It’s the most wonderful time of the year … unless you have a toddler who refuses to sleep in the crib at Grandma’s house, cousins who won’t stop fighting or a family-wide case of the stomach flu.
We’re into the holiday season now, folks. And while getting the whole clan together can undoubtedly bring some cherished family memories, it can also make for some not-so-magical moments. We want our gatherings to be picture perfect, but then reality steps in and slaps us with terrible weather, bad roads, sick kids or cranky parents. Or all of the above.
What’s the secret, then, to navigating the holiday season and entering into the new year still on speaking terms with your extended family? Start by taking a deep breath.
Keep germs at home: If you or your kiddos aren’t feeling well, then stay home. Period. I know from personal experience that it’s heartbreaking to miss out on a family Christmas gathering. But it would be even more painful to know that your child was responsible for sharing a nasty virus with aunts, uncles and cousins. Better to rest up and reschedule.
Drop expectations: Close your eyes, imagine a holiday feast worthy of a Food Network magazine cover and envision a table of perfectly dressed children waiting patiently for their meal. Then open your eyes and kick that image to the snowbank. If you have little (or even not-so-little) children, you are going to have to put glamorous holiday meals on hold. Plan a menu of family favorites and kid-approved dishes, then call it a day. And don’t forget to bring an extra bottle of wine for your hostess!
Save your sanity: Back when we were in our 20s, my husband and I would think nothing of spending a three-day (or longer) weekend with family, crashing on a futon or sleeping on an air mattress. Now that I’m older and achier, I crave the comforts of home – as do our kids. Plan a holiday schedule that makes sense for you and your family. Nobody said you had to spend the entire 12 days of Christmas on your in-law’s pullout couch; maybe the compromise is one night at their house and two nights in a hotel?
Go with the flow: Established family traditions are important, yes. But every year and every family is different. The happiest holidays are those that can be flexible and adapt to the changing times. Last year, my husband’s Italian family didn’t get a chance to get together to make homemade ravioli before the holidays, but we survived. It was nice, actually, to have ham for a change. And if you’re tired of turkey year after year, shake things up. We had a Black Friday fiesta with Mexican food and margaritas at my sister’s house this year.
Relax and enjoy: Amid all the Christmas chaos, take a moment for yourself to breathe – whether that means sneaking away to a yoga class or sitting up by the fire with a cup of tea or an adult beverage. Stressing yourself out is no way to spend the holidays. The best gift you can give your children is a peaceful parent. Happy holly-days!
