Several years ago the following scenario took place during the holidays.
Our entire family were to connect and celebrate Christmas eve at my mom and dads house. This included my husband and myself,3 siblings and spouses and between us all we had 8 grand kids under 8!!
The party was to start at 5:00 pm. with dinner first and then gifts.
This is how I remember the celebration proceeding.....
*My parents, putting endless hours of preparation and planning into a "fairy tale" Christmas eve.
*Exhausted and hassled parents carting in kids,presents,food,highchairs,pack-n-plays and diaper bags.
*Delicious dinner....Rib roast,mashed potatoes,gravy,several kinds of vegetables and salads.....I ate mine cold because I was up from the table 6 times to "cut meat", clean a spill,change a diaper or nurse a baby!
*Kids begging to open gifts.....parents "trying" to visit.....babies getting sleepy and ready for bed.
*Read Christmas story
*Opened presents
*Tired kids started to fuss and whine....
*Exhausted Parents load up kids,presents,highchairs,pack-n-plays and diaper bags.
It is only 8:30....party and celebration over....My parents disappointed because we had to leave so soon....My siblings and I disappointed because we had so little time to visit.....the grand kids crying because it is the thing to do when you are tired!
O.K......that was a depressing story....but can you relate????
Gleaning from this experience....following are a few suggestions to make the most of your holiday gatherings when there are little ones involved.
*Start the celebration earlier in the day. Perhaps right after nap time.
*Open presents first so the children have something new to occupy them while the parents enjoy each others company.
*Hire a sitter to babysit the younger children while older children and parents enjoy a relaxing meal together.
*Instead of a full course dinner, try a dessert bar or hot and cold appetizers.
*Bring a new video for the older children to watch when they get restless.
*Use paper plates.
*Allow the older kids to spend the night at grandpa and grandmas to prolong the festivities.
My grandma used to say, "This too shall Pass" (I am sure she was referreing to her kidney stones). No, seriously.....this season of your life will go by very quickly...try to set realistic expectations,be flexible and make the most of your holiday gatherings.
No comments:
Post a Comment