Spending a nice and peaceful christmas time with children
Christmas is just around the corner. For children this time is magical: writing a wishlist, waiting for Santa Claus, baking cookies and the exciting question what presents there will be under the tree. For parents on the other hand this time can be quite stressful. There is so much to do! So much to take care of! So much to prepare and to think of!
Especially during this intensive time of the pandemic, a lot of parents are longing for some peace and quiet, shorter to-do lists and more time to just sit and breathe. Before Christmas is becoming pure stress, we want to help you out with some tips to prevent just this.
Most importantly- the Christmas season is all about spending time with family and friends. We don’t desperately need to make it something special. Instead, we should try to enjoy the time. Dedicate your time to things, you (and your kids) really like. Everyone has a list of things that need to be done. Think – just like Marie Kondo and her “KonMari-method” – about which tasks bring you joy and what makes you feel pressured, no matter if it is baking cookies, decorating your home, crafting with your children, or going to the Christmas market. Go for the things which make you and your children feel good. Get rid of unnecessary expectations with a good conscience.
Baking cookies:
What would Christmas time be without cookies? Baking together with children can be fun. If you enjoy it- do it! But it can also cause immense stress. Bought cookies also taste great. And, if you are up for it, can also be decorated.
Tip: You can also bake real simple cookies. For example, Cookie dough rolls. The dough can be easily made, kept in the fridge and be cut out and decorated. Just like you want!
Crafting:
There are children and parents which craft all year long and which really enjoy it. But also if that’s not you: Christmas time is a great time for crafts! The weather is often grey and cold and it’s cozy to stay inside. And there are enough reasons: Christmas tree decorations, decorations for all the rooms or presents for friends and family. You can find a lot of inspiration in the depth of the internet for all ages and all kind of occasions.
We listed some for you:
- There are a lot of accounts on Instagram which specialized on crafting with kids. For example @diekindergartenpaedagogin, @bastelnmitkinder oder @ginasbunterkinderblog
- You can find a lot of different possibilites on Pinterest- an online pinboard, where you can collect ideas. For example “Crafting ideas christmas children”
- There are some more platforms like GEOlino, which present different ideas for crafts.
Tip: The goal is not a perfect crafting experience. It is more about the excitement of doing something TOGETHER.
Christmas markets:
What would Christmas time be without Christmas markets? There are some who hate them and some who love them. If you and your children love it- let’s go! Inform yourself about the conditions under which the Christmas markets near you take place. The communication with friends and acquaintances helps to find smaller markets, which are easier to manage with children, offside from the big Christmas markets.
Tip: The right choice of clothes is important for a visit of the Christmas market. Nothing can end a trip as suddenly as cold hand or feet.
Rituals:
Rituals are a nice component of the Christmas time. Maybe it’s opening the advent calendar every morning after waking up, lighting the candles on the wreath, a shared breakfast on advent Sundays or hot tea with cookies in the afternoons?
Maybe it is to pick out the Christmas tree together as a family and to decorate it or to read a Christmas book every evening? Is there maybe even an elf at your house? You can, but you don’t have to! Think about what feels good with your family and create your own rituals.
And before we wish you a nice Christmas time, remember: it is all about a nice, peaceful and relaxing Christmas time!
We wish you a merry Christmas time!
Your Team from Viva Familyservice
