Setting Holiday Expectations
Setting expectations can help the holidays be more joyful for all!
So, you are making progress with your decluttering, but dreading the upcoming holiday season because you are anticipating the deluge of new "stuff" that will be coming into your home. Toys, clothes, decorations, food, etc.
How can we prepare for the season so it doesn't become so overwhelming? Perhaps these tips will help:
Continue to declutter (this habit will become natural as time goes on)
Encourage your children to donate a few toys to make room for new ones
Set expectations with family members - Experiences and memberships are great options. But, some family members will want to give your child a gift. Be clear when you give ideas. Give them ideas for items you think will compliment what your child already has. For example: a set of manga tiles or legos that can be used with other sets.
Set a budget and stick to it. Discuss limits, ahead of time, for extended family members or gift exchanges.
Scale back gift giving - Being thoughtful in the ones we select, over the quantity of gifts.
Set expectations with children (this can work for children age 4 and older) Make a list with your child - 4 items - Something you WANT, something you NEED, something you CAN WEAR, something you CAN READ. I'm sure there are other prompts you can use to help your children with their lists. It's not an endless list. The expectation is set - four gifts.
Tell your child what to expect - what will happen - you are teaching them about your traditions and values. Talk about the schedule for the day and your expectations for behavior (especially around gift giving and getting). When children are off their typical schedule for eating, resting, and activity or they are placed in situations that only occur at holiday / celebration times, their behaviors can be more extreme (until they have the capacity to self-regulate). Knowing these big emotions are typical for young children can help you prepare and feel less overwhelmed by them. Anticipate and think about how you would like to respond.
Know it's ok to say "No Thank You" or opt out. One year, when my children were out of elementary school, I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and I decided to let go of sending out the holiday cards. I took something off my "to do list", and I have never regretted it. Another decision that really helped me enjoy the holiday a bit more was when we decided not to visit both sides of the family in one day. We started to visit one family on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day. I really wish I had done that one sooner!
Focus on the traditions and relationships - time together, special foods, games, and story telling
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season,