» Syndicated from Claudette's Blog
We tend to think that we’re alone when it comes to dealing with issues, especially around the Holidays and Christmas.
Today, I shared the platform with my co-hosts of the Stepmom’s Tool Box Radio show: Paula Bisacre of Remarriage Works, Mary Kelly-Williams of Married with Baggage, Barb Goldberg of The Evil Stepmother Speaks and myself, Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach, where we each shared our Holiday stories. Amazing to hear the similarities of what we struggled with and the insights we discovered because of our experiences.
As stepfamily-helping professionals, we all share a passion and a vision to make stepfamily living a bit easier. One of the main themes throughout our sharing is to not expect the impossible. Here is the link to our show "Our Most Touching and Horrendous Holiday Stories!": http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thestepmomstoolbox/2011/12/01/our-most-touching-and-horrendous-holiday-stories
As an added bonus, my colleague Barb put together a list of things we mentioned that will support and help you create a better Holiday Season.
- Be realistic. There is no “perfect” holiday. Most likely, something is going to change or not go according to plan, so don’t sweat it. Be open to a holiday that is redefined.
- Ask for help. You don’t have to do it yourself.
- Communicate with your partner. Be clear about your end game. What do you really want to accomplish over the holiday? How do you both want to get there? What traditions are precious to you?
- Sense of humor is necessary! Loosen up and have fun!
- Do not define your holidays by what others have done in the past. Be open to evolving.
- Go easy on yourself. Don’t put added pressure with high expectations. Try to have little attachment to what happens and focus on creating a positive experience.
- Be open to new ideas. Include the children by asking them what they would like to see over the Holidays.
- Don’t overthink things. We tend to create mountains out of molehills.
- Expect surprises. It will help dissipate disappointments.
- Create new traditions and rituals. Not just in the beginning but as your family evolves and grows.
- Don’t be stuck on a specific date. Look at this time of year as a season or period that can be enjoyed for more than a day. Takes a lot of pressure of everyone, especially the kids.
- Come up with some new recipes that you can make that is special to your new family.
- Do a family project where every member can participate, whether it be a treasure hunt or crafting gifts to put in stockings.When everyone gets involved in organizing the event, everyone owns the responsibility of enjoying themselves.
If you are looking for more tips and ideas to get you through the Holidays, join me on Dec 8 at 7:30 pm EST for a FREE teleseminar on “How to De-Stress Your Holidays”. To register for the call, go to http://stepmomcoach.com/holiday2011.php
Let's get us moving towards a more peaceful and harmonious Holiday Season.
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