With Christmas approaching, you must be busy preparing for the festivities. However, amidst all the fun and frolic, knowing what not to do during this magical time of the year is vital to avoid ruining the celebration for your kids. Here are certain things that you, as a parent, should not do during Christmas to ensure a joyful holiday season with your loved ones.
1. Overspending on gifts
During Christmas, lavish gift-giving and indulgent feasts are mandatory. While it’s natural to want to spoil your child with gifts on this particular day, it’s crucial not to go overboard. Spending without a budget can lead to financial stress in the upcoming year and set unrealistic expectations with your little ones. Instead, go for meaningful gifts that will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
2. Setting high expectations
Never set your kid’s expectations way too high for the holiday season. Whether it be gifts, decor, holiday getaways, etc., as a parent, always try to hold yourself back during Christmas. If you set the bar high this time, your kids might expect bigger and better things next year. And if you fail to deliver, they may feel disappointed.
Giving your munchkins high expectations starts a vicious cycle of expecting more as the years pass, and there might be times when it will be hard to meet the same. So, to save all that emotional turmoil, set realistic goals because gifts are not about the money you spend but the thought behind them. Moreover, this will help your kids understand that simple things can also bring joy.
3. Neglecting quality time with family
The essence of the holiday season is to spend quality time with your family. However, parents tend to get caught up in the preparations and neglect spending quality time with their kids during Christmas. Instead of stressing about the food and decor, spend time with your family and partake in activities that strengthen family bonds.
Be it baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, going through old albums, or decorating the tree together, try to make every minute count to create lasting memories because the winter break will be over in no time, and your little ones will be back in school in the blink of an eye.
4. Ignoring self-care
It’s natural for parents to prioritize the happiness of their children. However, ignoring yourself during the holiday season can lead to exhaustion and burnout. So, try to indulge in some self-care amidst the chaos. Take out some “me” time to relax and rejuvenate. Do activities that make you happy. By looking after yourself, you’ll be better equipped to create a positive atmosphere for your loved ones.
5. Wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve
Wrapping gifts a day before the celebration is never a good idea. Things get stressful and messy, plus Christmas morning will be rough if you stay up wrapping presents on Christmas Eve. So, wrap the gifts weeks before the big day and store them somewhere the kids can’t reach. You can keep the wrapped gifts neatly in a box (preferably opaque if you are trying to hide them from your kids) in your garage or at your parent’s house and pick them up on Christmas Eve.
6. Fighting with each other
No matter how annoyed you are with your partner, do not pick a fight during Christmas, especially in front of your kids. It will dampen the festive mood, and your kids might no longer enjoy the holiday season. Plus, all the arguments will create a bad Christmas memory for everyone. Hence, talking to your partner in your room or when your kids are sleeping or playing outside is best. Also, try to resolve the differences before the celebrations to enjoy Christmas as one happy family.
‘Tis the season to be jolly! As a parent, avoid doing these things during Christmas, and you will surely enjoy the holiday season with your kiddos.
