I Can Do This!

We talked last week about the stressors that can accompany the Christmas holidays that follow on the heels of Thanksgiving. You learned some ways to reduce stress that may even give you more “Me” time. During this week, I have considered carefully what any of us might do to reduce the stress of two such huge celebrations so close together.

I was fortunate to be able to spend a few days with my son and his family during Thanksgiving. Not only did we celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, but we celebrated Christmas, too, because I won’t be with them in December.

I knew that my daughter-in-law would be busy with last minute cooking, so I went with crafts and other activities to do with my granddaughters, 9 and 5, to entertain them. Jason, Ginger and I were able to chat while she cooked. Emily and Jacey had a great time while making fun crafts, some of which can be used to decorate for the holidays year after year.

Meema also made sure that some of the gifts she brought would entertain young ones. We enjoyed an impromptu photo shoot as Jacey modeled the clothes she received. Smart phones are great for doing this. Now I can keep the ones I really like, I can send some of the pictures I captured to each of the kids as a reminder of the fun we had.

I have appreciated all the many and varied forwards I have seen having to do with children, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. It occurred to me that I should challenge myself to make at least one positive change or stop at least one negative habit. Might I suggest that you, too, commit to doing this? It can be something very simple or perhaps you may want to begin a new tradition that will require some forethought and/or planning.

Here are a few suggestions on ‘How to Really Love a Child” by Sark to get you started:

• Be there.
• Say yes as often as you can.
• Let them bang on pots and pans.
• Read books. Out loud. With joy!
• Encourage silly. Giggle a lot.
• Remember how really small they are.
• Search out the positive and comment on it.
• Keep the gleam in your eyes.
• Teach feelings. (Especially empathy.)
• Consider how important it is to be a child.
• Stop yelling.
• Invent pleasures together.
• Surprise them.
• Express your love.

Have a wonderful week living the Season of Love, Peace, and Joy.