|
|
|
|
By Lillian Mueller, UCare For many of us, the holiday season is the busiest time of year. Lessen your holiday stress by remembering it’s the small family traditions that are the most important – not the feat of pulling off big meals and gatherings. With four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren located all across the country, it isn’t often that we are all able to get together. When we come together for the holidays, I want to help provide experiences and memories that will last a lifetime for everyone. Traditions are important and it’s good to let your family know about older family traditions – whether it’s a story that your parent read to you or a recipe you enjoyed as a child. Whatever it is, try to keep those traditions going. Remember that your family will grow and new traditions will be built and some older traditions will be let go. However, you can help keep the best of the family history. Take time to think about what you can do to help make your holiday season one to remember. Gift giving It’s easy for grandchildren to get caught up on wanting the latest and greatest gadget. Though they still may want a new video game or doll, it’s also fun to create a gift giving experience that belongs entirely to your family. My family’s most anticipated holiday gift is “the egg plate.” The plate is for deviled eggs and has yellow chick salt and pepper shakers. It was originally given to one of my daughters as a wedding gift 30 years ago. The entire family found it unattractive and humorous, so now for every holiday, it is wrapped and given to someone. When opened, the egg plate always gets a laugh and whoever gets it always has their picture taken with it. Because the plate is breakable, it is always exchanged between adults. Even though the younger kids don’t receive the plate, they quickly understand the tradition and find it just as enjoyable. Some of them have even said that they look forward to the day when they are old enough to get the plate. Keep in mind that often the most memorable presents don’t cost a lot of money. Homemade gifts or baked goods can also become a highly-favorite gift. Storytelling Sharing family stories helps keep the family history alive. Tell stories about your family to help grandchildren know where they fit in the world. Children also enjoy hearing about what their parents were like at their age. My grandchildren enjoy hearing about when my son cut the whiskers off of his sister’s cat. Often when someone tells a version of a story like that, more and more people start to contribute. Sharing stories in a large group setting helps everyone bond and remember together. Another option is to read a holiday book aloud to the family. Someone can be designated as the reader, or everyone can sit in a circle and the book can be passed for people to read one page at a time. Baking cookies One of my grandchildren’s favorite things at my house is holiday cookies. To help add to the experience, I have gotten them involved in helping me bake. My younger grandchildren can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and they can also help decorate. Older grandkids can help measure ingredients and roll out dough. While making the cookies I tell them where the recipe originated in my family and how I liked to help in the kitchen when I was their age. Once the cookies are out of the oven and cooling, all of the grandkids chip in and help with the cleanup. Their responsibilities vary based on age and ability. Once the cookies are ready to eat, not only are the grandkids rewarded for their work with a treat, but they enjoy it even more knowing that they helped. Traditions help give a sense of importance to our holidays. These customs help bring a family together by providing a sense of belonging. Even little things like helping your grandkids create a special centerpiece for the kids’ table makes everyone feel special. Spending time with loved ones is one of life’s greatest rewards. Enjoy every minute. Happy Holidays! |
grandparent wise