There is no time like the holidays to bring out a list of "how things should be." These "shoulds" are formed by our own pasts, particularly our childhoods, and as we plan holiday memories for our children, they ring out louder than the bells on Christmas morning. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you plan your family Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas. And as each year passes, you'll probably add to this list as you become more comfortable with the idea of your family's unique memories:
- Start your own traditions such as eating a traditional holiday feast, but only as they might do in a different country. Or, if your new traditions are inexpensive ones such as watching reruns of classic holiday movies, all the better. That way, you won't have to eliminate them due to financial upsets some particular year.
- You don't need testosterone to put up a Christmas tree. Really. This includes buying it, getting it into the car, driving it home, getting it inside and putting it in the stand.
- Stringing lights also has nothing to do with male hormones. You can put them on your tree. You can put them on your house. When you find out how simple it is, you'll wonder what all the fuss, always portrayed by some clunkhead wrapped up in electric cord, was about!
- You get to sit at the head of the table. And guess what? You can carve and serve the turkey, too. Now you can get all the credit!
- Assembling children's toys is not as difficult as it seems. The secret is to try not to do them at the last minute. When you really follow the directions, it's easy. Honestly, it doesn't take a nuclear physicist to read the instructions.
- Call on your friends who don't have any children. They actually love to help put up that tree, assemble those toys and mess around with lots of food preparation, mostly because they don't have to do it. Also, your friends, both male and female, probably would appreciate connecting with a family with children this holiday season.
