Barbara Klein, Ed.D.

Born intense and dramatic, gifted children and teenagers can overact to anticipated holiday cheer and then feel very disappointed and distraught. Confusion over “what is going on” and what to expect from parents, Santa Claus, extended family and friends is predictable when over-the-top promises are given out to make your kids happy and feel loved.

I remember gifted children who are afraid of all the relatives, strange food and commotion that goes on around the holidays. Set the tone for the holidays by focusing on one event at a time. Here are some thoughts to make your holidays warm and nurturing.

1.  Make a plan that is realistic in terms of your time and family budget, and stick to your plan.

2.  Have your children help you with the preparations.

3.  Make it a rule to not show off. For example, don’t have a fancy catered dinner and overdress your tree. There’s nothing wrong with pot roast.

4.  Limit gift giving.

5.  Talk about what you are grateful for with your family.

6.  Make authentic relationships the core of the holiday. Try to avoid gossip and negative insinuations.

7.  Spread out events instead of packing the house with too many guests.

Good-enough common sense will promote holiday happiness.