by Rosemari Trites

Created on: December 17, 2008

Baking, card writing, decorating, cleaning up before and after guests, wrapping, shopping, and oh yes let's not forget the regular stuff we have to do throughout a regular work week. It would be wonderful if December came with eight days in a week as opposed to seven, but it doesn't so we have to prioritize and muddle through. Then, the kids come home and the chorus of "I'm bored" starts.

We are so busy being busy we forget sometimes why we are doing all of this, it is for our families. Time needs to be scheduled for your family. In every neighborhood, community, and city, there are open to the public events that are usually free. Take for instance an open air concert in a public park. Kids may say they are not interested, until they get there and see that other parents have drug their kids too! Going out to a Christmas celebration of some kind will help put everyone in the mood of the season.

Create open time for your family by prioritizing which events are most important and say "no" to the rest. Most people really understand that you are a parent and you are busy this season. For example, the office party may be important if you are a titled employee or on your way up in the company, but the rest of us need only to make an appearance, not stay the whole night. Go home early and watch a holiday movie with the kids.

It is also fun to have holiday oriented activities for the kids to do at home. For example, children love to help in the kitchen. Give them a batch of cookie dough and cutters and let them have fun. They can also decorate with icing when the cookies cool off after baking. They can also make paper crafts to decorate their rooms and bedroom doors.

It is good to have a plan in place with several activities the kids and family can do together. Watching holiday movies, making tree ornaments, delivering gifts to family and friends can all be things that the family can enjoy together while enjoying the holiday spirit. It can also be memorable to see your children and whole family participating in the season, and it may even take some of the stress off of the parents to have everyone pitch in.

In our current climate, you may also wish to make time with your family to volunteer at a local shelter, or visit at a seniors home. We should all take time this season to remember all those in our communities who are less fortunate or alone this season. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach your family about charity and selflessness.

So whether you are crafting your way through the holidays or giving of yourself, you can involve your children at every phase of the operation. This can start new holiday traditions and create some fabulous family memories along the way. Enjoy this season, and your children, for soon this time in their lives will be over.

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