How to Make the Holidays More About Family

I go through the same thing every year. The family arrives about 4, we rush through the hellos, and then everyone gets to work. The gifts are put under the tree, and at least 5 people make their way to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. We eat, open gifts, clean up, and before I know it my family is out the door. I'm always left a little disappointed, feeling like I never actually talked to anyone, or had a chance to share any real moments with my family. The hustle and bustle of just getting everything done, and the work put in to the "show" of the holidays seem to be just too much if it means sacrificing quality time with those that I love. There are many ways to put real time with your family back into the holidays. Don't be afraid to change some old traditions, and create a few new ones that bring you closer to your family and friends!

As an example, this year, I'm doing a little planning ahead in attempt to reshape how my family celebrates the holidays. Our family celebrates Christmas, so on Christmas Eve, when we traditionally gather, I'm going to have everyone arrive an hour earlier than usual. Already we have more time to spend together, but how do I make that hour meaningful? I've come up with good ideas you can use for your own family holiday celebration.

Come up with a couple of simple projects your family can do together. There are a multitude of ideas for children and adults, but one I like is creating a gingerbread house.

To make it easy on yourself, simply pick up a ready made gingerbread house kit at a craft or grocery store, cover a table with a throw away tablecloth, and have it ready to go when the family arrives. This way, everyone has a chance to get together right away, and the kids have something to do while they wait to eat. Most importantly, this is a time to just enjoy your family and be creative. Take photos, and when the house is done, put it on display for everyone to enjoy after dinner. Clean up is easy, just pull up the tablecloth and throw away the mess!

If you don't care for crafts, try settling everyone in with drinks and a small snack, and start a conversation! Have each member of your family tell at least one thing about themselves, for example, an accomplishment or goal they reached, what they are doing at work or school, or what their new hobbies are. This way, everyone talks and we get to know our family and friends a little better!

Another way to bond with family is to cook together. My nieces and I rarely get the chance to spend any one on one time together, so this year, I have set aside several dishes they are going to help me with. I get the chance to teach them old family recipes and something about the foods we eat during the holidays, and they get to have fun! Invite your family into your kitchen! Each person can contribute by making their favorite dish, family favorites, or something new. Kitchens are often the energy in the house, and it's natural for people to congregate there. It's a great place for conversations to start and stories to be told!

After dinner, leave the kitchen alone! Clear the table and put the food away, but take this time to sit with your family for awhile. Save the kitchen clean up for the next day, it's not going anywhere but your guests will be. This could be a good time to share photos from the past year, get news about family that aren't nearby, and hear what plans the children have for the next year.

During the holidays it's important to slow down and remember that holidays are about being close to those we love. With all the shopping, cooking, decorating, and more shopping, it's hard to actually enjoy the day when all you have done is worked. Take time now to make the holidays more about your family!