The months of November and December are a very hectic season for our family. I realize this is true for the majority of families since the holidays are always a busy time, but our family also has a couple of extra celebrations. You see, both of my children and my husband all have birthdays in December – in a span of three days – the week before Christmas. To say that the holiday season, particularly December, presents scheduling issues for our family is an understatement.

First, we have to get through November and Thanksgiving. Our November calendar typically fills up with various blogging events, as there are many holiday happenings the local theme parks and attractions want to share with families. It’s super fun, but means every weekend has something going on. We definitely have to choose wisely, since it can become overwhelming.

Then December comes and it seems like it goes by in a flash. We usually have a birthday party for the kids (luckily I can still combine both birthdays into one party), so we spend quite a bit of time planning and preparing for the party. There’s also Christmas shopping to do, along with every day life and obligations (school, work, housework, etc.). We pretty much spend the first three weeks of December running around. But, we do it together.

That’s the thing about this hectic holiday season. Even though we have a lot going on, we’re together. We attend events as a family, we plan, shop, and prepare for the birthday party together, and even do some Christmas shopping together. All that time – even the time in the car and in stores – is time for us to talk, laugh, reminisce and just hang out. Sure, there are moments of frustration or impatience, but overall, we have fun. There’s just no other way for us to get through it. Humor is a part of who we are as a family, so naturally, laughter is how we keep it together. I’m just lucky to have a family that keeps me laughing and that laughs along with me.

How do you keep the humor going during the hectic holiday season?

Disclosure: This story is sponsored by Hallmark through their Life is a Special Occasion campaign. As always, all stories and opinions are my own. To receive special offers and discounts from Hallmark, sign up for their e-newsletter!

Photo © modernmami

When we recall pleasant memories of holidays past, we may be bringing up rosy memories because we were children and weren’t responsible for buying and wrapping gifts and decorating and cooking. Our mothers and grandmothers lacked many of the household conveniences we enjoy, and while there may have been a shared pleasure to a family going out to select and chop down a Christmas tree, or an extended family getting together to prepare a big holiday meal, they almost certainly felt over-extended and ran into frustrations with all the extra work surrounding the holidays, just as we do today.

The true secret to holidays then and now is to simplify. Be careful about what activities actually make it onto the family calendar, and be very careful about what commitments you make at this time of year.

Plan Ahead

• In November, sit down with the family and let everyone express what is most important to them for the holiday. A good way to elicit this information is asking each person to complete the following sentence: “It wouldn’t be our family’s holiday if we didn’t __________.” If your eight-year-old doesn’t even remember the skating expedition you took him on last December, that’s a good activity to cut from the list.
• Write on the family calendar any school concerts or performances. Also, consider how you want to help out at school. Baking? Donating juice? Doing a project? By letting your child know now, you have a better chance that the tasks assigned fit the time you have to devote to them.
• As soon as any adult activities are scheduled, book your favorite sitter immediately.

Simplifying Gifts in This Day of “Too Much”

American families of the past limited the number of gifts they gave simply because they didn’t rely on plastic. Without credit cards, family members bought only what they had cash for. Parents know from years past that if a child receives 10 different gifts, only one or two of them have “staying power.” (And think how much tidier your house would be if you could limit the number of toys in the house!)

• In preparation for the new toys your children will receive, ask them to sort through their old ones. Broken toys and incomplete games should be thrown out; “gently used” items should be donated. Some families pass on to cousins items such as tricycles, bikes and dollhouses so they are always being used by someone.
• Encourage your children to give you and any other relatives a “gift of themselves.” A beautiful drawing by your four-year-old or a list of “Ten Favorite Things I Like to Do With Mommy (or Daddy)” will bring everyone more pleasure than any purchased item could possibly bring.

Out and About

• For holiday outings, a large tote is indispensable. Use it to hold coats (roll them) and to store umbrellas, hats and mittens. Tuck the tote under your seat and enjoy the performance without worrying that your little one may have kicked the umbrella out into the aisle.

Ending in Style

• Enlist extra hands in putting away. If children are old enough to decorate, they are old enough to put away.
• Note what worked and what didn’t work this year. (How big was the tree? When did you feel over-scheduled?) Notes that you can refer to next December will make all the difference.

What tips have you found useful for getting through the busy holiday season?