December is usually not described as peaceful. Oh, we sing
about peace on earth in our carols, but for most of us, days 1 through 25 are
spent hurrying around shopping, baking, doing endless lists of things. Sure, we
might go to a fun party or special event, but we generally take little time to
slow down. To make matters even more stressful, our children stay in a perpetual
state of heightened excitement as the days of Christmas draw nearer.
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What’s a parent to do? Here are five suggestions for having
yourself a very peaceful Christmas.
1. Talk about your
Christmas expectations. With December underway, now’s the time to have a
family meeting about what’s important for everyone this season. Is it trimming
the tree together? Going to the grandparents on Christmas Eve? Have everyone
say the number-one thing they are looking forward to, then focus on those
things first. Everything else can be left behind.
2. Develop hearts of
gratitude. For all of us, Christmas can become a time of getting, and we
can let that go to our heads when we really want that special something.
Whatever your ideal gift is, we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas
when we focus only on what we might get instead of what we have. One way to
combat the greed of the season is to designate a Thankfulness Jar. Have every
family member write down something they are thankful for at least once a week.
Then on Christmas Eve or close to that date, sit down with hot chocolate and
read the notes aloud together. This will help you get your hearts in the right
frame of mind for opening gifts and visiting with family.
3. Think outside
yourselves. Whether it’s a family member or a community need, be a blessing
to someone else. It could be a simple as shopping together for Toys for Tots,
or as elaborate as adopting a family for Christmas. Get your kids involved—as them
what they would like to do to help someone else this holiday. You’ll be
surprised by what they can come up with once you get their thoughts focused
outside of themselves.
4. Downsize the toys.
We all have too much stuff, so let’s get rid of some of it before Christmas.
With your children, go through their toys or things, mandating that they must
give away or toss a certain amount (depending on what you are starting
with). Guide them in their choices, but let them make the decisions. Having less
is always a good way to go into Christmas—and it’s easier to find places for
the new things to come.
5. Stop and smell the
pine needles. This time of year, we can become so busy that we hardly have
a moment to ourselves. Deliberately plan down time for the entire family to
spend watching a favorite holiday flick or singing carols around the fireplace.
Spend an afternoon or evening sharing favorite Christmas memories. Little things
like this can be relaxing and enjoyable for all members of your family—and help
you find a little peace amid the chaos of the season.
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