Family Matters Newsletter - November 2009

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Is Your Holiday Season Rewarding?

By: Glenda Wentworth, Eagle County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent

The holiday season is here again. It is time for entertaining, shopping, decorating, baking, and gift wrapping. Don’t forget all the special activities to attend. Holidays are supposed to be a time of enjoyment. Instead it becomes a time of exhaustion.

Then as parents, all we hear is: “I want…” from our children. That list of gifts grows longer as children watch products on T.V. or sees them at the store.

This year your family may feel more stressed, not only because of the strain of finishing all the holiday tasks but also because of money worries. To relieve some of the stress get the whole family involved in what children (and parents) really want this holiday season.

Sit down as a family and come up with a list of all the things that need to be done. Take a look at your family’s activities. Are there things you do each year, but really do not enjoy?

Traditions give families something to look forward to year after year.Knowing what to expect helps children feel secure. What are the customs in your family? Ask your family what traditions they want to keep this year. Emphasis what is important in your family and stick with those activities.

Most children want a relaxed and loving time with their parents. Lots of gifts will not make up for the constant tension of holiday chores and plans. Prioritize your to-do list; consider turning down some invitations so you can spend more time with your children. Overextending yourself causes stress. Children respond to stress in their own ways: crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, and temporary regression such as thumb sucking, etc. Provide time to play board games, make crafts, and read books together.

Be realistic about gifts. Talk to your children about what to expect this year. Parents need to be reasonable with what they can afford. Children feel pressure to want everything displayed in ads and at stores.

Young children have trouble waiting, so don’t start holiday activities too soon. Children wait and wait for the holidays to arrive. Then they can feel let down when the holidays are over. The anxiety of waiting for weeks can create strain on children.

Have a clear idea of how you want your family to celebrate during the holidays. Make other parts of the holiday as exciting as opening presents. Involving your child in making decisions and preparations for the holidays makes them feel important. This also provides time for you to spend with your child. Children can participate in making food, stamping cards, or making their own wrapping paper.

Spend more time this holiday season with the things that really matter. Emphasize the value of family time and the joy of being together. Make this holiday season rewarding for you and your children.

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Nutrition Tips for the Holidays

Who can blame us for overindulging a little during the holiday season? Just try not to abandon your healthy eating habits. Try to balance out the high fat, high sugar treats with some fruits and vegetables to keep energy levels high (and weight gains low).

Sweet Potato Casserole; a great addition to your holiday meal. Ingredients:

  • 40 ounces canned sweet potatoes, drained
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk (or a 5-ounce can)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray 1-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes and eggs and mash with an electric mixer.
  4. Add sugar, milk, salt, nutmeg and margarine and mix well.
  5. Spoon into casserole and top with brown sugar and nuts.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until set.

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Homemade Wrapping Paper

Supplies needed:

  • Brown paper bags
  • Household sponges cut into shapes, (triangles, squares, circles, etc.)
  • Holiday shaped cookie cutters
  • Tempera paint, crayons, or markers
  • Paper plates for paint

Directions:

  • Cover a table with newspaper.
  • Cut the brown paper bags into a flat piece of paper.
  • Use crayons or markers to draw designs onto brown paper bags.
  • If using paint, spread a thin layer of paint onto the paper plate.
  • Slightly dampen sponges, press sponges into the paint, and then place on the paper. Or use the cookie cutters to dip into the paint and press onto the paper bag.
  • Wrap special packages with love from your child.

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