Search Results for: blog sharing holiday responsibilities

Let Kids Take on Some of the Holiday “Chores”

In single parent families, we parents do not always have to DO it all—this time of year there can be so many “chores” to do—gifts to wrap, cards to address, cookies to bake, etc. Instead of trying to be Super Parent and juggle all the balls, we can let our children in on the action. It can be another opportunity for our kids to help out in a useful way and get involved in the season—and by sharing the load we can also build a stronger, more bonded family… Over the years, my kids have not only gotten used to … Continue reading →

The Marriage Blog Week in Review for Dec 30 – Jan 5

Woo hoo, it’s Saturday and this week, we enjoyed watching our daughter go back to school and yesterday, she received a Good Effort Award for her progress in school. She’s mastering reading and so much more. Every day is a new adventure for us as parents and as a married couple, but we will talk more about that later. In the meanwhile, Sherry and I welcomed the arrival of the New Year here at the Marriage Blog with a series of articles covering everything from the marriage debates to the wedding planning. So without further ado, let’s talk about our … Continue reading →

Do You Fight Before, During, or After Holidays?

We all have triggers in our relationships that set off disagreements. For some people it’s working late or going out with friends, and for others it’s holidays, or at least holidays seem to be a problem. It may have more to do with the fact that holidays can become stressful, than the holidays themselves. For example, one spouse may feel resentful if he or she has more responsibility for planning and executing holiday get-togethers. Another person may begin to dislike the holidays because he or she is uncomfortable watching the other person become the life of the holiday party while … Continue reading →

Can You Survive? Stepfamily Holiday Stress

I don’t really care for the term stepfamily. I prefer blended family, even though I’m not usually given to politically correct terminology. The point is that stepfamilies or blended families can encounter some unique challenges, especially during the holidays. Time can be at a premium, especially when not only ex-spouses, but also ex-in laws, as well as your own family members hope to spend more time with your children. This can often lead to stressful and uncomfortable situations. It may also lead to resentment for your spouse. It is important to make sure that you try to keep everyone’s feelings … Continue reading →

The Marriage Blog Week in Review October 28-November 3rd

Last Week’s New Jersey Supreme Court ruling played a major ripple effect on our articles for this week and even as we got ready for Halloween and recovered from it, the November elections and vote loomed ahead. Several states will make their decisions on new marriage laws, politicians and more. If that were not enough for you, we have the holidays looming ahead of us and that can have a dramatic impact on our marriages and our family lives. So without further ado, here is our Marriage Blog week in review: Saturday, October 28 In Marriage in the News: I … Continue reading →

Holidays: It’s all about Planning

If you want to make sure the holidays go smoothly, it helps to get as much done as possible ahead of time. Whatever you can do now, don’t put off until later. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, take a deep breath. These tips will help you get your game plan down: Make a List and Check it Twice That may sound like Christmas, but it’s also smart for other holidays. Make a list for everything and look over it and update it often. Cross off each item that you have completed so … Continue reading →

Sharing Holiday Responsibilities

Do you do take care of most of the holiday preparations or does your spouse? Do you clean, plan, shop, and cook until you’re exhausted or do the two of you share the effort equally? If holidays have become an exercise in stress and exhaustion, you need to communicate this to your spouse. After all, you should be able to enjoy the holidays as well. A good way to get your spouse more involved is to ask for his or her opinion on things. You may simply love the raspberry-cranberry sauce that you serve each year, but your spouse may … Continue reading →

“Right Fighters” = Marriage Saboteurs

Yesterday I talked about how, among other things, the season for fighting is upon us. I also ended the article saying I’d examine some ways to fight fairly to ensure any fights you might have this holiday season are good ones, not just big ones –or, more importantly, rehashed ones. I’m actually going to start off by telling you a way not to fight. It has to do with the following quote and an article I wrote several months back about “Right Fighters”, a term I picked up from Dr. Phil. Attachment to being right creates suffering. When you have … Continue reading →

LDS Week in Review Dec 2-8

If the busy holiday season have kept you from checking in on a regular basis, then this will help you to catch up and bring your focus back to the gospel. In Finding the Christmas Spirit, Tristi gives advice on ways to do just that. You can learn more ways to incorporate the Christmas spirit in your home in Primary Time: December 2007 Sharing Time Theme. You can also incorporate Sunday lessons into your family discussions with Dinner Discussions 2007 Week 44. Tristi is taking us back to review Priesthood and Relief Society lessons from earlier in the year. You … Continue reading →

Another Good Thing about Organizing before Christmas

Here’s another thing about organizing for Christmas that makes the holidays a bit simpler at my house. As you go through all the stuff, purging, donating, storing, you may find that there are some things you need to add to your Christmas list. Your kids might be growing out of a lot of their clothes and need a few new hip outfits. You might find that some new books would be good or you might want to replace some games or puzzles. This is a good way to dig around and find out what the kids need without coming out … Continue reading →