Let the chaos begin!

We enter into this holiday season always
running at full speed ahead! We begin to
write our lists which become lists upon sub-
lists. Our game plan is to collect the ads
from the paper and map out our days to
get to the best sale and buy that special
item. We drive ourselves crazy running
from place to place trying to get everything
done in time. Along with that we have places
to be, people to visit, holiday parties and
plenty of pictures to be taken! It seems like
it will never be done.

What happens to our families in all of this
holiday chaos? As a school teacher, I always
see the children from a different perspective
at holiday time. I see it in my own children
as well. December is a time of excitement, but
also a time of stress all around. And, our
children feed right from us adults. The less
stressed our holiday time is expressed, the better
our children seem to do all around. But in all
actuality, let's face it, this season is stressful.
Part of it is because we may be able to keep it
all organized within our own families, however,
we also have to function right along with the
chaos outside our front door! Everyone else's
stress seems to trickle over.

Keeping your children organized and at peace
during this season begins with us. Do we tend to be
so busy getting things ready that we overlook
how important it is to keep the routine going for
our families? It begins at Thanksgiving time when
they have those first few days off from school and it
seems to run right through the New Year holiday!
What happens in those 6 weeks is sometimes pure chaos.
How everything gets done and falls into place is
a miracle some years. But does it have to be this
crazy?

The holiday season is a time for traditions to be made.
That trip to the zoo to see the lights at night, a seat on
Santa's lap, a roadtrip to grandma's and grandpa's,
a neighborhood or office party, tree decorating and so
many more fun things to do together as a family.

So, in the hustle and bustle of making and filling the
lists and activities, remember to begin some new
traditions and don't forget to keep the old ones going
strong. Relax, enjoy that moment of hot cocoa and
conversation with your children, listen to those stories
of Santa and relatives memories. Keep your children
to their usual routine as much as possible for your
own sanity and enjoy every moment of the holiday
season.

Happy holidays from kidsklutter! To find out how
you can bring a wonderful and organized idea to your
school visit us at www.kidsklutter.com. Your school
can make more money and you can have peace of mind.