Ron Tustin – Grandparents and Christmas

“Christmas Gift Suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance.  To a friend, your heart.  To a customer, service.  To all, charity.  To every child, a good example.  To yourself, respect.” ~ Oren Arnold

Christmas is a time full of joy, excitement but sometimes a little stress for grandparents.  Whether it is our first Christmas as a grandparent, or the child or children are a little older, we want to make the most of this memorable event but may not be sure just how to go about it.  Here are some the tips to help make this time a special occasion.

Talk to the Child’s Parents

It is always tempting to go overboard with presents. But showering your grandchildren with gifts may grate on the nerves of the parents. Talk to them about their expectations for Christmas. Find out if there is something special you can get for your grandchild. It may be just a small gift and some money deposited in an account for them.

Take Pictures

Be sure to take photographs but don’t go over the top and become obnoxious. Take a few portrait pictures of the children alone, with his or her parents and with you. Take a few of the child or children with the gifts and let it go at that. Go for quality shots, not quantity.

Plan a Tradition

Think of something you’d like to make an annual tradition. It could be something you never got to do with your own children because of time or money constraints. Maybe you’d like to read  ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ every year. Perhaps you’d like some one-on-one time with your grandchild or grandchildren. How about offering to babysit so the parents can go shopping in peace?

Don’t Tire the Children

Overstaying a visit makes for a scratchy children and scratchier parents! Check the timing of the Christmas get-together with the parents so the children are rested and able to be awake while grandparents and other guests are around.

I hope that following any of these tips will make Christmas as a grandparent more memorable and enjoyable.

And what about you?

This time of year is also a great time for rest and reflection. The end of the year creates a natural point to think back about the past year and how it has gone. At some time over the next month you will have at least one opportunity to reflect on what has happened to you in 2009.

• What were your personal achievements over 2009?

• What have been the achievements of other important people in your life?

• What are all the things you can be proud of this year?

• How have I celebrated the achievements?

I look forward to talking to you in 2010. Have a wonderful summer holiday.

Ron Tustin
Revive and Thrive Coaching

Motivating baby boomers to see the world with fresh eyes.