holidays.  They also suggest saving some for after the holidays.  For example, consider hosting a potluck dinner for family and friends.

Tradition

Finally, be sure to have strong family traditions.  If you don’t have any this is the time to get them started.  Traditions are important to children because they give them comfort and security.  You could have a tradition where everyone decorates the tree, or the children help in baking cookies, or the family goes out caroling.

How do you teach children the importance of giving?  First, remind them that there are others who are not as fortunate as them.  Ask your children to select some of the toys they no longer use and donate them to a shelter.  Have the family volunteer at a soup kitchen and have the children carry the food to the people.  The same can be said about their clothes. Have them go through their clothes and what they don’t wear donate to needy families.  One more idea, help the children collect canned goods to donate to social service organizations.

Greeting Cards

As you know, learning doesn’t have to stop during the holiday break.  Create a list of fun things to do.  Instead of saying “read for 20 minutes,” have a reading party or a PJ party and take pictures.  Do remind your child to read each day during the holiday break and read as a family, too.  Play word games or play cards using the numbers for adding or multiplying.   Before the holiday you and the children can make greeting cards and after the holiday work with your child on thank you notes.  You may even want to give the little ones a form similar to this or make up your own:

 

Dear ________,

Thank you so much!  I love the ____________you gave me. The best part about it is __________.  I will think of you when I use it. I hope that you had a nice ________

Thanks again,

Love,

_______ 

"I'm bored."

For the parent who hears those famous words during the vacation break, “I’m bored.”  Well, perhaps you need to come up with a plan.  Let’s go to the library for during the holiday season the Worcester Public Library will have many special program for the children.  Do call the library and ask what is available or just go on line and check out the upcoming activities.   

If there is snow, take your child sledding or ice skating at the Worcester Common oval arena. If you’re an indoor person how about going bowling or go to an indoor rink.  Another good idea is to invite a friend over to play board games.  To make it even more beneficial for you, get together with one or two other parents whose child gets along well with yours – that way you are both entertained.

Consider crafts with your child, baking, or check magazines in the library that offer a variety of project ideas.  See, we did get over being bored!

What can we do for the working mom?  At home shop by catalogue or by the internet.  Try typing your Christmas card list into your computer before the season and print out labels for the cards.  Delegate holiday responsibilities like decorating the tree, wrapping presents or organizing holiday get togethers with a purpose such as getting your friends and family to help decorate the house.

Work

At work check deadlines and see if things can be put off until January.  Ask your boss about temporary flex time. Work a couple of long days, and take off at week’s end for holiday preparations.  Also, check on personal days and use the day to get all of your shopping done.

Most importantly, we need to take care of ourselves during the holidays for we want to enjoy the holiday and be healthy.  Some tips from local doctors suggest that you do the following:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Hand contact is the number one cause of becoming infected with a virus.  Be aware of crowded public places for just touching the grocery cart or the mall rest room door can lead to picking up a virus.  Again, wash those hands often!  Try and get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet.  Fruits and vegetables can boost the body’s natural immune system.  Drink plenty of water or juice during the winter.    Be sure that you have enough humidity in your home.  Dryness caused by the heating system can irritate the linings in your nose and sinus areas so consider a humidifier.  

Hope that these tips make your holiday brighter.  May all of our readers have a most healthy and happy holiday season!

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