6 Holiday Do's and Don'ts to Keep the Season Jolly

We’ve all learned lessons over the years about how to keep things in perspective during family gatherings and hectic holiday schedules, but I thought I’d share some my wife and I have figured out with our guys.

- Derek James

This month, as we find ourselves running in so many different directions, it’s especially important to pace ourselves. With all the holiday festivities along with the everyday excitement, it can be easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. We’ve all learned lessons over the years about how to keep things in perspective during family gatherings and hectic holiday schedules, but I thought I’d share some my wife and I have figured out with our guys. Hey, a little experience goes a long way.

Don’t Use Santa as a Threat

Sure, the big guy “knows when you’re awake,” but empty threats from Mom and Dad never work. You damage your credibility when you say things like, “You won’t get presents if ...” Same goes for the always watching Elf on the Shelf. To this day, I’m scarred by Saint Nick coming into my first-grade classroom and throwing coal on my desk.

Don’t Compete With Others