STILLWATER) – This holiday season, everyone’s list should
include a relaxed and loving time with the family, realistic expectations about
gifts and strong family traditions.
What is on this list can
make the holidays more meaningful and memorable for everyone.
Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma
Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist, said parents may
be frustrated and feel the spirit of the season is lost in all of the
commercialism and hectic pace.
During the holiday season,
lives become crowded with program practices, shopping trips and parties,
Richardson said. Even when parents are at home, they are often busy with
holiday chores, plans and money worries.
“Lots of gifts and attention
when the holiday arrives won’t make up for your absence or stress now,”
Richardson said. “Set firm priorities so you can give your children the
attention they need. Consider turning down some social invitations to spend
more time with your family.”
Children who think only
about gifts at this time of year can feel terribly let down when the holidays
are over. It is important to make other parts of the holiday as exciting as
opening presents.
Parents must talk with their
children about gifts and their own sense of values, and then plan family
activities in which gifts play only one part, Richardson said.
“Shift the focus from
receiving to giving by making special treats or crafts for neighbors and
friends, a homeless shelter, senior center or other community program,” she
said.
“Try to plan exciting family
activities to look forward to before and after opening gifts so that gifts
aren’t the only highlight.”
Because stores begin
advertising for the holiday season so early, children wait and wait for the
holidays to arrive, and then they feel disappointed when the last gift is
unwrapped.
Richardson suggested
postponing some activities and scheduling important family traditions for about
a week before the holiday. Also, parents could save a few special activities,
such as hosting a potluck dinner for family and friends, for the week after the
main event.
Richardson said strong
family traditions are important to children because they give them comfort and
security. They help children understand how the season will unfold and will
bring back happy memories of past holidays together.
Even simple traditions will
do, such as baking cookies or singing. Parents need to ask children which
activities mean the most to them, and then be sure to do them every year, she
said.
“Give your children these
gifts and you’ll give yourself a lovely present as well,” Richardson said.
“You’ll spend more time doing the things that really matter and feel less
anxious.”
Prepared by:
Debbie Richardson
Parenting Assistant
Specialist
233 HES
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6231
debbie.richardson@okstate.edu