My employer provides different video workshops on various topics. These are the notes I took Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

• Set up the expectation to your kids if it will be a leaner year.
• Make sure the whole family is on the same page for finances.
• Hold a family meeting >

Recipe for a successfully holiday season

• Start early
• Budget (let family be aware of the budget.) memory gifts last longer then physical gifts.
• Hold a family meeting
• Be willing to make changes
• Examine your inner self

Expectations:

• Be realistic
• Know what you can afforce, and avoid comparing yourself to others
• Despite our plans and good intentions, not everything will be perfect
• There is a limit to your scheduled and how much you can eat and drink
• Avoid topics that might cause heated discussions.
• Some things all don’t have to happen as they did before. Let them know the new expectation early so that you can make alternative plans come for dessert.

Traditions:

• Remember what the meaning of the holiday is
• Keep traditions that work
• Be open to new activities and traditions
• Get ideas from friends, colleagues and family members may have great ideas.
• Include charity works, volunteering and giving back.

Coping with Grief:

• Recognize and acknowledge your loss from Corvid etc.
• Share stories about your loved ones. Keep things bottled up does not help.
• Plan and decide which social functions are good for you to attend.
• If you need to cut a visit short, you might need to.

The art of Gift giving

• Plan and start early
• Pre-buy gifts throughout the year
• Maybe want to have a family activity over physical gifts
• Set realistic limits
• Exchange “gift idea” lists
• Have a conversation about gift giving
• Consider gift certificates for services
• Some families select names from a hat and get a gift for only them.
• Give non-gift items (give experiences) go to the muserurium if they don’t have t transportation. Treat someone like royalty for a day.
• Choose practical items
• Be prepared for resistance. Some think we always do such and such. You says it’s changing.

Decorating:

• Do not overdo it
• Keep it simple
• Talk to the family and involve everyone.
• Sentimental items can be important.
• It is okay to let it go
• Change it up occasionally. Some may drop off presents to needy families as a group.
• Watch your budget.

Schedule/ calendar

• -Create a calendar: begin the week before thanksgiving until the week after New Year’s Day.
• Write down every activity that is planned for all family members.
• Consider when to invite both family and friends.
• Allow for multi-family situations.
• Include adults only and child-friendly activities.
• Vary the days and times of events
• Take a walk between dinner and desert.
• Plan somethings to avoid the post-holiday blues.

Health tips:

• Be mindful of our eating habits and alcohol consumption.
• Be mindful of what others can eat (food restrictions)
• Exercise and stay active
• Prioritize your sleep.

Managing Tensions:

• Communication:
• Avoid the hot topics (don’t push the buttons.)
• Don’t dwell on the past. Focus on what’s good and positive today.
• Be friendly and helpful. It’s not about who is right and who’s wrong. A little kindness goes a long way. Practice active listening and be compassionate
• In a moment of tension take a walk or volunteer to put the kids to bed.

Managing Tensions:

• Mindset:
• Stop and push away our negative thoughts and pessimistic expectations based on the past.
• Be neutral and open to the unexpected. You might be pleasantly surprised.
• Expect to have a good time.