16 Dec 2011

Getting the balance right this Christmas

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‘Tis the season to be jolly BUT when it comes enjoying Christmas and New Year there is fine line between eating, drinking and being merry and overstepping the mark with too much of a good thing writes Tanya Ryan-Segger.

Everyday health

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The holiday season is a busy time when extended families get together, expectations are high and relationships are put to the test - which when coupled with alcohol, doesn’t always have a storybook ending.

There are measures that can be taken to increase the likelihood of the whole family enjoying a happy, healthy Christmas. It’s not rocket science but often, in the midst of work, busy family schedules along with hectic day-to-day living, it’s easy to get the basics wrong or to forget that enjoying each other during this special time and not the Xbox 360 is what it’s all about!

As the founder of online community network, Family Capers, Linda Enever is an expert in parenting and family issues. The working mum says getting the balance right at Christmas means saying the occasional no – whether it be to a party invitation or an extra drink.

“Realising that no-one actually does it all is a big step to getting balance back into a family Christmas,” Enever says.

As for advice about drinking etiquette Enever says it may be Christmas but mum and dad should still make sure they set a good example.

“Remember what you are exposing your kids to,” she says.

“Alcohol filled events may have suited the kid-free you but it is not just you anymore.”

If the weight of being a role model doesn’t stop parents in their tracks perhaps fast-forwarding to the day after an alcohol-fuelled event might.

“In my experience two-year-olds have no idea what a hangover is – and are certainly not going to ‘cut you any slack’ the next day,” Enever says.

Adrian Fernand, who runs social protocol and etiquette website – I Do Believe I Came With a Hat, says drinking at Christmas should be no different to any other time of the year.

“You should have a good time whilst remaining composed,” he says.

But if out of home, for the wellbeing of children, parents should decide in advance who is the designated driver.

“Remember that children are accident prone and someone should always be sober enough to drive to the hospital…” Ferdand says.
But for memories you want your kids to hold on to, why not start a special family Christmas tradition of you own? Simple things like Christmas Carols or a church service on Christmas Eve or opening presents in bed with the kids on Christmas morning make this time of year magical.

And, if you feel like you’re struggling to get everything done, why not cut yourself a bit of slack and ask family and friends to help you out this holiday season?

“Step back - not everything needs to be amazing,” Enever says.

“There are people that will help if you ask - why not share the load?”

For families enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, Christmas is an ideal time to stop, reflect, and be thankful. Children’s charities like Barnardos Australia hold an annual appeal for Christmas gift donations and involving kids in such programs is a good way to encourage generosity and empathy for those less fortunate. After all, although it may take a few years of practice, the greatest gift is giving.

Here are a few more tips to help make this family Christmas the merriest yet:

1. Involve the family in giving back to the community – i.e. to donate to Barnardos’ Christmas gift appeal - Star of Wonder Gifts for Kids, go to www.barnardos.org.au/starofwonder
2. Start your own family Christmas tradition
3.Try not to over indulge on alcohol – especially if kids are about
4.Say no to some engagements – don’t overdo it
5. Don’t spend too much on gifts – make a budget and stick to it
6.Ask for help from family and friends if you need it and take time out to relax

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