Cure the Holiday Humdrums: Tips on How to De-Stress and Enjoy This Holiday Season
Great Spring Activities - in your inbox!
Handpicked Spring Family Activities in Your Inbox!
Sent every weekend
2. Think about the true meaning of the holiday. Remember and remind your child of the true spiritual reasons for celebrating this season. The gifts are secondary-really and truly! Resist the urge to make them the main event and your child will too. When your spiritual self is uplifted, everything else follows.
3. Get enough sleep. Resist the urge to attend (and take your child to) every single party, and don't be the last to leave. Making sure you and your child get enough sleep is critical for getting you through the season happily (sleep deprivation is associated with depression and grouchiness) and healthily (it is also associated with illness).
4. Give more than you get. Economically, this is a tough holiday season for many. However, no matter what your situation, you will feel enriched if you donate-money, time, emotional support, a place at your dinner table-to someone else. This is the heart of the holiday spirit. Live it and teach it to your children.
Dr. Susan Bartell is America's number one family psychologist. Her latest book is Dr. Susan's Fit and Fun Family Action Plan. You can learn more about Dr. Bartell on her Web site: www.drsusanbartell.com.