Make Time to Make Memories

“Tis the season to...spend more time with those you love! Instead of sequestering yourselves in separate rooms watching television, playing video games, or browsing the Internet, call all family members into the same room and do something together. Play a board game, watch a movie, have everyone contribute to making dinner, then roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Or maybe chestnuts. Ho ho!

Make Time to Make Memories

Tis the season to...spend more time with those you love! Restrictions are being lifted and people are starting to travel to reunite with friends and family for the holidays, so if you've been nice for the past two years, it's time to get back into the yuletide spirit to the fullest! Instead of sequestering yourselves in separate rooms watching television, playing video games, or browsing the Internet, call all family members into the same room and do something together. Play a board game, watch a movie, have everyone contribute to making dinner, then roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Or maybe chestnuts. Ho ho!

People Are Resources, Too

    Make plans to go to a local nursing home and visit an elderly resident who hasn’t gotten a visitor lately. Receiving extra one-on-one attention can be very rewarding for the resident and you’ll be surprised how interesting their life is once you start talking to them. Especially with the holiday’s coming, think of those who might not have family nearby who would love good company at this time of year. Nine times out of ten, you will end up receiving much more than you give to these elders, who have wisdom, stories, advice, and love to offer.

Happy Halloween!

Bowl of candy? Check. Costume on? Check. Pumpkins carved? Check. Today is All Hallow’s Eve and what better day is there to dress up, go out, and overindulge on sugary sweets? However, take a few precautions before venturing out:

• If you have kids, don’t let them trick-or-treat without supervision.
• Don’t let your child eat candy that doesn’t come in a wrapper.
• Hold a flashlight when outside so drivers can see you.

But Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the sugar rush and crazy costumes. It can also be a very charitable day:

• Make cards of kindness.
• Some children are too ill to go out trick or treating. Make homemade Halloween cards for hospitalized children with life-threatening illnesses and mail to either Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness (loveletterscares.org) or Hugs and Hope (hugsandhope.org).
• Many dentists’ officers participate in post-Halloween candy buybacks. Donated sweets are sent to organizations such as Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.com) or Operation Shoebox (operationshoebox.com). Both organizations include the candy in care packages for US soldiers in harm’s way. Find a participating dental office near you at halloweencandybuyback.com.

Christmas Eve

  

    As your family arrives- or as you arrive at your family's- to celebrate Christmas, greet everyone with a genuine smile and embrace. Leave any past disagreements at the door and see good in everyone. You love these people and they love you. Bond over happy memories and the amazing dinner spread on the table.