Christmas season is in full swing. Most likely that means you have one, two, (or maybe more) Christmas gatherings on your calendar. Here are a few ways to be intentional and to ensure that your time spent together is merry and bright.
1.) Communicate Expectations to Children
As moms many times we have certain expectations for our children’s behavior at family functions. However, we don’t always take the time to communicate those prior to the actual event. This can lead to frustration for both child and parent. Depending on the age of the child, of course, this may not be appropriate. But even toddlers can be gently reminded prior to arrival to say thank you for their gifts, and to share some of their new toys with other children. For older children there may be expectations around technology use during the event, or the assumption that they will refrain from comments about departure times. Taking time to discuss expectations before the holiday gathering can ensure that everyone is on the same page.