I could use stress reduction. The grandchildren are wild right now. All they hype with tv, school and their friends don't help. I really want to spoil them for Christmas but I have one grandchild that is causing his mother major problems and I feel like if I spoil him it is rewarding his bad behavior. I don't know what to do.
I'm afraid I don't do particularly well during the holidays. No matter how I plan to plan, it always seems to be pretty stressful from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
Our local Episcopal church is having a stress reduction day which is open to the public. They will have simple yoga, healing touch, their labyrinth to walk and other ways to make the holidays less stressful. I'm planning to take full advantage.
I also love the idea of doing a family newsletter. This would be a great way to keep long distance family members in the loop so to speak. I am going to make it a point to type something up and include my kids on it. I think it would be interesting to hear what stands out them as memorable moments.
That sounds so cute! I should get busy on something like that myself. It would streamline sending out cards this season, as I wouldn't have to explain things over and over.
I went to the craft store the other day and found some really cute paper to print the newsletters on. It has snow at the top with snowmen having a snowball fight, and snowflakes running down the sides of the paper. It's really cute and cheery, plus I love snowmen! I've already written a rough draft of the letter; I should have it done by this weekend so I can start mailing them out by the end of the first week of December.
Let us know how it works, blue You could put things in like what has been happening, a little family gossip, what the weather conditins are expected to be so they know what to pack, community events that might be going on so that outtings could be planned, things like that. Then have your page outlining all the chores that will need to be done, and the you can break out the menu into categories, nibbles, appetizers, veggie/fruit salads/platters, side dishes, deserts, and you could say something like I'll be supplying the turkey/ham (whatever), and ask if there are offers to expand the main dish area.
Then relax and enhoy the holidays with your family! Chances are they haven;t even realized how much work they have been dumping on you and that you haven;t been enjoying the holidays as much as they have. It also gives them an opportunity to show off their skills, special touches, favorite recipes
What a great idea Emily... a newsletter sent out the first week of November would be perfect and could even be sent to all in a matter of minutes if you use email. What a nice gift to yourself, peace of mind and a chance to really enjoy their company. Good luck to you all during the holidays, I hope that everything goes well for you. I am heading to my mom's house this afternoon for our Thanksgiving dinner so that we can all be there and then be with our extended families on Thanksgiving day.
I guess you are all right, it's just hard sometimes putting your foot down when it's family, you know? The last thing I want to do is make waves during the holidays. I love the idea about a newsletter though. I've heard of other people doing that but I never considered it before myself. It might really help me convey my feelings better. After all, don't they say writing your feelings down is actually therapeutic? lol
I completely agree with EmilyGrace! Unfortunately, if you let your family think it's ok to just "barge in", they will continue to do it because they haven't been told otherwise. Make your feelings known, gently, and in no uncertain terms back down! The holidays are supposed to be fun, happy times, not want to throw things through window times! lol
You have to ask for what you want, blue. You don't get it if you don't ask. Prior to the holidays sent out a kind of newsletter. Ask for an RSVP, and with it, what chore they will pledge to be responsible for, (ie, cleaning a specific room for the duration of their stay, kitchen prep, clean up, laundry, child care, etc.), and which part of the holiday meal they will be responsible for. If they fail to return the paper, make sure to make a call well in advance of their arrival, go over what items are still needing to be claimed and get thier verbal commitment. The kids can be included, too, kepping play areas in order, feeding pets, trash patrol, et cetra.
When they arrive, have a chart/program/roster ready to give to each family member so that they will be reminded of their commitment to making the holiday a success.
I'm so sorry bluejazz. We have had family for the holidays so I can totally understand. I try to have most everything ready before the big day. I do a little each day to prepare. That seems to help. If we have family staying with us my hubby makes breakfast each day and cleans up. It helps to have someone pitch in.
I agree about the holiday stress. I just got my "list" of what others are bringing for Thanksgiving. Lets just say, I'll be doing 99% of the cooking while others complain it's not done quick enough! Oh well, I love them, but boy I don't like the stress involved.
