Take time to smell the…cookies!

The holidays have a way of getting out of control and taking on a life of their own. We feel pressure to buy the perfect gift or feel the need to take our kids on the newest holiday outing. Interestingly enough, when I work with the children, I find what they love the most are the simple things; helping to make hot cocoa and popcorn, snuggling up with a good holiday book, sharing space on the couch to watch a holiday TV show as a family, baking special cookies and taking time to create a card or gift for someone special. For kids, it is about the process, not necessarily the end product. They just want time with the ones they love and to feel the joy.

My recipe for those of you who are harried and tired is to take a tip from our Open Circle Curriculum and do some “flower breathing”! Slow down and give yourself license to enjoy the simple things with your child.

Here are a couple of sites to do some fun, simple activities together!

Holiday Crafts
www.familyfun.go.com/crafts/holiday-seasonal-crafts/

Start a New Tradition
www.familyfun.go.com/badges-of-fun/start-a-new-tradition/start-a-newtradition