No wonder the holidays compel us to act like Supermoms. There’s the tree to trim, presents to purchase, elaborate dinners to cook, rooms to clean, a houseful of visiting relatives to entertain. And with the kids home from school, it can be even harder to downsize the to-do list.Girl, hang up your cape and consider your options. The truth is, it’s possible—and less stressful—to get through the holidays without the hustle and bustle. All that’s required is planning, flexibility and the willingness to take some shortcuts. To help you get started, we sought the advice of a few experts for dealing with the following situations: Shopping for presents Stress Builders.
Carting your children from crowded store to crowded store as you search in vain for the perfect gift in the right size and color. Hearing your little one wail every time you haven’t bought her something she sees and wants—and resisting the urge to go ballistic. Stress Busters
“The holidays are about being present, not presents,” says Dr. Gail Gross, an expert in family and child development in Houston, Texas. “The best gift you can give is the gift of time.” Easy homemade presents, such as baked cookies or a photograph in a decorated frame, are one thoughtful way to add a personal touch to your gift giving and involve your children in the process. Or shop on-line and avoid the stores altogether. But if you must venture to the local mall, Natalie Gahrmann, author of Succeeding as a Super Busy Parent (Infinity Publishing), gives these tips: Try one-stop shopping Select a venue, like Target, Wal-Mart or another large department store, where you can purchase everything from clothing and CDs to books and bed linens, which should satisfy everyone on your list. Keep it short Limit the length of time you spend in the stores by making a list before you leave the house and sticking to it. And instead of combing every store in the mall, narrow your search to a few well-selected stops. It will minimize griping from the kids, especially if they’re well fed and well rested before you go out, Gahrmann says. Make it a pleasure, not a chore Let your child help decide what to give the folks on your list. Then he’ll feel as if he’s involved, not just tagging along. Swap shopping time If bringing the kids along is unmanageable, have a friend or relative watch them as you shop, then return the favor. Simplify If you can’t decide what to get, give yourself permission to buy everyone gift certificates and call it a day. How do you make the holidays simple for your children? Share your parenting tips below. |
