Create Joyful Holiday Memories for Your Kids

Joyful Holiday Memories christmas Holiday Season Parents Making Joyful Holiday Memories for Kids Tips to Create Joyful Holiday Memories Christmas season self care Parents and Self-Care

By Jo Anne Hubert , Parent Herald Dec 07, 11:20 am

There is extra pressure for parents to create joyful holiday memories for their children, which may be stealing the fun and the rejoicing.

The holiday season is joyful. However, the season can often bring unwelcome guests like stress and exhaustion as it presents a "dizzying array of demands" from gift buying to taking kids to their events, hosting the family, and some other errands the holiday brings.

For some parents who feel the extra pressure to make sure this holiday is their children's most memorable, the season can be a burden, CBS News shared.

Therefore, parents must be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy to create joyful memories this holiday can be a breeze and a delight.

Tips for unburdening the holiday demands

Here's a warning to all parents: do not allow stress to rob the opportunity to create extraordinary holiday memories with the children and the family.

"When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup," Mayo Clinic emphasized.

Thus, stress prevention is highly encouraged, or if one feels that stress has already crept in, immediately end it. Mayo Clinic has gathered tips on how parents can do this.

1. Be realistic.

There isn't such a thing as a perfectly planned holiday because the holidays need not be perfect or be the same as last year. Families and children grow and change, and traditions and schedules often change. So parents, relax!

Choose a few traditions and activities to hold on to; it would be even better if new ones were created. There will always be new, fun, and meaningful ways to celebrate together. Create a tradition that the children and the family can call your own. Also, be spontaneous and let the kids see that the holidays may not be perfect, but it is in every way wonderful.

2. Know and set the limit.

Learn to say no because it is okay to say no, especially if it means prioritizing the kids, the family, and oneself. If planning to make one more event, scheduling family pictures, or sending Christmas cards has been a source of stress, it is okay to say no. Remember, saying yes even if you feel like saying no can leave a feeling of resentment and frustration and can be overwhelming. These emotions can rob joy.

3. Plan ahead.

Last-minute scrambling will always lead to stress. Make sure to plan ahead and schedule the event and activities of the family. Parents would want to avoid stressing their children because the family's schedule and activities are done in a hurry or a disorderly manner.

4. Stick to a budget

It is easy to get carried away, especially with the holiday spirit. Parents want to give their kids everything to make them happy, which is more than okay. However, boundaries should be made, especially when it comes to finances.

Financial stress is said to be one of the top stressors, and parents know that children and what they want to have or what they want to do, do not come cheap. Thus, parents need to create a budget and stick to it. Come January, when the holiday is over, and everything is back to normal, they'd be glad they did. You'll be thankful you did in January.

5. Take care of yourself

Parents should not lose themselves in making the holidays memorable for their kids. It isn't worthy, and it defeats the purpose. Thus, they should take care of themselves by not abandoning healthy habits, including the entire family, and taking a breather.

Don't let the holidays become an excuse for overindulgence because that only adds to the stress and guilt. Holiday meals can also mean healthy meals. Still get plenty of sleep and continue doing one's regular exercise.

Further, parents also need to make time for themselves. Take a break individually or as a couple. Amidst the chaos of the season and the holiday rush, make sure to pause and find your breath. Stop planning for a while, take a walk, have a cup of coffee, or read a book.

Self-care is a must, as encouraged by mom Jenny Albers.

A well-rested, calm individual is a better parent, and a peaceful heart this holiday season can create fuller and more beautiful memories for the family and the kids.