So I totally get that the holiday season can be chaotic and always look for ways to cut down on stress so that we, as parents, can enjoy the holidays with the family. Spending less time in the kitchen for me was a priority, so I look for ways to farm out work there. Who wants to be slaving in the kitchen when I could be playing Just Dance on the Wii??? I've worked to not make everything "perfect" as in the past. I'm just going to leave that up to Martha Stewart...to me perfect would be getting in that epic Nerf battle.
I have another family secret for keeping the holidays stress free. I have a little unfair advantage here. We throw up an inflatable bouncehouse, waterslide, or other great game. At any holiday here at the house, there are a MINIMUM for 8-12 kids ranging in age from 5-15 years old. That's alot of kids in a house that is not huge. And ALOT of energy. Depending of the weather, I throw something up outside to keep them occupied and happy! The key is to divide by ages...the little girls (5-10 years old) will just don't play as rough as the boys...so we have other activities to keeps people happy while waiting for their turn. This Thanksgiving it was tablecloth decoration (with fabric markers) and gingerbread house making! The teenagers needs space too. We make sure that they get time on all the fun inflatables. The hidden beauty is that the adults get a minute to enjoy a quiet conversation (or a fun game of charades) while we watch the kids have the time of their lives.
The holidays are precious times - and I'm so grateful for the memories we have made as a family here in Sarasota. Here's a wish that your holiday season may be filled with wonder, laughs, and love.
Michelle
Party Jumpers
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