Holiday season is here again and this year it came in really fast. I feel like I was just putting on flip-flops to visit our local pool!
There are lots of things to do to prepare for the holidays. Shopping, cleaning, cooking, sending out holiday cards and going to the post office are just a few tasks that come to mind.
Holiday preparations involve time and money management and can take away from important everyday things that keep your family on a "regular" schedule.
When the adults in children's lives get busy, it's easy to get frustrated. Here are three ways to find time other than family time to get holiday chores done.
So what can you do when you absolutely need to get things done? One simple way to help with time management is to get some of the items on your holiday to-do list taken care of when kids are in school.
If you have the opportunity to get time off during a week day or if you already have some daytime hours free, doing a little shopping while the kids are in school means that there are less lines to wait in, more parking spaces and retail associates with less stress.
Getting some baking done during the day means a great smelling house when the kids get home and the possibility of some highly-qualified "taste testers!"
Let the kids decorate cookies, package them up, hand-address labels and even help with dishes!
A second way to get things done, and still have family time every day, is to schedule your holiday chores while the kids are at their extra-curricular activities.
Most karate schools, dance schools, churches or after-school sports will allow you to drop your kids off during class time.
Leaving your kiddos with a trusted coach or teacher can allow for a little extra time to get things done while your children enjoy their normal routine. Just make sure you clear it with your child's teacher first and alway be sure to pick them up on time.
The families at Community Karate and Fitness know that as long as mom or dad have left their cell phone number with us, let us know where they are going and when to expect them back, that it's ok to occasionally leave their kids with us during class. We even give parents a 15-minute before and after window to give them more time to get things done.
Lastly, work together with another family. Host a friend's kids for a movie night while they get some shopping done and then they can do the same for you!It's a great way to foster community, feel helpful/helped and know that your kids are not bored, but getting a special night out.
Ok, these aren't my kids, but pets need fun time too!
I like to help out and watch my "grand-dog" Franklin, a one-year old Newfoundland, when my daughter needs time to get things done so that he isn't home alone.
My dog Cricket, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, loves when her best friend Franklin comes to visit!
Reduce your holiday stress level by helping others and allow yourself to be helped too.
I hope you find these tips useful to help you enjoy the holiday season!
