Welcome to December and all of its cool weather, spiced snacks, and irregular schedules. While the holiday season is a time of early sunsets, parties, and end of school year concerts and events, it can also be a time of increased family stress due to social pressures, loss of routine, and so many other factors. 

Here are some simple ideas to consider and incorporate into this season so you can increase the likelihood of an overall positive holiday season for yourself and your family:

• Keep a somewhat stable routine. 

• Include your kids by creating a holiday schedule that they have a say in. Maybe it's a slightly later bedtime or a different morning routine. Making those changes explicit can help reduce stress around the changing routine. 

• Include kids in the holiday party or event schedule.

• It’s a lot easier for (many) adults to adapt to changes in a schedule or remembering lots of different events. Most kids don’t have the ability to do that yet. They need lots of reminders, lots of input, and lots of patience. They may not remember that there is a party - even if you’ve reminded them many times - until the night of! Gentle, regular reminders in the hours and minutes before an event will help them adjust to this disruption in routine. Plus, parties are a lot for kids! For some kids, having a plan about what they are going to do, where they can go to chill out, and how long they are expected to stay can relieve a lot of worry. 

• Create new rituals and customs around giving and community.

• The origin of the Santa Claus story is one of generosity, building community, and giving to those in our community with need. Read more of that fascinating and odd history here. Humans are naturally giving and empathetic. We can support building compassion and empathy by incorporating those skills into our holiday plans. Collaborate with your kids to come up with ways to support your community.  

• Some ideas:

• Donate gifts to local organizations that provide gifts to families in need.

• Make and decorate cookies to give to neighbors.

• Find ways to be of service incorporating your kids interests. Walk a dog at the shelter! Clean up trash at the park. Surprise your favorite coffee shop barista with a homemade card or gift card. 

• Make time for rest, affection, and care.

• Remind your kids what you like about them.

• Focus on the great qualities! Celebrate wins and improvement.

• Cuddle and drink cocoa and watch cheesy movies.

Here’s to a restful, generous, loving end of year celebration. Happy Holidays and here’s to a connected and peaceful New Year!