It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Store fronts are decorated with trees, lights and all things that sparkle. Downtown jingle bells and holiday smells beckon shoppers to begin checking off their lists early this year. It seems each year, the moment the trick-or-treaters spread out their nights’ stash and relish that first taste of chocolate, the orange and black comes off the shelves and is replaced by holly, cinnamon and ornaments. The rush to bring in ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ not only by retailers, but by the rest of us, is getting earlier each year. Along with the season’s
What are some of your traditions? Visiting out of town relatives, making handmade, one-of-a-kind ornaments, front row seats to The Nutcracker, or sharing time and gifts with those less fortunate? In the feature article, It’s a Holiday Tradition, Julie Steed suggests some festive tips to encourage new and old traditions for your family. Also included is our 2011 Holiday Happenings Guide where we have filled your stocking with local events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
A tradition in our home that has been passed down through generations is that of angels. Decorations are not complete until all the angels have been pulled from the attic and placed carefully on display. Since I was a little girl, my mom picked the perfect angel to give to each of her daughters. I have an angel for each Christmas from my very first to today. In keeping with that tradition for my own daughters, you will find an angel for every year that reflects a special moment in their life that year. For my boys, they receive a holiday, collectable train car. This year under the tree, the kids are being surprised with a gift to Disney World. I wonder if I will be able to find a Minnie Mouse with angel wings and a train caboose with Goofy on board? Seeing Christmas through my children’s eyes brings me the greatest joy!
Holiday celebrations are not just for the little ones. We can’t forget those teens and tweens who throughout most of the year are ‘too cool’ for parents’ attention. These crucial developmental years may be trying at times. Parents may feel unable to connect and the teenagers often feel unheard or misunderstood. Michele Ranard shares 12 Ways to Bond with Teens and Tweens as a helpful guide to reconnecting. Take advantage of the upcoming break from school and their many activities to try a couple of her tips. One example is to invite them to help you cook. What a great way to not only spend time, but open up in conversation. You will together fill the house with sweet holiday smells of cookies, dressing, and cocoa, and also fill their spirit with your love, encouragement and appreciation for who they are! That just might be all they have on their list this year!
Bring love into your home and family this December. ‘Tis the Season to slow down, take in the sights, sounds, and smells that only this time of year can bring. Hang up the mistletoe, deck the halls, and sing your glad tidings to the world. Wishing you a Joyful Holiday and Happy New Year!
Kendra
