Take Time for Your Kids at Christmas

The Christmas Season easily lends itself to a very stressful time. We are so quick to get caught up in the crazy commercial aspects that we forget about the important things. Take care of yourself and make time for the family. Christmas is such an exciting time for the kids. Every year they've reached new milestones in their lives and become more and more aware of the spectacular lights and decorations and the sound of music and bells.

Here are six ways to make sure you enjoy the Christmas season and make time for the kids.

Tip #1-Christmas Cookies-Make it a tradition to take an entire Saturday baking and decorating Christmas cookies. You'll bake, eat, laugh and make memories that last a lifetime. Be sure to let your kids decorate too, whatever age. It's not the beauty of the cookie, it's your time together.

Tip #2-Decorations-This is the most fun for me. Everyone helps select the Christmas tree, then we pull out all the decorations and work our way throughout the house. The tree is the best part. Sure, a lot of the decorations end up on the lower branches, but it no big deal. The kids feel like they've had a part in preparing for the special season and when they go to bed, just move a few of them around just a little. They're likely to go unnoticed.

Tip #3-The time old tradition of taking a walk or ride to see the lights! Each year, we all pile in the car and take a nice drive all around the area, touring all the neighborhoods and enjoying the twinkling lights of Christmas. Our town has a tree lighting service where everyone gathers around the huge Christmas tree at the Town Hall and watch together, as the tree comes alive with the look of miniature stars. Some areas enjoy competing for the best display of Christmas lights. Santa and his wife are always in the Christmas parade together and at the end of the parade, you can visit with them and enjoy candy canes with hot cocoa.

Tip #4-Enjoy a Christmas movie or television special together. There are so many to choose from, an old classic, cartoons and every year there's going to be at least one new Christmas movie. So everyone gather around the television with some fresh hot popcorn and a nice warm drink. Have those cozy blankets handy and enjoy to time together watching the movie and relaxing.

Tip #5-Crafty Christmas-Set aside a few hours one afternoon to help the kids make crafts. What better gifts for those grandparents, aunts and uncles then a personalized one handcrafted by the kids.

Tip #6- Support a Charity or sponsor a family for Christmas - This has got to be one of the best ways ever to teach the kids to look past their own desires, realize there are people less fortunate and let them know that everyone can always help another person out. We go out, each with our own shoebox, with a certain age child in mind. We fill the shoebox with anything and everything that will fit. Hair bows, socks, toys, toothbrushes, candy. It's a wonderful way of teaching them to give and reach out to others.

These are a few things we do to ensure there's quality family time during this holiday season. Pick and choose and do what works for your family. It might just bring new ideas and traditions of your own to life. No matter what you do, make time for yourself and those close to you. Isn't that the spirit of Christmas, after all?