Many families try their best to provide their children with memorable Christmases, and doing things together during the Christmas period that their child finds exciting. Christmas Day celebrations will most likely be very different for us this year during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with some thought, this year’s Christmas can be an invitation for you and your family to be more creative in finding new ways to enjoy your time. I will be sharing three simple ideas on how you can still enjoy Christmas Day with your child this year.
- Explain to your child why this year Christmas Day will be different
Many children have grasped the idea that there is something different about this year. Most have already adjusted to spending their Summer Holidays doing things in a different way, adjusted to getting back to school with new changes and so on. It might be worth considering whether you can explain to your child that this year, Christmas will also need to be celebrated differently, for instance that their grandparents might not be present on the day, that visiting their aunt and cousins this year might not be possible and so on. Having said so, it might also be worth discussing with your child that you will still be trying your best to have a memorable day together.
2. Involve your child in the different activities that you have planned on Christmas Day
Perhaps this year, instead of a complicated Christmas lunch, think of something that your child can prepare with you. This will avoid situations where your child is waiting while you are cooking; and instead turns cooking into a fun activity for you both. Perhaps put some Christmas songs in the background as well.
3. Keep in mind family members who cannot be physically with you on Christmas Day
This can be done is so many different ways! Perhaps you can dress your child as Santa and go round in your car to deliver gifts or cards to your loved ones by leaving them on their door step. Or maybe discuss with your relatives if they would be willing to plan a Christmas game which can be done on a video call. Or if your child would like to prepare a song to sing to your loved ones during the call. Whichever method you choose, this will very probably mean a lot to your loved ones, and it will create the opportunity for your child to make new memories with people who are special to them.
Rebecca Cassar is a Family Therapist practicing the Systemic Approach. She specializes in offering therapy to families, couples and individuals who are experiencing distress in their relationships. She can be contacted on rebecca@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.