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Article Series: Parenting & Family
Here's Some Friendly Parenting Advice
How
To Plan Your First Holiday as a Parent
As a new parent, each and every day holds
an exciting experience. From the first time your baby clasps
onto your finger, to their very first Christmas, each day adds
to the wonder of being a mom or dad. Clearly, you want to make
your first holiday season as a parent run as smoothly as possible.
Follow the tips below to plan your first holiday as a new
family without a hitch:
1.
Intimate or traditional? As a new parent, it's well within
your rights to want to spend your first holidays as a new family
alone. If you plan to go this route, be prepared to explain
to the grandparents why you're choosing to exclude them from
your holiday plans this year.
- Keep
in mind that this holiday is special for others in your
family, too. If you're planning to spend a holiday alone
with your new family, consider spending a few days before
the
actual holiday with both sets of grandparents to satisfy
their wishes.
- If
you're being pushed into attending your parents' traditional
dinner, firmly stand your ground. Be as respectful as possible,
but lovingly remind your family that this holiday is about
you, your spouse, and your baby making your mark as a family.
2.
Religious differences. Even if you're already married,
cultural and religious differences can often come into play
for the very first time when the baby's first holiday is near.
If you and your spouse are clearly on the same page, this is
much easier. However, if you believe differently, have a sit-down
chat about what compromises you're both willing to make.
- If
you're aware that your family and spouse's family have
differences in cultural and religious beliefs, consider
incorporating
both traditions into the holiday as much as you can.
3.
Banish guilt. You are now a parent. And, as a parent, you
make the decisions as to what is considered best for your child.
- Avoid
feeling guilty for wanting to start your own holiday tradition
this year. As a family, your own special traditions
are a wonderful part of your family's story. If people
are truly upset that you are marching to your own drum,
continue
to keep your focus on the bigger picture.
- Remember
that every member of your family that has children has
dealt with family guilt when they attempt to start their
own holiday traditions. Ask others for advice. You'll ease
your guilt and gain support at the same time.
4.
Relieve the stress. Your new baby is too young to care
whether you hung the garland correctly, burned the ham, or
put too much mayonnaise in the potato salad. Stop stressing
over the small details and just enjoy your first holiday as
a parent.
- Many
new parents feel as if they must do everything themselves
in order to appear put together. But you'll enjoy your
holiday more if you ask for help!
- Chances
are that your parents needed the help of their parents
in your early childhood. And they're likely waiting to
blissfully
lend a helping hand in your early stages of parenthood.
Ask and you shall receive!
Clearly, your first holiday season as a parent is important.
But if it's laden with stress, it's also important to take
a step back, analyze the situation, and tame the source of
your stress. This is a time for joy, love, and family. And,
most importantly, it's a time for snuggling with your little
peanut!
Enjoy this holiday season as a new parent. After all, you
only get to experience this once in a lifetime.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2010
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