If your household is anything like mine then your kids are about to set up camp for the Holiday season right at your feet. Don’t panic. Well, panic a little and then get over it. Make a Christmas/New Year game plan to provide a little structure in an otherwise melting pot of eating, sleeping and…chaos.
These few weeks at the turn of the year have the potential to be filled with the very hope, peace and awesome fun that this season brings. That said, if you can find a balance between the must-do’s, want-to-do’s, and total apathy you’re headed in the right direction.
Here are some thoughts on how to both create and manage a game plan:
1. Connect with your spouse or close friends and discuss the must-do’s on your holiday list (family parties etc.) as well as brainstorm the want-to-do winter events. Pencil these on the calendar and you’re off to a great start.
2. At your next family meal with the kids, grandparents or crazy Uncle Bob living in your basement etc. ask for their thoughts on winter vacation to-do’s (sledding, gaming, joining the Polar Bear Club). Make some notes without criticism and later that evening pencil in some more thoughts on the holiday calendar.
3. Now add some daily:
• free times allowing your kids (and yourself) to loaf, play, read, get creative and simply relax in their pajamas excessively.
• chores to continue to foster responsibility and service.
• family time: games, meals, holiday readings, movie nights etc.
4. Finally, and this is the most important piece, gather the troops together prior to the launch of winter vacation. With excitement and clarity walk through the holiday calendar together highlighting both the group activities and the bouts of total freedom.
Remember though, this is simply a game plan, not a charter. If plans need to change or are changed for you roll with it. Grab some coffee, pull of the calendar and do a little rearranging as needed.
If you are leading a family then you are an event coordinator. You plan, you create, you work hard and you cast vision. This is a season for casting vision on all fronts, practically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually. A little extra work this week will provide a little extra hope, peace and awesome fun in the coming ones.
Article submitted by Rich Dyson
Rich and his family are recent returnee’s to the Akron area and he is more than excited to show off his old stomping grounds to his young children. Aside from street-side exploration he’s spent much of his time connecting the local church to the community at large. And writing is a fun addition as well.