Tricks and Treats for a Low-Stress Holiday Season
As the air cools and the sunlight begins to change, the onset of Fall brings fresh excitement for many families. The novelty of a new school year may have worn off, but October brings classroom parties, haunted houses, hayrides, and enough candy to last an entire season. While there certainly is plenty to be excited about, it is important to manage your time well and not allow the fun of the holiday season to overwhelm you or your family. To help stay on top of things and keep Fall fun, here are some helpful hints to ensure your holiday season remains low-stress:
Schedule Family Time
Taking some intentional time away from smartphones and tablets can be a refreshing opportunity for you and your family. Fall is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy fun experiences with one another- from pumpkin carving to bonfires to decorating, there’s something everyone can get into. Consider some gentle encouragement for the whole family to put down the screens and spend some time making memories together.
Plan Ahead
Things can get busy quickly this time of year, and school events or play dates can sneak up on the best of us. When we lose track of even one or two of these, that can easily lead to late, grumpy nights spent trying to finish up a project or cram in a study session for a test. By keeping an eye on your family’s weekly commitments, you can help avoid stressful nights or weekends, and instead, go out and enjoy the season.
Moderate Candy Intake
Whether it’s chocolate, sour, caramel, or nuts, there are enough candy options out there to give every kid something to love (and adults, too). During the Halloween season, it’s OK to allow your children to have some candy throughout the week, but it’s important to keep it to a minimum and cycle in other foods along the way. To keep things fun, consider prepping trays of chopped fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese, or let your kids make their own trail mix bags with nuts, pretzels, coconut flakes, and little bits of chocolate or dried fruit.
Consider Costume Management
Every Halloween season brings new opportunities for children to come up with their next great idea. However, an amazing idea for a costume can easily turn into an uphill battle as the afternoon or evening drags on, sometimes leaving parents wearing more of the costume than their children. Choosing comfy shoes or footwear, keeping accessories to a minimum for ease of travel, and ensuring the costume maintains a comfortable temperature will all go a long way towards ensuring everyone has the best time possible.