The holiday break is upon us and the kids are home! This is a great chance to spend quality time with your loved ones and participate in memorable holiday traditions. It can also be a time where kids can be stuck indoors with an abundance of treats and sugar, which can add stress to your holiday. It’s time to find your balance, look for new traditions, and enjoy the season.
Find Your Balance
Sugar cookies, candy canes and video games can consume your kids’ holiday break if you’re not careful. It can be enough to make any mom lose her mind! Start now to come up with a plan. There are many ways to incorporate a little more physical activity into the day, try new traditions and consume a little less sugar. However, realize that sugar, downtime and holiday movies are all okay in a holiday break as well. Balancing the two can end in perfect harmony. With a plan in place ahead of time, everyone can enjoy their holiday time off to the fullest.
Look for New Traditions
Here are some ways to incorporate a little more physical activity into the holidays.
- Take your crew ice skating.
- Take an afternoon hike to squeeze in a break in your day.
- Organize an evening of caroling around the neighborhood.
- Add an afternoon fun day! Consider spending time bowling, jumping at a trampoline park, or going swimming at an indoor pool.
- Limit screen time and challenge kids to think of their own activities.
- Involve your kids in holiday decorating, gift wrapping and holiday cheer. You may be surprised at how well they do!
Be Creative and Give Back
- After your baking session, make plates for neighbors, teachers and work friends to limit having sweets around the house for days.
- Try soap making, card making and crafting. Give these treats to those who may not expect it. This can be a great alternative to sugary snacks.
- Find a way to spread joy to those who need it. Give back to nursing homes, animal shelters or food pantries.
- Ask your kids what they are passionate about and who they would like to help. Look at their passions and build activities around them.
Change up Your Holiday Treat Plans
- Instead of all cookies and treats, challenge your kids to make a creative fruit and veggie tray.
- Use some easy substitutes. Many find that reducing sugar or fat in a recipe can make things a little healthier without changing the taste.
- Bring something healthy to a holiday party or gathering. You never know, it may be a big hit!
- Challenge your kids to try a new, healthy recipe. Many times, when it is something they like and prepare themselves, they are more likely to eat it.
Enjoy Your Holiday
Above all, celebrate this holiday the way you want to. Spend time with those you love, lower your expectations and take a breather. Many times, increased expectations leads to increased stress. Make this holiday easy, stress-free and all about you and your family.
