How to make time for special events during the holidays is a question many people ask themselves as we approach a wonderful, but busy time of year! Making time for special events during the busy holiday season can be difficult. I absolutely love the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, but there are years that our life gets so busy that I can't enjoy it. The past few years I have worked really hard to find a balance between making the holiday season extra special and not getting overwhelmed!
We have certain traditions that we try to do every year. I also like to add new things in and create fun experiences for our family. There are some events that you can only do in December!
Tips for How to Make Time for Special Events During the Holidays
Plan Ahead
I start thinking about what I want to do with my family during November and December….back in the summer if not before! I make mental notes or physical notes of special events that we didn't get to do last year or things we did and loved and want to do again! I start looking at the calendar early! I find out if the children have any vocal or band concerts in December at school and get those on the calendar! Yes…I email the teachers in September if I can't find anything on the school calendar yet. I ask my husband about work related Christmas parties, etc.
Save Money
I think every parent is very aware that December is one of the most expensive months of the year. We are lucky to have a last name that starts with Y and we get to pay all our vehicle tags and taxes in December also! Yea us! There are some events that cost some extra $$ and others that don't. I have wanted to go see Trans-Siberian Orchestra for years…they always come to Wichita in December….but I still haven't been willing to fork out the bucks for it! 🙂 One of these years I will stick the money back and do it!
If I know there is something really fun that my children would love and it is costly…I will start saving money for that well in advance! Planning for the costs of special events is critical to making these memories happen!
Ask Around
There is a farm about an hour from where we live that has a big Christmas light display with a live nativity and all sorts of fun activities….or so the brochure says. It would cost our family around $60 to get in plus gas to drive there. I really wanted to go last year, but when I asked my local Facebook friends…NO ONE had been there! I decided to wait another year and try to find someone who could really recommend the experience!
If there is something special you want to do, but aren't sure it will be worth your time or money…ask around! Chances are that your friends are like mine…and love to share their opinions and thoughts! 🙂 Getting some recommendations from people you know can save you a lot of heartache, disappointment and money during a time of year when you don't have any of that to spare!
Talk to Your Family
I have fantasies about family outings and traditions….and guess what…sometimes my family doesn't feel the same way about those outings and traditions AT ALL! Talk as a family about some special events that are available and see who is interested in going. You may be surprised to find out that your family would rather stay home and watch a Christmas movie and drink hot cocoa then go out to make a tiny gingerbread house!
Say No so You can Say Yes
Fitting in extra fun during December may mean that you have to decline another invitation or obligation. I am much more stingy with my time in December and I think that is OKAY! I want to spend time with my family…cuddling and watching our favorite movies…decorating the house…making sweet treats….and going out for special fun! In order to have that extra time….I may have to say no to other things. I try hard not to stretch myself to thin in December so that we can have a relaxing month to be together and take time to focus on the Reason for the Season!
I hope these tips for How to Make Time for Special Events During the Holidays helped you! I would love to hear what you do to make extra time during December!
If you need some Christmas inspiration, check out my Christmas board on Pinterest!
Follow Life is Sweeter by Design's board Christmas is the Best Time of the Year on Pinterest.
Be sure to check out these fun DIY projects for the Christmas season as well! Just click the image to head straight over for the easy tutorials!
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