What’s the most important part of your family holidays?
The real answer may surprise you. It sure surprised me.
Actually, ignoring it bit me in the you-know-what for many years, until I realized…
It’s not the WHO.
Who will you invite? Who will you snub? Who will you call or go to see? It really doesn’t matter, because the most important part will spoil the appearance of the most radiant guest. If you screw it up…
It’s not the WHAT.
What will you wear? What will you cook? What will you do for 3 whole days? Fabulously chic attire, an amazing apple pie, or a cool concert can be totally wasted. If you foul up the most important part…
It’s not the WHERE.
Where will you eat, sleep, or play for a long weekend? The backyard? Ocean City? The pool? The lake house? The location doesn’t really matter. A trip to Paris or Rome can stink. If you aren’t careful with the most important thing…
It’s not the WHEN.
When will you leave? When you go out to eat? When will you come back? Early, on-time, or late. Six hours or three days can go from sizzle to fizzle. If you ignore the most important thing…
It’s not the WHY.
Please. Don’t overthink the need for a holiday. The WHY doesn’t really matter, because sparkling intentions will lose their luster in a flash. If you ignore the most important thing…
The most important part of your family holidays is… the HOW.
As in, how will you show up? How will you treat the people around you?
No one will care about your flawless appearance if your attitude is hideous. Your prize winning pie may result in heartburn if it’s served with caustic criticism at family holidays. Your family may want to flee a royal palace if your attitude is sarcastically biting. If your temper rages while you run late, no one may wish to accompany you to the final destination.
On the other hand… with a little tweak of ATTITUDE, the backyard can become a family oasis. Burgers can satisfy palates like the yummiest fillet mignon. A clothing faux pas, or culinary mistake, can be met with gracious humor. Family and friends around you can become enchanting – even while you’re stuck in traffic. On a long bridge. In the rain.
So much in life hinges on attitude.
So while you’re furiously planning the family holiday, focusing on the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and possibly WHY, don’t forget about the HOW.
Remember that the whole shebang can rise or fall on with attitude.
How do make your family holidays rock? Speak your mind below.
Loved this Gina ~ I so relate! When my children were young I was so busy worrying about the what, where, when, that I did not really enjoy the HOW as much as I could have! Was exhausted by the time I had everything PERFECTLY ready to go to the PERFECT place! This is great advice, and I love the way it is written.
Thanks, Cheryl! I also learned these lessons the hard way. But now I’m refocusing my energy…
Always love the way you present things. Timing of this for me is perfect. I am guilty of not having the best attitude for hosting in the past. We are having 23 immediate family ove soon to celebrate my 75th. Our house is small and my hubby wonders how we will all fit. I am pleased to say I told him it will work out, the kids are happy to sit anywhere. And I meaan it. I jyst want us to be together- all the other stuff falls into place.
Hi Gina,
I believe that the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY is important but all that doesn’t matter if you don’t figure out the HOW. I think sometimes people are just so drawn to it and it’s easy to leave out the missing pieces. Thanks for the post!
Great article Gina! So true that “how’ we are in relationships is key. Listening and seeing the other and being listened to and seen in return is really all any of us human beings wants. Thanks for the interesting spin you injected into this piece as well. Really appreciated that!
Great article! I could not agree more. Yes, we all want to look our best, have everything in place and perfect but… just being around each other and sharing time, making memories that will be treasured forever is the most important part. Your attitude will determine the quality of your time spent and the memories made.
Nice point here.. If you always treat others the way you want to be treated than you should be fine. If people are mean or nasty don’t stoop to their level, just leave or go into another room.
You are so right about the attitude! If someone’s attitude at a family event stinks everyone is miserable. We had a family member like that… let’s just say that person no longer is coming to our events, lol…
The who is pretty much up there though. But yes the How is a biggie. Time spent with family should be time well spent
You are right. Attitude can break or make. We’ve actually hosted several large family get togethers in the past several years. We must have done things right because I really know of no problems that occurred prior, during or after. All we’ve had is very positive feed back from everyone involved. We did our best to plan and be prepared ahead of time. It was a ton of work but people pitched in and helped with food, cleanup, etc and no one stressed. Of course, we have a wonderful family. A great blog and great reminder to not have a bad attitude… its not worth it.
This is awesome! I’m thinking about printing it out and passing it out at our next family gathering. At the very least, I should read it aloud while we’re sitting around the table 🙂
Attitude is everything especially when it relates to our beloved family members.
Never thought about it but this is so true! A positive attitude will make any party a pleasurable experience.
It’s amazing how easily an event or gathering can be spoiled by one or two people with a bad attitude! The whole dynamic of the group changes. Yet with a roll-with-the-punches mindset, just about anything can be enjoyable.
WOW! What a great message, so on point… attitude really is everything. When I was growing up it was all about how spectacularly clean the place was, all the great food, and my mom would run around like a chicken with her head cut off, mad and frustrated at everyone, and focusing on everything BUT the real purpose of the get together. I love this article.