| It is that time of year, stores are bustling with shoppers | | | | Remember to give of yourself. My grown children still |
| and decorations are all around. There is an | | | | comment about helping less fortunate kids at |
| excitement in the air that you can almost feel. | | | | Christmas time. Every year no matter how cash |
| Everything seems magical, and you can bring that | | | | strapped we were, we always took them to the store |
| magical feeling into your own home and share it with | | | | and had them pick out some toys to donate to Toys |
| your family. I am talking about family holiday traditions, | | | | to Tots. They would pick out something they would |
| certain rituals and events that you do every year. | | | | really like then give it away. Even when they were |
| These are the things that bring the magic and | | | | very young they understood why we were giving and |
| excitement into your home. | | | | they enjoyed it. |
| Holiday traditions don't need to be expensive or | | | | You can make cookies and take them to a lonely |
| elaborate. Anything that brings family and friends | | | | neighbor, or visit a retirement home. Doing activities |
| together and spreads joy and laughter is perfect! | | | | like this teach children how to think of others and to |
| You can get together with friends and go ice skating | | | | provide service. This is probably one of the most |
| or bowling – of course this is something you can do | | | | important gifts you can give your kids – the gift of |
| almost anytime. But you can add a little something | | | | kindness. |
| extra to make this time special, a special dessert or a | | | | Invite your neighbors over for a casual holiday party. |
| small gift. Plan it as an ‘after decorating party' and | | | | Have everyone bring a small treat and just enjoy one |
| do it each year to give everyone something to look | | | | another's company. In our busy world we don't |
| forward to. | | | | spend as much time getting to know our neighbors as |
| Visit a holiday light display. If you live in a metro area | | | | we used to. If it is cold, serve warm bread or |
| or where there are commuter trains available, ride the | | | | pastries with cozy hot chocolate. You will have |
| train with your family to see the lights. It will be | | | | warm hearts and friends in no time. |
| magical for little children – almost like riding the Polar | | | | Take the time to make memories and traditions this |
| Express! Many communities have concerts, | | | | holiday season. Gifts are soon forgotten, but the good |
| pageants and other activities during the holiday | | | | times you spend in the company of family and friends |
| season. Even department store window displays | | | | will linger forever. |
| bring joy and excitement to kids. | | | | |