Hoppy Easter! My husband and I had everyone over today to celebrate the day. I always love that I am so close to my Children and Grandchildren that we can easily get together for special occasions. Being part of blended families though can make holiday schedules a real challenge. I have learned over the years a few valuable lessons for making holidays less stressful and more enjoyable:
Plan an Open House
Instead of playing the guilt game and trying to get four families to arrive at the same time, we now have an open house. I plan brunches, with our family’s favorite dishes and let everyone know what time the food will be out. Today it was 10:00am. They can come anytime after that if they want to eat.
Have One Event
I always have one timed event. Today was a backyard egg hunt at 11:00. If the kids can make it, great! If not, that is OK too. This gives a central activity time, but we try not to force an activity that is not flexible. The eggs are plastic, and the treats inside will hold. We plan so every grandchild gets 11 eggs to find, three with their names on them. That way, early or late comers may not be there for the whistle blow, but they still can hunt. And especially for days like today, if the hunt starts are spread out Papa can hold more than one little hand as the hunt is underway.
Remember Who the Holiday is For
The holiday is for the whole family. It should never work against our closeness, and it should not be about me. My kids feel bad enough if they cannot enjoy the food, fun, and family time. Adding in my own agenda makes things harder. I appreciate that they drive to us for almost every holiday, so if one doesn’t work out, I keep myself focused on the purpose of holidays: to bring us together, and that means I am greatful for 1 hour or time the day before too.
Welcome Everyone
I wish I got to pick my in-laws. And I doubly wish I could pick my Ex-laws. It would make life far easier. We are lucky and most hurt feelings in our step-families are overlooked for the benefit of the grandkids. So I follow my children’s lead and if they are comfortable with it, I include everyone. Sometimes this is akward for me, but it is never akward for my grandchildren. Therefore, in our house for holidays everyone that my grandchildren values in their lives gets an invite.
Have Fun
Live in the moment, not the past and not the future. I find a shared bottle of wine helps everyone stay in the moment and enjoy the day. My husband finds a shared twelve pack of beer does the job. Whatever it takes to relax and forget about the silly details that nobody but me would notice (dirty handprints on the walls, a looming disagreement held over between the kids, a trail of crumbs ala Hansel and Gretel). Next month all anyone should remember us what fun they had.
Our Easter today was great. With these tips, which I do my best to use, we had another fantastic day. I hope your next day will be just as grand!
GrandmaCents 