Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is fast approaching and families up and down the country are busily preparing for a visit from Father Christmas.
You’re on the hunt for the biggest turkey, you’ve scoured the shops for the best gifts, and you’re now counting down to the ‘Big Day’. Everything is going to be perfect… the best family Christmas ever!
However, despite what the sparkly Christmas adverts would have us believe, the Christmas period is not always full of festive cheer. Whilst it may seem lovely to have nothing to do and nowhere to be, the absence of routine can play havoc with children’s (and our) behaviour and emotions. Children can find themselves somewhat ‘lost’, not knowing how best to fill their time without the structure of the usual school day.
Then there’s the added financial stress of Christmas, made worse by the cost-of-living crisis. You’re having to watch the pennies and pounds like never before and this is having an enormous impact on what you can afford to buy. It can feel impossible having to make difficult decisions about food, drink and presents when your budget is stretched to breaking point.
Many parents and carers feel anxious and guilty or overwhelmed as they juggle everything. You feel the pressure to create a ‘perfect’, magical family Christmas. If you’re struggling financially or emotionally, the festive period can be particularly challenging.
So, although Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it can also bring with it a raft of difficult emotions and feelings. Because of this, it’s vital to identify ways in which we can take care of not only our children, but ourselves, and make the most of this cherished family time.
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