Relieving Christmas Anxiety for Children
For a child, Christmas is the most exciting holiday of all. They
look forward to the Christmas tree, lights, presents, stockings,
make-believe Santa Claus, wishlists, snowmen & many more
aspects. It is easy for adults to forget how excited children
become when the arrival of Christmas draws near. Of course the
children only seem to think about the presents, but it is
actually more than that. What child doesn't enjoy visiting a
store just to watch a toy train go around and around the fake
Christmas tree? What about the snow and the snowmen they build?
Or the lights that blink or sing songs? Maybe it is the cookies
grandma makes? Or Aunt Lily's beef roast? Or the warm pajamas
they are in when they run down to check what it is their
stockings? Or is it the enchanting story about the newborn long
ago who was actually the Son of God? Whatever the case may be,
Christmas is the most exciting holiday for most youngsters. It
is a combination of magic (lights, snowmen, snowflakes, etc),
family, good food, presents & stories. Everyone remembers how
important the holiday was to them once, but somehow we have
forgotten how wonderful it really is. Rather than worrying about
what present we are going to buy Aunt Martha, we should be
enjoying the holiday. Why not take Johnny & go sledding today?
This is why it is crucial that we get all of our holiday
shopping done early. I usually start my shopping in September,
and I like to have most presents bought by the 1st of December.
This way, I can relax during the wonderful holiday. Why not
create memories instead of sharing your stress? If you enjoy the
holiday, your child will enjoy it ten times more.
Create a plan which will acomplish two tasks. The first "task"
your plan will accomplish is to help your child wait for
Christmas. The second and most important goal is that it will
help you remember why the holiday is so special. Remember that
fun time with your child doesn't have to cost money. Create a
plan to do one special thing every day for the 24 days before
Christmas (starting December 25th). Your plan may look like the
following:
1. Make homemade Christmas cards with your child and mail them
to grandparents. Maybe incluce a photo of your child.
2. Make a Christmas wishlist with your child and mail it to the
relatives.
3. Build a Snowman with your child or have a snow fight.
4. Make homemade Christmas ornaments.
5. Set up the Nativity and read the story of Jesus. Let your
child "act out the story" with the figurines.
6. Make Christmas cookies or fudge with your child.
7. Go to the store and let your child pick out a gift to give to
the needy.
8. Create a relaxing atmosphere. Turn off all of the lights
except the Chritmas tree lights. Then use candles and/or a fire
in the fireplace to create a warm enviroment. Make some apple
cider or hot cocoa. Then spend the evening reading stories to
your child.
9. Wrap presents with your child and put them under the tree.
10. Go out to eat. Let your child choose where you plan to eat.
11. Put together a puzzle with your child.
12. Teach your child a new card game.
13. Go to a Movie Theater & Buy a big tub of buttered popcorn.
(It's ok. Indulge yourself). Can't afford the Movie Theatre?
Make up a pretend movie theatre at home! Make popcorn, rent a
movie and use fake money & fake paper movie tickets.
14. Visit a grandparents house.
15. Make your child's favorite meal.
16. Make paper snowflakes together and hang them in the window.
17. Have each member of the family make notes for all of the
other family members. Inside the notes, write a letter to that
family member which includes what you appreciate about that
family member. Then seal the envelope and decorate it with
stickers. Young family members can draw pictures for each member
of the family.
18. Dust off the Christmas Carol CD and play it.
19. Remember to plan a night out with your husband to get to
know each other better. Leave the children with a FUN
babysitter. Allow the children to order out pizza or go see a
movie.
20. Make sure all of your presents are bought and wrapped. Let
your child participate in putting together all of the last
minute preparations.
21. Decorate your yard for the arrival of relatives.
22. Let your child help you bake the food.
23. Declare the day a NO VIDEO GAMES ALLOWED day. Prepare fun
activities for the two of you to do all day.
24. Visit relatives or prepare a fun time together at home.
Whatever activities you plan, they will help both you and your
child focus on the fun times you can enjoy in preparation for
the holiday season.