The media often portray the holiday season as a festive and fun time, free from troubles. In reality, however, stress and family problems may escalate when the season arrives. Real people and families are not perfect, so don’t assume your holiday will be like the ones you see in movies or on TV. If you can manage your expectations, you may have a more enjoyable experience this season.

Tips for setting reasonable expectations:

• Do your best to stick to your regular family routine. Changing your schedule to fit in holiday activities and traveling can be tough on you and your kids, so try to keep things as normal as possible. Try to keep bedtimes and mealtimes the same even when you’re away from home.

• Talk with your family about schedules. Take time to explain each day’s activities to your children and let them know what you expect from them. Together, choose activities that you really want to do. You can’t do everything, so you might let your children pick their favorite things for your family to do. Do the things that you all will enjoy the most, and then say “no” to extra activities.

• Talk with your family about finances. Even young children can learn how to budget for gifts. Urge them to get creative and make presents for family members instead of buying them. Receiving a thoughtful gift from a child can be a memorable holiday moment. Many families concentrate on special things they can make or do for each other.

Tips courtesy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more information, click here.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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