We have Pi day on March 14th, (my husband the Math Major's particular favorite). Then a few days later is St. Patrick's Day followed by the First Day of Spring. We had a lot of fun celebrating as a family over the past couple of weeks.
As I planned for each of these holidays, I realized that I pretty much follow a recipe to keep them simple but sweet.
Here is my Holiday Recipe:
2 cups of ---prayer, dedicating the plans to God.
1 heaping cup full of--- reality
2 teaspoons of--- atmosphere
1/2 cup of--- crafts or baking
A bushel of--- theme related library books
1 cup--- free community event
A Dash of--- yearly traditions as needed
3/4 cup of--- digital camera
Sprinkled with--- light-hearted spontaneity
Stir it together and every outcome is a surprise that is hopefully filled with joyful memories.
* Measurements are approximations
1. No matter what our plans, be it holiday or everyday, I find it is always a good policy to dedicate whatever we do to the Lord. It is good to invite Him to be part of the holiday from beginning to end.
2. A Dose of Reality. When making plans take into account all the factors that surround the holiday. Consider your children's ages, your schedule surrounding the day and how much time you will have to prepare during the week. Factor in financial cost, your energy level and the current state of your home.
One sure way to make a holiday not fun is to ignore any number of these factors and try to over do it. Children are easily thrilled and entertained. Enjoy that magic! Don't ruin it by pushing everyone in your house to the limit by trying to recreate Disney Land in the form of Valentine's Day.
3. Atmosphere is a wonderful element to include in your holiday. However, there is no need to try to decorate from floor to ceiling for every holiday. That takes a lot of money and work. Decorations can be as simple as a new center piece on the table.
Sometimes we decorate more than others. This year I decided to decorate just a little, and just for Easter. This was for multiple reasons. (1. I am pregnant and tired. 2. I didn't want to bother my husband to get them out of our shed because he is working full time and in school. 3. My house has been pretty messy lately and I didn't feel like decorating the mess.)
You know, I don't feel bad about not decorating and the girls could not care less. Every year I feel free to reassess what would work for that particular year.
I include our outfits in the category of holiday atmosphere. They had the best time wearing all green on St. Patrick's day, and switching to lighter spring colors on the first day of spring.
4. I try to plan either a craft or baking project that goes with the holiday theme. I rarely accomplish both, and having only one special mess to clean up is plenty.
6. Why reinvent the wheel? There are so many free community events going on! Especially at your local library. Join in the fun!
8. Document with pictures. It makes the memory brighter for you and your kids. However, don't forget to enjoy the moment.
9. Be flexible, kind and joyful! Holidays big and small, religious and not so religious should always turn us back to God and bring us closer together as a family. If the 'fun' you are trying to force on your family is a nightmare...then what is the point? Use the holiday for the excuse that it is, an opportunity to do something fun with your family!
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