The holidays are truly a magical time of year, especially for kids. It’s easy for them to get swept away in all the holiday excitement, and perhaps even easier for them to forget all their manners as well. So as family and friends come together, it’s important to remind your kids how to conduct themselves—whether they’re helping you host the Christmas dinner or arriving as a guest to the annual holiday fam jam.
Here is some holiday etiquette to remind your kids before the start of all the holiday celebrations:
Welcoming guests and greeting family. Whether it’s your turn to host the holiday party or you’re attending someone else’s, remind your kids to welcome and greet family and friends wherever they go. Remind them to acknowledge guests (especially grandpa and grandma!) with a hug and kiss on the cheek. If you’re hosting, have your kids help you take everyone’s coat or have them help you serve snacks and refreshments as guests start walking in. The holidays are all about spending time with your loved ones, and making them feel loved and welcomed into your home is where it all starts.
Sharing is caring. While you’re busy receiving guests, have your kids help entertain the younger invites. Remind them to share their toys and play with all the kids to help make sure everyone has a good time.
Receiving and opening Christmas presents. This is the part many kids are looking forward to the most. I mean, they’ve waited 364 days for this — am I right? But there are a couple rules they should follow to help ensure a fun and positive gift giving experience for everyone. First off, as soon your child receives a gift, they should immediately thank the person who is giving it to them. They should also thank them again once they’ve opened their gift, followed by a hug to show their gratitude. Now the part where things get tricky is when your child doesn’t like their present. The disappointment can be hard to hide, especially when it’s written all over their face. To try to prevent that from happening, talk to your children beforehand and remind them to be appreciative of everything they receive this holiday season. Even if they don’t love their present, ask them say one positive thing about it, so it redirects their focus on the positive. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.
No phones at the table. This goes out to you and your teens. Apart from taking pictures, texting at the dinner table is a big no-no. As soon as dinner starts, make sure everyone puts their phones away — on silent! Sounds crazy, right? But it’s the only way to be absolutely present with everyone. Of course you can make exceptions to this rule, especially if you’re waiting on any important phone calls or text messages. If you really want to go all out and make your party a phone-free zone, get all your guests to leave their phones by the door as they arrive to your home. Disconnect to reconnect this holiday season.
Set an example. At the end of the day, you’re the role model and your kids are going to follow your lead. If you act kind and courteous with all your guests, your children are more likely to follow in your footsteps.
Although it’s not included in this list, remember everyday manners still apply (i.e. table etiquette). There’s no harm in giving your child a small pep talk beforehand reminding them what those are. Then, leave the rest to them. I mean, Santa is still watching!
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