Getting Ready for Holidays

The winter holidays are one of the most fun and family-friendly times of the year, but they can also be a challenge. The pressure around the holidays can be considerable, especially when making a plan for kids. As always, other concerns come up: holiday weather, arranging plans with relatives, buying gifts, planning meals, and much more. Having a great time during the holidays, and effectively planning for kids and holidays can be challenging!

But the holidays should not be stressful and should be enjoyed as a wonderful, cozy time with family. If you are looking for some tips for how to have a wonderful holiday season and happy time with family during the coming winter season in the midwest, read on!

What Are Some Common Traditions?

Developing a tradition is a great way to take the pressure off of managing kids and holidays and focus on what really matters: spending time and creating lasting memories with friends and family.

There are plenty of great family activities that can make for a wonderful time for you and your loved ones. If you are looking for something new or just need a little refresher to take the edge off, consider the following options.

Arts and Crafts

You can take that DIY spirit a step further by making arts and crafts a consistent holiday tradition. In addition to holiday decorations, crafting can be a great way to make gifts for family and friends — and a great outlet for kids and holidays — in a way that is both wholesome and cost-effective!

You can make something as simple as wrapping paper or as complex as an ornament. There are no limits to the creative possibilities when doing arts and crafts as a family!

Volunteering

Of course, the holiday season is also about giving back. This year, consider volunteering together as a family. You can help out at a local food bank for a day or even bake homemade meals for a local shelter or soup kitchen.

For some families, time is tight — but there are always ways to help. If you cannot spend the time at a local charity or nonprofit, consider making a family donation — of money, or even used clothes or toys — to a local charity.

Connecting with the Community

The holidays are a time for connection, and one of the best ways to do that is to get to know your neighbors better. There are many ways this can be done. You might consider joining together to host a neighborhood potluck or block party, to let parents and children mingle and get to know each other better.

How Holiday Traditions Start?

Some families have Christmas, Chanukah, and other holiday traditions going back years or even generations. Of course, some families do not! While this might feel intimidating, it is important to remember that a tradition need not begin in any particular way. In other words, just by starting a new activity one year, you can ultimately allow it to blossom into a long-lasting family tradition!

If you’ve never gone caroling before or never donated time at a food bank, it isn’t too late to start! Try it out this year — and if you find it works well for your family, it can become a regular holiday tradition!

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