Involving Your Family

Involving Your Family

Today your challenge is to talk to each person in your household and ask them questions about Christmas such as:

What is your favorite Christmas food?

What is your favorite Christmas activity?

What is your favorite Christmas song?

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

When you compile your list this will give you ideas about what is important to those closest to you during the Christmas season.  You might just be surprised at what makes the holiday special to those around you.

With this information in hand see how you might change somethings during your Christmas season.  If everybody only really want the same 3 or 4 holiday treats (cookies, candies, etc.) then consider cutting out the other 8 things you make to have a "variety" at the house.  On the other hand if it is important to the children to have a movie night as a family activity and not going to the Nutcracker this year - save the $200 in tickets/dinner and order a pizza, buy a movie and stay in for the night for under $50.

By asking the above questions you can create a Christmas celebration around things everyone in the family enjoys and not just what you think they want to do.  The first time I did this challenge I was really shocked at what my children wanted to do and what memories they had about Christmas - lets just say I saved a bunch of money and made some great memories with my family ever since.

Also do not be afraid to ask your family to help with aspects of your Christmas Organizing planning or items that need to be done.  My friend Melisa last year took all the gifts she had purchased for her husband's side of the family, wrapping paper, tape, and tags and handed them to him and had him wrap the gifts.  She said it was a great stress reducer to just pass that one thing along.  What can you get help with from your family?  Maybe have the kids help make the Christmas goodies with you - will they be perfect - no, is that ok - yes!  And just think of the memories you will have.

This is one way you can use to help reduce your Christmas stress - just let go and involve your family!