When it comes to travelling with the kids during this Christmas holiday, many parents find the whole experience more stressful than serene.
So, what’s the solution? According to Dr Tim Sharp, aka Dr Happy, psychologist, founder of The Happiness Institute and Resident Happiness Expert with Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, while no holiday is guaranteed to be hassle-free, there are tried-and-tested ways to minimise stress and boost the chance of a happy family break during the school holidays.
Dr. Tim Sharp
Top tips for a fuss-free, frazzle-free Christmas break with kids include:
- Remember what the holiday period is really about – people and connection.
- Keep things in perspective. Stress levels can run high this time of year, and it’s easy to make mountains out of molehills or become upset by little things. Try to focus more on what’s going well during your trip – and less on what’s not going according to plan – try to let it go.
- Don’t over-plan. Genuinely enjoying a few activities is better than stressing over trying to squeeze too many into your schedule. Yes, it’s good to have some things locked in to make the most of your time (like attractions needing tickets) – but leaving free time to be flexible, spontaneous, and ‘in the moment’ is the best recipe for a happy holiday.
- Strive for a balance between time to have fun all together – beach trips, family walks, board games, local attractions – and carving out some time for individuals to have their own time and space to do what they want.
- Nurture your health and well-being – whatever that involves – so you can enjoy yourself and care for others. Ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep (especially the kids), as it’s hard to be happy if you’re tired (and grumpy!).
- While connections are important, if there are family members you don’t get on well with but have to spend time with over the holidays, remember it’s ok to limit the amount of time you spend with those individuals to look after your well-being.
As for the ideal holiday length for happiness – and to rest and recuperate – Dr Happy suggests that, based on research, seven or eight days is perfect if you can manage it. “It seems two to three days isn’t quite enough to relax truly; however, it’s certainly better than no break at all!”
While the school holidays are typically a time for breaks as a family, Dr Happy says there are also benefits in parents taking a break from their children from time to time if they have a trusted carer who can look after them.
Think you’re pretty happy? Want to win a holiday season?
Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites are looking for The Happiest Person, with Dr Happy judging entries and announcing the winner on 20 March 2023 – the International Day of Happiness.
Entrants are invited to visit Oaks Hotels for more details about the search for The Happiest Person, and to nominate themselves, a friend, or a family member for the title. The prize consists of ‘A Holiday a Season’ – 4 x 3-night stays in a one or two-bedroom apartment at any Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites location in Australia or New Zealand.
