3 Simple Ways to Make Family Celebrations Special for Kids
Holidays can have a way of causing stress instead of the joy we hope for from these family traditions. We want our children to have wonderful memories of childhood and we put a lot of pressure on holidays and celebrations to provide those memories. What are some low stress ways to make these family celebrations memorable?
Making holidays memorable, not more stressful
Here are some ways you can add fun to the celebration and include your child in the process. When you tap into your children’s bubbling joy about celebrating with their family I bet you’ll find yourself more energized too. When your kids contribute to a holiday celebration in a meaningful way, you help create those childhood memories because your child gets to experience how valuable they are to the family.
3 Simple Ways Kids Can Contribute to Family Celebrations
1. Ask them to decorate for you. This doesn’t have to be complicated –
- They can draw pictures that you use as placemats or placecards or to hang near the table.
- You can ask them to create a centerpiece using items from nature, maybe some of their own toys, or seasonal items you only take out at this time of year.
- You could teach them how to make a paper chain out of strips of paper and a stapler and hand them construction paper with seasonal colors.
2. Let them put finishing touches on a holiday meal – It might feel overwhelming to have your child cook a whole dinner with you, but maybe you can call them in and ask for help with parts of the preparation. They could arrange rolls in a basket, sprinkle paprika on Deviled eggs, or toss the cherry tomatoes into the salad. You can find a little task to pass on and give them a great feeling of contributing to am important family occasion.
3. Ask your child what they look forward to about the upcoming holiday.
They might surprise you by telling you about the food you “always” make which you’ve only made twice, or the family activity you did last year that you didn’t realize made such an impression. This can give you some insight into the activities that make a strong connection with your kids; put your energy into those activities and worry less about the rest.
Your kids don’t want perfection. They want connection with you. They want to feel valued. And hey, they’re kids – they want to have FUN. If we do what we can to loosen up and enjoy ourselves, we will definitely make holiday memories that our kids will treasure the rest of their lives.
Connection not Perfection
More resources on ways to celebrate with your family:
- Fun ways to celebrate small victories – Here’s how you can pause to say This is GOOD in your ordinary life.
- 10 Terrific Birthday Traditions to Delight your Kids
- The Artful Year – Creating and celebrating all year with kids
- Creative Easter Basket Fillers – what the bunny can bring that inspires creative play
Let’s chat! What simple, low-stress tips do you have for including kids in preparing for a holiday of other family celebration? Leave your ideas for how to include the kids by commenting below.
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