Be Awesome: Make family plans to reduce holiday stress

By Dr. Harriet Phelps

Holiday planning, shopping and preparing are very exhausting. When the family budget does not stretch to meet your needs, stress can build. Now is the time to call a family meeting, ask some questions, and make plans that reduce some stressors.

Begin with the parents having the first discussion. Determine what the next holiday is and how to meet your family needs to celebrate. Ask each other what is important about this time together. Traditions are an important part of family life. It honors the family values and special cultural meaning. This year may be the year to establish your family traditions. For example, I carried over from my childhood finding an apple and orange in my sock under the tree. One of my sons remembered the apple and orange in his sock. You are making memories.

Next, ask your kids what they like, dislike and want to include in the celebrations. Keeping the time to about 15 minutes, decide what fits your time and budget. Delegate chores to each family member that are age-appropriate. Planning, discussing and implementing are great skills to teach.

Here are some ideas for fun traditions:

Turkey notes: A short, silly rhyme made up for each family member and guest. The rhymes are three to four lines and the main theme is “Turkey.” Each rhyme is folded and placed next to each place setting for the holiday meal. When the time is right each guest opens their note and reads aloud to the group. The sillier the better. Sit back and enjoy the laugh. Or tell each person at the table what you are thankful for about them.

Ideas: Turkey hobble, Turkey gobble, Eat too much and you will wobble!

Turkey crown, Turkey dress, Disney should make you their next Princess.

You get it.

Coupons: When money is tight giving does not cost money but time. Nothing is more precious than giving a few minutes of our time. At Christmas, make coupons to give to each person. Good for one hug, 30 minutes of baseball practice, one bedtime story, taking out the trash without grumbling.

Or get out the crayons and paper and make ornaments for the tree or walls, draw the child’s spread-out hand to create a turkey or draw a picture about the holiday. Be sure to write the child’s name and date. I still smile when I come across these drawings in my holiday box from my sons.

Parents, it doesn’t have to be bought or big to be the best.

As always, be awesome.

Dr. Harriet Phelps is a volunteer at Be Awesome Youth Coalition.

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This column appears in the December issue of InMaricopa.