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How to Ensure Holiday Cheer for Your
Whole Family with a Sound Morning Routine
When the holidays roll around, families and
stress seem to go hand-in-hand. However, by establishing a concrete routine for
the mornings, you can set your whole gang up for success. Here’s essential
advice for ensuring the holiday season is smooth sailing for you and yours.
Holidays
and Stress
Everyone loves the idyllic version of the holiday
season we all see in classic films. However, dreaming of a sentimental and
relaxing celebration and living it out aren’t typically one and the same. In
fact, some studies indicate 45
percent of Americans would actually prefer to skip right past the
biggest holidays of the year, avoiding the drama and angst the season brings
with it. Thankfully, you can help your whole family through the holidays with a
few simple strategies.
Let Go of
Perfection
One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying the
holiday season is perfectionism. You might not even realize
you’re hanging onto unrealistic expectations, but you might be putting pressure
on yourself to find the “perfect” gifts, bake the “perfect” holiday desserts,
decorate a “perfect” tree, have the house looking “perfect” for your guests —
well, you get the picture. Instead, focus on making memories. Enjoy your
children, sing some carols, let the kids put together the tree, and play silly
holiday games. If guests are coming and you can squeeze it into your budget,
hire a cleaning service to cut time and energy spent on chores, which will be
better spent doing other things. What’s more, it also improves your family’s
efficiency in the morning. Just keep in mind that the national average to hire
a professional cleaning service ranges from $116 to $235.
Steady on
Through Special Times
Time away from school, work, and other
commitments can often mean your family members end up with schedules that are
all over the place. Sleeping late, eating at odd times, and rushing to your
obligations can lead to feeling harried and off-kilter. According to experts at
Utah State University Extension, simply establishing a solid routine and sticking with it can help
every member of your family feel better, from the youngest to oldest —
including yourself. Setting expectations can help everyone feel prepared and
provides a sense of control, which reduces stress and anxiety and eases any
sense of confusion.
While the holidays can be more relaxed than other
times of the year, prioritizing normal sleeping and eating habits can help body
rhythms remain the same, lowering strain physically and mentally. Real Simple recommends hanging onto some
other basic practices as well, such as brushing and
flossing teeth. It’s a great way to reinforce what’s important for your kids’
health.
Hone in on
Unhealthy Choices
Holiday celebrations often include indulgences.
While you want everyone in your family to enjoy the season, there is such a
thing as too much of a good thing. Keep in mind that your family members need
good sleep in order to stick to the morning regimen, and it’s important for
adults in the family to stay on track as well as the kids. Similarly, when it
comes to special snacks and drinks, pay attention to how much
you and your children consume, especially later in the day. Sugary foods and beverages, caffeine, and
alcohol can all wreak havoc with sleep habits. If you’re looking for festive
nibbles that won’t interfere with sleep, Reader’s Digest recommends foods such as walnuts, cheese and crackers,
pretzels, hummus, and cereal.
When the holidays are coming close, it’s more
important than ever to reinforce good habits in your family members. Clarify
priorities and stick to a strong morning regimen. With a healthy plan in place,
you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday season with good cheer.
About the Author:
Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At
DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with information and
resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is
parenthood.
