During the holidays, kids get cranky. They eat too much sugar – that we give them. They get overtired because we overcommit to attending every event we can squeeze in. They take it for granted that Santa will bring them every little trinket they desire even if the elves can’t get it loaded on the sleigh in time for the big Christmas Eve drop. They have unrealistic expectations for the perfect holiday celebration. So do we by the way. Looking at you, Hallmark!
Cue the insistence on homemade cookies for Santa (remembered right at bedtime), overstuffed stockings and heaps of gifts. It’s about the sheer volume of the pile for the little ones. Mix in crazy bedtimes, some shuttling between the homes of parents and extended family and it all gets seriously overwhelming. Meltdown with your Mint Meltaways anyone???
We thought of some ideas to escape the madness:
- Go for a walk around the neighborhood to see the Holiday decorations
- Dust off your boardgames
- Plan a night of skating at your local outdoor skating rink
- Pull out your colouring books and crayons
- Exercise your brain with Sudoku or a Crossword Puzzle
What are your top strategies to avoid falling into the beckoning rabbit hole of your phone?