It seems like every Christmas I have these visions of grandeur of this storybook image of spending quality bonding time with my family. I create such high expectations based on movies or past wishes that the weeks leading up to Christmas vacation are filled with anticipation and excitement.
Then the day comes when the kids are home and before I know it the two weeks are up and I was lucky to even have had one face-to-face interaction at all during the break. I spend every waking moment stressing about getting tasks done that I forget the important things like the quality time.
I rush from buying presents to delivering presents to the post office to the store for food and back to the store for the bake goods then to the bank, etc. etc. etc. It is never ending. I have this list of things to accomplish when all the while it is my children that get put on the back burner.
In the meantime, I am lecturing the kids as I run myself crazy on the true meaning of Christmas. Despite the fact that I just thought horrible thoughts about the rude postal worker who snaps at me even though I have been standing in line for over an hour with two whiny, hungry kids. I continue to model for my kids that Christmas is about the money, the presents and every other stress while preaching that it is really about Jesus’ birth and sacrifice.
So how does one slow it all down with endless tasks and burdens and find that time in which memories are made and remembered into adulthood? This year, I have included on my list several activities designed to bring us closer as opposed to further apart. Here are a few things we will do this year to help us slow down.
1.) Have A Snowball Fight-Your kids more than likely don’t even interact with each other during the break. If your family is like mine, one might be playing video games, the other toys, your husband is on the laptop and you are running from task to task. So why not bring everyone together with a day in the snow. Our only downfall is that it never snows down here in our part of Texas, but we have not lost hope. For those who have not heard of Insta-Snow then you are missing out. This is the stuff that can make holiday dreams come true. It doesn’t take a lot to cover your yard in snow. You take the substance and add water. It actually feels like real snow. Several places carry it online including stevespanglerscience.com. It makes an awesome surprise for your family and a huge day of fun. If you can’t afford it or think it will be too much trouble then opt for the in house snowball fight. Roll up some socks, break into teams and have some fun.
2.) Homemade gifts-This year instead of spending money and fighting crowds in the shopping centers, I thought it would be fun to make some gifts at home. I am choosing some simple gifts that the kids can help with to make it more special. This way we get to work as a family on something unique and fun and make a product to give in the process. I have chosen a few simple of the jar recipe gifts that I actually found at our local grocery store. Here is a sample one for Rocky Road Brownie Mix. Layer in a jar a quarter cup of sugar, one and a half cups of biscuit mix, three-quarter cup of chopped nuts, one package of chocolate chips and two cups of marshmallows. You can use a funnel and the kids love watching it fall into the jar. Include the following instructions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat for two and a half minutes. In a medium size bowl, combine sugar, two eggs and a quarter cup of water and dry mix. Stir. Stir in melted chocolate and then spread mixture in pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
3.) Christmas Story-Every year, my husband tells the Christmas story from Luke as we set up the Nativity scene. This is a great tradition that really brings the family together. We make hot chocolate and all curl up together. End the time with a family prayer time of thanks to God.
4.) Buy Family Gifts-It used to break my heart after we opened presents to see everyone scatter to their own domain with their new toys. Try to buy gifts that the whole family will enjoy. Instead of personal gaming systems look to systems such as the Wii in which the whole family can play. Also take interest in the gifts that are given. My daughter recently had a birthday and it has been such a delight for the both of us just to sit and color together. Look for the ways to interact with one another.
5.) Have a game night or craft night-This is another time when families can work together. Let each family member pick a game (you may have to make this two nights of fun) and play. My youngest likes Candyland, while my oldest likes Trouble-the possibilities are endless. Last week, the four of us played for three hours the game of War. We laughed so hard! There is just something about games that can bring people close together. You can also make placemats with all of your footprints. Add antlers, eyes and a red puff for a nose and you have a family of reindeers.
These are obviously just a few suggestions that can be done easily if you take the time to stop and breathe. Their childhood goes by so fast so why not make these holiday memories while you can. Before long they will be grown with their own families so take the time to enjoy one another as a family.
I am sure many of you have family traditions that keep you close. Please feel free to share them in the comments. I always love to hear ways to bring us closer.
