We are staying home even though we were supposed to go to my mom’s this year- spend a week in snow and being spoiled but not going to happen! But it is best for my family, and as much as the kids and grandma are disappointed, I will not feel guilty putting their health first!
If you feel the GUILT will get the best of you- don’t let it! Here are some ways to help you with the guilt.
Be confident about what is best for the family!
One of the keys to choosing what’s best for your family without feeling guilty is knowing for sure what’s best. When you are clear on what you want and need, it’s easier to be confident about it. Any kind of travel now is just crazy!
So make the most of it by planning ZOOM calls with everyone in the family. Getting everyone on a call would be so much fun. You can sing carols, even open presents, tell stories, just have fun! Knowing that your family should stay put can help you make a clear decision, stick to it, and not feel guilty about it.
Communicate and Come Up With A Plan
Now you might have family members who might not understand your decision to stay home, and that is OK! They have their own opinions, and we have to respect that. That is when communication is the key. It might be vital for you to clarify why you choose whatever it is for your family’s holiday. Make sure to explain with confidence and then let it go. Not everyone will understand your plan or endorse it, but they will respect it if you set healthy limits and refuse to negotiate.
Don’t Feel Bad For Putting Your Family First!
You can’t please all the people all the time. Some people are unable or unwilling to give others the grace and freedom to do what’s best for them. It’s ok if someone is upset with your decision as long as you have made things clear, concise, and mature with your communication. Ultimately, you can’t control other people’s reactions; you can only control your own. We are all human and have feelings, so yes, this year might be difficult for some family members.
If you need to reduce your stress this season by creating a holiday plan that’s perfect for your family but might ruffle some feathers, it’s essential to put your family first and refuse to feel guilty. Healthy people will understand, and unhealthy people won’t. That’s ok. Doing what’s best for your family is nothing to be afraid of and especially this year.
So take a deep breath and know doing what is best for your family is nothing to feel guilty about, period. Just get creative and have fun!
Please leave a comment and let us know how your family is going to celebrate this year? If you are not staying at home, just be safe and the same thing- as long as you keep your family safe, no guilt is needed.
You are right. The holidays are stressful already and this year even more so. We will be staying at home also.
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