Everyone wants a pleasant, memorable holiday season, but somehow stress and family conflict can creep in and take the joy out of the celebration. However, there are ways to make the holiday enjoyable with teenagers… it just takes a bit of planning and thought. Include Teens in the Planning At the beginning of the holiday season, sit down with your
Read moreOur expectations define our experiences. In the exact same situation, two people can have very different experiences based on what they expected to happen. For example, let’s assume Sally and Fred attend a holiday party. Sally was dreading the party and thought it would be boring and awkward. Fred was very excited to attend the party and thought it would
Read moreAs children grow older, it is all too easy to give up on holiday traditions. Everyone’s busy schedule is crammed with extra to-do lists, parents tend to be feeling a little tired from the pressure, and teens can be less-than-enthusiastic participants in family activities. But, we encourage you to not give up on holiday traditions for two main reasons! First,
Read moreThe holidays are experienced by families in so many different ways. Some families keep very busy, running from one event to another. Other families slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet for relaxation. Some families are filled with joy, excited to see each other and for the activities they have planned. Other families are filled with stress, either from
Read moreThe holiday season has somehow changed from the spirit of giving to the spirit of excessive spending. During this period of recession and financial uncertainty, it is not a good time to increase debt or spend beyond our means. Although creating a meaningful holiday without spending too much may feel impossible, there are ways to make the people in your
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