It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Or is it?

The holiday season is upon us and we all hope for something wonderful in our blended family this year.  But for many of us, the holidays might bring up dread instead.  

Why?  Simply because — well, it just isn't simple for stepfamilies!

The holiday season for many of us seems to create challenges.  Negotiating with the Ex, with the kids, and with each other can be stressful.  Relational tensions can escalate, dashing our hopeful expectations.  

Then disappointment sets in.  It can be frustrating, to say the least.

Kids in blended families often struggle too.  All kinds of frustrations and emotions get triggered for them.  Maybe you've noticed one or more of your kids distancing themselves or acting out in unexpected ways.

There are no easy solutions — this stuff is tough!  But you can approach the holidays proactively.

In this episode, we're sharing 10 practical tips that will help you navigate the blended family holiday season with intentionality.  You'll set your family up to experience something new (and maybe even wonderful) this year! 

You'll Discover:

• Tip 1:  Examine and readjust your expectations
• Tip 2:  Plan ahead with Your former spouse around schedules
• Tip 3:  Inform the kids of the plans they can expect
• Tip 4:  Create stability & connection for all the kids
• Tip 5:  Utilize the 5 Love Languages to fill emotional tanks
• Tip 6:  Discover what traditions are really important to the kids
• Tip 7:  Involve the kids in the preparation process
• Tip 8:  Keep your focus on gratitude
• PLUS 2 Bonus Tips that'll help you to keep your expectations realistic,  minimize disappointments, calm the chaos, and experience more joy!

Resources from this Episode:

• Article by Ron Deal: How to Cook a Stepfamily
• Article by Ron Deal:  Family Meetings: A Tool for Problem Solving
• Episode 95 - Do You Dread Negotiating Schedule Changes with your Ex?
• Episode  14:  3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionistic" Ideals and Disappointments 
• Episode 69:   How to "Blend" Your Holiday Traditions in a Practical Way 
• Episode 36:  How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection
• Episode 71:  How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Blog article: How to Minimize Disappointment In Your Blended Family
• Resources for 5 Love Languages:  
  • Episode 85 - How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family 
  • Book:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman & Ron L. Deal