Wellbeing

Janey Lee Grace: Family matters at Christmas!

Mother-of-four supermum Janey Lee Grace on the importance of family traditions

Mother-of-four supermum Janey Lee Grace on the importance of family traditions
As we near the festive season I resolve not to let the excesses of Christmas get to me, I’ve been thinking a lot about childhood memories, and wondering how my children will look back and remember our traditions of Christmas. Our memories of family festivals help to make up who we are and it’s hugely important to me to ensure that I’m helping my kids to establish what I like to call a ‘treasure box’ of memories. With the commercialisation of Christmas it’s unlikely that they’ll remember their excitement at ripping the wrapping paper off one toy after another only for that plastic gadget to lay unloved and broken the very next day. But I do hope they’ll remember toasting marshmallows, singing Christmas carols round the piano, tobogganing in deep snow and taking it in turns to open a tiny parcel on the Advent string (sometimes a conker really is a thrilling surprise!)

I’ve always felt it’s better to keep Christmas gifts simple, it really is the thought that counts so now rather than buy cheap unwanted gifts I encourage them to give them a voucher that represents a promise. It can be the gift of their time; for the older boys a promise to clean the car and for younger children they can simply draw a picture of a heart and offer daily hugs. Of course homemade gifts are always appreciated. I also reckon if we spend money on experiences rather than possessions most of the time it will raise our children’s ‘happiness bank account’ and the memories will support them when they’re older. One magical memory was a visit to the Enchanted Christmas House in London (enchantedhouse.net). The kids loved it, the food is all organic and they really cater well for adults too with mulled wine and mince pies. Ssshh…mustn’t let the kids know we enjoyed it too!

Janey Lee Grace is a speaker, workshop leader and the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching The Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House). Visit janeyleegrace.com for more information.

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)

Discover more

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)

Discover more