Make room for a holiday your family can enjoy

A 10-minute conversation before the calendar fills up.

Before November fills up, ask: “What would help each of us enjoy this season?” Different answers give you something useful to work with.

The “yes, with a plan” exercise

Give everyone a turn. Younger children can draw or point. Then choose one adjustment together: a shorter visit, a quiet break, or sharing a task.

To your child: “You can enjoy seeing everyone and still need a break. Let’s decide how you’ll tell me.”
To relatives: “We’re looking forward to coming. We’ll stay for lunch, then head home for some downtime.”
For yourself: “I can care about this tradition and choose a smaller version this year.”

Put one agreed-on adjustment into the calendar before adding another commitment.