I wrote early in on in the holiday season about the way most families have various individuals with different “holiday” temperaments to contend with. Some individuals really get into the hustle and bustle of the season, while others prefer a more low key approach. As we are only five days away from the “big day” here, I am watching as my teenagers’ personalities and temperaments are unfolding. Now that they are old enough to be less influenced by my schedule, I see their own internal ways starting to evolve. I am noticing that this year we have two last-minute shoppers and one who had hers all done two weeks ago…
I tend to be pretty moderate in my holiday shopping and preparation mode. I like to make some gifts and I love to experience the season to its fullest so I don’t get everything done super early. That said, I also do not like the last minute rush and stress. So, I try to start around Thanksgiving and finish up at least a week out from the big day. This way I can relax, bake cookies, visit, and enjoy a more leisurely pace in the final days. This might be because I grew up in one of those homes where everything was put off until the very last minute. We would be putting up the tree on the 23rd and doing all the shopping on the 24th! I hated it and wanted a saner, leisurely pace for myself.
Now, with my children, I see that there are two of them who are putting things off until the very last minute. There is plenty of fussing and procrastinating going on as well, so I can see the connection between perfectionism and procrastination. My son, for example, just cannot decide what to get people so he keeps putting it off until things become “clearer.” I cannot help but wish he was still young enough for me to whisk him off and help him with his shopping—but he’s determined to do this himself, even if he’s waiting until the final hours.
I am sure that they will both get things taken care of, and if not, it is another opportunity for one of life’s lessons. Meanwhile, I continue to learn how to let go and allow them to evolve into their own people—even if that means turning my back to the rampant holiday procrastination!
Also: Holding it Together Until Winter Break
Teenagers’ Opinions on the Meaning of Christmas
Balancing Seasonal Temperament