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A few years ago, my husband’s office holiday party was postponed ’till January because they simply couldn’t find a Friday night to host it. However, that party was quite possibly the best (better late than never) holiday party I’ve ever been to! We laughed and snorted just...
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| Can We Postpone The Holiday Hustle and Bustle? »
It got me thinking …
What if we could postpone some of the crazy, umpteen, school holiday events? If we did, would I get laughed out of the PTO? Would my Facebook page light up with criticisms and Bah Humbugs? Or would I get extra eggnog at the next parent-teacher conference?!
I’m being serious. Think about it. Would it be so terrible to have a band concert the last week of January? Half the time there are only a few Christmas songs on the playlist, and it’s been renamed the Winter Concert as it is. I don’t know about you, but we get more snow in February than December anyway!
Imagine if the piano and dance recitals, the band and choir concerts, or even the 2nd grade school play were delayed until January? You know what that would do? It would allow my family to concentrate on OUR holiday in a way that focuses on FAMILY TIME.
I’ll volunteer to host the ugly sweater party in February! Cookie exchanges? Oh honey, I’m game for cookies year-round!
Why do we insist on heaping numerous activities and parties into 2 or 3 short weeks in December? Maybe the answer is in picking and choosing and letting the things slide that aren’t high on your family’s priority list, and then making an even bigger deal of the events that mean the most to you and yours.
For my family that holiday priority list would include the occasions where my whole family is involved. Things like church Christmas parties—where the teenager is involved with wrapping little kid gifts, the younger kids sing Christmas carols, and my husband cooks up 14 hams. Another tradition I wouldn’t postpone are our Monday family service nights where we bake up treats and deliver them secretly to neighbors, (they always know it’s us, and we can’t figure out how!). Extended family gatherings will always be high on our list as well as several other community—and yes, school—holiday events.
I’m not suggesting we postpone EVERY holiday event…but there must be way to make the holidays less chaotic, because December in my world is crazy right now!
What usually-held-in-December event would you postpone for a month or two?
CommentsAdd Comment |
Posted by - Daddy Mojo on Dec. 19, 2011
I would postpone some of those school plays. In theory it's neat to have them in December, but there are so many other things happening it takes away from the enjoyment of going to them.Posted by - Brypkema on Dec. 17, 2011
My class at church has basically put a ban on any type of Christmas party. We decided years ago to have a "Valentines" party instead. So, each year in late January/early February we try to get together. Sitters are easier to find, schedules aren't as packed... and honestly, one year, we didn't get around to the party until Labor Day weekend. Everyone still enjoyed it, no matter the time and we aren't all as stressed with everything else!Posted by - @TimeOutMom on Dec. 17, 2011
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is filled with family and friends. It has great food. We focus on that we are thankful for and it is not all about the preents frenzy. Next year, I am hosting Christmas and get ready 'cause this mama is going to do it different!Posted by - Dawn Sandomeno on Dec. 16, 2011
I have been saying this for years ! I'm in let's start a movement.Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 15, 2011
Yes Leticia.. seems like there could be a lot of this spread out.The several recitals and concerts get my vote, ballet and piano is great in January too right??
Posted by - Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama on Dec. 15, 2011
I think that there's so much going on that there's nothing wrong with spreading the cheer into January. Why not make a holiday party into a celebrate the new year party later in January to beat the winter doldrums or pick a totally different time of year? It gives everyone something else to look forward to after the holidays are gone and helps alleviate packed schedules and holiday stress!Posted by - Crissy Herron on Dec. 15, 2011
I agree. January is so boring and dull. Once Christmas is over, the boredom of winter sets in... We need to add something to spice it up.Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 15, 2011
And Theresa I didn't think about the 'marital' stresses..Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 15, 2011
Happy Birthday Maricris!!One of my kiddos bday is on Christmas eve, and honestly the crazy is sort of over by then and we really enjoy her birthday!
Posted by - Maricris of Zensible Mama on Dec. 15, 2011
I have learned that prioritizing only the events that the entire family can take part of have saved so many holiday stresses. Including my birthday which is 3 days before Christmas!Posted by - Theresa on Dec. 15, 2011
BRILLIANT!! I spent most of my day yelling at my husband for scheduling their company party this weekend. I have no time for this! ARGH! Next it will be a after the new year partyPosted by - Sarah Combs on Dec. 14, 2011
What an awesome idea!It would be fantastic to spread out holiday commitments.
AND as a side bonus, you get more time to spend with each family/friend/work group. This way you can willingly accept more invites and have a ton more fun.
Posted by - Mocha Dad on Dec. 14, 2011
I would love it if everyone would just slow down, relax and enjoy the holidays without all of the stress.Posted by - Holly on Dec. 14, 2011
There sure does seem like a lot going on, but I would not want to postpone it as I want to be done by January 1. Plus, I'm really looking forward to that week between Christmas and New Year to do some serious relaxing.Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
Uh OH. Tyrone. I think you and I both know you are stuck going to that one.I just went to my husband's holiday work party, and the STEAK was awesome... so??
Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
Ha! Monica glad I'm not the only one eh?I agree facebook is gonna talk no matter what eh?
Posted by - Tyrone Mitchell on Dec. 14, 2011
My solution would be twofold: 1) you get to choose what you attend. Saying NO is always fine. 2) that everyone lighten up and be ok with folks declining. Maybe the hustle and bustle isn't for everyone.I'm definitely worn out of the obligatory holiday parties...I'm trying to find a way to bow out of my wife's office party.
Posted by - Monica Vila on Dec. 14, 2011
Why didn't anyone think of this before? it's brilliant!!! and we would so cut down on the stress for everyone around the holidays, the trips, the family, the shortened school month, the gifts - LOVE IT!!As for the Facebook page lighting up from other parents to complain...well that's always going to happen no matter what you do!
MONICA
Posted by - DaDa Rocks! on Dec. 14, 2011
lol. We need to start really remember to celebrate the 4th of July! cause what isnt more american then giving way too many gifts and over eating!I say we split it up for sure....
Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
I will likely have the same post repeated in May.Why do they do the 'end of the school year' stuff in the last two weeks of May? Including, ballet, piano, band etc..??
Can't we have a concert in late June?
I know I'm whining.. but I simply don't have enough hours in the day people! I mean.. I have pumpkin roll to be baking!
Posted by - Julie/Just Precious on Dec. 14, 2011
oh, you bet! I would love to spread the love throughout the dreary winter. Why oh why does everyone insist on taking up my December?!Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
Kim-Marie you are on! The Festivus Party in Februrary yes??I make a mean Gingerbread Man.. !!
Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
yay Firemom, I was hoping someone would jump in and tell me I'm crazy! You go married in December! I agree that IS crazy!Posted by - Kim-Marie Evans on Dec. 14, 2011
Oh how I love you for writing this. I try so hard to enjoy the holidays. I try to shop online so I can drink cocoa and watch "Charlie Brown's Christmas" with my children. I don't want to run around, I don't want to be crabby and I don't want to go to a command performance EVERY day. With four children in 3 different schools playing various instruments, dancing ballet and performing at church every minute is a rehearsal a performance or a party. None it really all that enjoyable.Please invite me to your cookie party in February, I'll wear my ugly sweater and bring the egg nog.
Posted by - FireMom on Dec. 14, 2011
December is stressful for me, yes...But I'm the one who chose to get married in December.
I love the hustle and bustle and crazy of this month. Of course, I've already learned to say "no" to events that aren't necessary. That helps a lot.
This is my favorite time of year for so many reasons, and the constant craziness of it is just one reason.
Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
Emily now times that by 4 kids each with more than one event in December! Plus office parties, church parties, community 'parades' and other various volunteer events! I've counted more than 15 ''holiday' events we've been involved in, in one way or another this season...!!Posted by - Emily on Dec. 14, 2011
I love this idea! More than once I've suggested that my company hold its holiday party in May or June, when snow and ice won't deter people from coming. I'm thankful my son only has one holiday event to go to this year, but I'm sure that will change as he gets older!Posted by - Carissa on Dec. 14, 2011
I love the idea of group events in the summer too! I was just thinking that I want to do a 'Christmas in July' cub scouts event this year, bringing the service of the season around the year ya know?Thanks!
Posted by - Shannon on Dec. 14, 2011
I agree, I know some offices that do Summer Parties, instead of Christmas parties. That would be fine with me. My life is way to stressful in December. Wait...my life is stressful all the time!! Ha Ha Ha, but as parents, we do it to ourselves. But, really in December, there are those special, family activities we would rather, or should I dare say need to do. I already dread December, my mother died in December, I don't like the parties, I want to keep my family close. So I would like to postpone the hustle and bustle of the season and get back the family oriented and giving part of Christmas.