Turn off and look back for a happy new year

Family life is busy and during the festive season rather than relaxing into holiday mode the day-to-day activities of many parents step up a few gears. Responding to the seemingly never-ending stream of parties, end of year concerts and extended family get-togethers is fun, but time consuming and often tiring. So last year, for the first time, I allocated a full day amongst the craziness to stop and turn it all off.

I still had my children to care for but I stayed at home - no shopping, social engagements and I hid my many “must-do” lists. It was a 24-hour wind down and as part of this I found myself reflecting on the previous twelve months.

I quickly realised the value of what I was doing. Looking back on a year about to pass is extremely therapeutic and beneficial to personal and family wellbeing.  And not just in a wishy-washy “look how fabulous we are” sort of way either. It is as much about reflecting on challenges as well as successes to paint an accurate picture of how you, as a family unit, fared.

Thinking about what each family member achieved along with their struggles is also a great way to refocus and set new, realistic goals for the future. Honestly reflecting on strong parenting aspects along with areas that need improving is also a useful, timely exercise.

But if someone told me a few years back that I could mentally recharge while increase my family’s chances at a happy and positive new year by stopping for a day in December, I’d probably have scoffed at them. But purposefully calling a halt to all the festive distractions to focus on family is such a powerful thing to do.

Oh and the other bonus? It’s totally free! What else during the holiday season is equally effective but doesn’t cost a cent?

Do you use the holiday/new year period to take stock of family achievements and shortcomings or is it just one big blur?