Enjoying a child friendly Christmas

Christmas is for kids. Make this holiday season extra special by focusing on what the children enjoy most about the Yuletide.

Following are some tried and true ways I’ve found to enjoy the Christmas holidays with my children.

Involve Children In Preparations

Seek your child’s assistance in wrapping and decorating cookies. Sure it takes longer and yes, the cookies look funny but just think of it as spending quality time together.

Tree Decorating

When it comes to tree decorating especially with a toddler under foot, start halfway up the tree. That way, your precious decorations remain safe and out of reach of little hands. You might want to consider getting a few kid-friendly decorations for the bottom half that can be put on and taken off by wee hands.

A Visit With Santa

To make your child’s first visit with Santa easier, prepare her ahead of time by showing her pictures of the jolly old guy. Tell her also how she may feel when she sees him. Explain that Santa may not seem like anyone she knows and that it’s okay if she just stands and looks at him. Forcing your child to sit on Santa’s lap is never a good idea. Don’t be disappointed if she wants nothing to do with the guy in red – there’s always next year.

Keep To A Schedule

Although it’s tempting to drag your child to every party, religious service and family get together – DON’T. Keep her on some kind of regular schedule or you may live to regret it. After days of no naps, late bedtimes and visitors, not to mention – a ton of treats, even the best-behaved child can become unglued.

Get Relatives To Come To You

Where possible, have relatives come to you. That way, you don’t have to worry about things not being toddler-proofed. And when your child gets tired, he can go to sleep in his own room instead of in strange surroundings.

Accept Their Curiosity

Many young children have a hard time keeping their hands off the gifts under the tree. To make things better for everyone, limit the number of gifts under the tree and hide the rest until Christmas morning.

Happy Holidays!