Unwrapping the Present Moment: 6 Ways to be Mindfully Present with Your Kids this Holiday Season
The holidays are a whirlwind of sparkly lights, joyful chaos, and overflowing to-do lists. Amidst the baking, decorating, and gift-wrapping, it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle, missing out on the true magic of the season. But what if we could slow down, savor the moments, and truly mindfully connect with our kids?
Here are 6 tips to help you be more present and create lasting memories during the holidays:
1. Breathe & Begin: Before the holiday frenzy starts, take a few minutes for yourself. Practice a short breathing exercise or meditation to ground yourself and set the intention for presence. Remind yourself that the season is about connection, not perfection. Remember, if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.
2. Slow Down the Sensory Feast: Instead of rushing through activities, linger in the moments. Let your child lead the way when decorating the tree, noticing the textures of ornaments and the scent of pine. Savor the taste of homemade cookies, fully appreciating the flavors and the warmth of the kitchen. Try spacing out the festivities so you and your children don’t feel overwhelmed with a “to-do” list.
3. Put Down the Phone: Phones are notorious attention stealers. Make designated "device-free" times during the day, especially during meals and family activities. Encourage your children to do the same, creating space for uninterrupted conversations and shared experiences.
4. Embrace the Power of Play: Remember the joy of simple, unstructured play? Build a blanket fort, play hide-and-seek, or read a story together with silly voices. These playful interactions build bonds and create memories that last a lifetime. After everyone is done unwrapping presents, cozy up next to the fire and watch the kids play with their new toys.
5. Practice Gratitude Together: Take time each day, even before bed, to reflect on what you're grateful for. It can be something as simple as a warm hug, a delicious meal, or the laughter shared during a game. This practice cultivates mindfulness and appreciation for the blessings of the season.
6. Say NO when you need to and eliminate the “extra” stuff: Rather than getting upset about not being able to find the sprinkles you were looking for, accept all the mishaps that happen along the way. Say no when you need to and try eliminating the “picture perfect” expectations that become extra work for you. Will you and your kids remember what kind of sprinkles you used to decorate the Christmas cookies? Or will you remember the moment when you and your kids savored each crumb of the first batch of Santa’s cookies?
Remember, being present with your kids isn't about creating those picture-perfect moments. It's about showing up fully, offering your attention, and being open to the unexpected joys that arise in the shared experience. So, take a deep breath, put down the phone, and embrace the present moment with your little ones. You might just discover that the most precious gifts of the season are the ones you share heart-to-heart.
Bonus Tip: Start a "Mindful Moments" jar. Throughout the holidays, write down moments of connection and joy you share with your kids. On a quiet evening, open the jar and relive the magic of the season together.
Happy holidays, and may your time with your kids be filled with presence, joy, and lasting memories!