In our home we try to play down the holidays as we have so many outside pressures until later in the month. We like to decorate just before Christmas Eve and leave all the special foods until Christmas Day and afterwards. The practical aspect is that we still have school, homework, school projects and we need to get laundry and chores done as well. As they get older, the school pressures with finals, performances, etc. makes December very hectic. If grandparents or extended want to visit or to have you over for a family gathering it becomes a nightmare to schedule so it really is better to leave these until the lull between Christmas and New Year. And for younger children who are excited about receiving presents, the longer you leave putting up the tree the better as their excitement can mean lack of sleep, lack of eating sensibly and grumpiness as a result. Leaving it as late as possible and as short as possible really helps.

The other thing I discovered is that as January rolls round and if everything gets put away without them noticing they don't understand. It is better to at least try to get them to help and at least to see where stuff get stored. Explain that Christmas comes every year and they will be needed again when they are a year older. It is good to point out that they will be a year older, a year advanced in school, have experienced all the fun of other celebrations, birthdays, etc. and summer, and then there will be a "next Christmas".

Mother of 4 - Thanks for reading and commenting. It sounds like you came up with great ways to keep the holiday season enjoyable for you and your family. I like the idea of having the kids help put everything away in January.

I'm overwhelmed and genuinely loving all the time.

"Overwhelmed and genuinely loving it" sums up the holidays (and parenting in general) for me as well!

Mom and Sally Torbey - thanks for reading and commenting. What a great attitude to have about the holidays and parenting!