6 Ways to Staying Connected as a Family During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is quickly approaching. My neighborhood families are ditching their Halloween decorations for Christmas! It seems soon, but whatever! I love the holiday season... all the way through January 2nd! That is when it ends, right?
Staying connected during the holiday season can bring its own set of challenges, but it doesn’t have to be that daunting with all the parties, school programs, family celebrations, play dates, and travel. Connecting doesn’t have to be that complicated either! Maybe grab a cup of coffee and your journal and set some time aside in the next couple weeks to explore what you would like this holiday season to look like for you and our family.
Here are some guided questions to get started:
What’s important to me and my family during this holiday season?
Is there anything that I can think of right now that I want to change from last year?
Is there anything about our last holiday season that I really loved and want to continue?
What are the individual needs of each child during this season?
What are my kids’ expectations during the holiday season? (Maybe have everyone in the family write down one idea or expectation to help give ideas before planning.)
Not to be heavy here, but what would be a mission statement I could write for this season that would drive its meaning and purpose?
Now to the good stuff! Use the ideas below to build connections during the holidays.
#1 Plan a Game Night
Ask every family member write down the name of their favorite game on a piece of paper, and take turns selecting the game for the evening from a jar. Make sure once you start this that everyone has a turn. Games are a great way to connect and have fun together. And they are extra special when you play each other’s favorite game.
#2 Do Each Other’s Favorite Holiday Activity
Make intentional time to schedule each other’s favorite holiday activity. When we lived in Indiana, we loved doing an event called the Drumstick Dash Thanksgiving morning. My daughter liked to make Christmas cookies, and both of my kids enjoyed driving around looking at the Christmas lights.
#3 Serve Others and the Community
Is there a family member who needs extra support? Or does your place of worship have a list of those who need some help? Take time to research a local homeless shelter or foodbank to see how you can help serve together.
#4 Cook as a Family
Ask your kids how they want to contribute to the holiday meals, and then plan, shop, and cook together. They will be delighted to see their creation on the table to share. This goes for all the other prep work for the holidays – are there other ways that your children are asking to help? Maybe wrapping presents, decorating the tree, setting out the manger, helping clean up? Say Yes!
#5 Give Special Time
The holidays are hectic, and it is difficult without a normal routine. Take time to check in with each child and hear about what is happening in their world. Undivided attention as an active listener can grow deeper connections. It doesn’t have to be a huge event. A nightly check-in works as well as having them run along with you to the store.
#6 Holiday Self-Care
Manage your own self-care and take opportunities to rest together. Keep on those holiday jammies and comfy socks all day and just be!
