New Year reflection

January 1st is quickly approaching and you have probably been contemplating what resolution you might want to attempt this year. Some of the more popular goals are to lose weight, stop smoking, find a better job, exercise, or make time to eat better. Whatever resolution you choose, seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth in 2012.

Commitment

A study by the American Medical Association found that one in five people will turn their New Year commitment into action. The rest will have good intentions but stop working on their resolution in a few weeks. “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard
First, reflect on this year’s experiences. What did you learn from them? How did you apply this knowledge to create a better life for yourself? Then contemplate what you envision for yourself in the New Year and what steps you need to take to get there.

Persevere

This year give yourself the gift of love and acceptance. Believe in yourself. You are not a quitter. You are a strong, capable and resilient person. Persevere and you will attain your goal. Write your goals and intentions down. Read them aloud daily and visualize your success. Talk about the positive that is in your life and be grateful. Take a class, read a book, and save the money to take that trip. Put your family first. Try to understand each other more and forgive the things that keep peace from entering your life. Be kind instead of right. Have more fun and enjoy the journey of possibilities that the New Year can bring to your life.

Spending the holiday with grandparents

Grandparents make every holiday gathering special. Whether you are traveling to your grandparent’s home or they are coming to yours, there is a heightened anticipation to the arrival. Grandparents are known to cook homemade traditional foods and buy or create those exceptional gifts that make each holiday memorable.

Grandparents come in all shapes and sizes with special nicknames that are endearing. If you are unable to spend time with your grandparents this Christmas there are several things you can do to remain close whether you live near or far. Tape your children reading their favorite story and have them explain why they love that story. Mail the recording and enclose a family photo for them to enjoy. Create a scrapbook of the activities your children have done this year and include stories or poems that they have written. Include the current activities and interests that your children enjoy doing so that grandparents who live far away can stay connected as the children grow and develop.

If your grandparents are able to visit this holiday plan an extraordinary outing that everyone will enjoy together. There are holiday parades to attend, outdoor decorations to view, ice skating with hot chocolate or try breakfast with Santa. Spending time with your grandparents can be a rewarding experience. Even though presents are important to some, the best gift to receive this holiday season can be the attention, love and presence of your grandparents.

Helping others during the holiday season

During this time of year the needs of other people are highly publicized on the news. It lets the general public know that there are many families in the community that need our assistance to survive the winter and holiday season. Volunteering your family through your church, school or non-profit organization is a wonderful way to have your family look outside of themselves. Families that volunteer together learn how to work as a team as they share the spirit of caring and giving to others. It can also help families to develop better interpersonal communication skills within their family system which strengthens relationships.

The Independent Sector study (1996) reports that children who volunteer do better in school, feel more positive about themselves, and avoid risky behaviors like drugs and alcohol. It can help them develop career goals, learn how to respect others and understand people who are different. Children that have participated in service activities are more likely to vote, have a positive work ethic, and live a socially responsible life. Helping others less fortunate this holiday season can make a difference in your community. It can also make a lifelong impression on your children and family as you work together to help make your community a better place to live.

Blending holiday traditions

The United States is referred to as the “melting pot” nation where all immigrants and their traditions have blended over the centuries. Traditions that your family looks forward to each holiday are originally from different cultures around the world. The Christmas carols we sing are from England. The tradition of decorating the tree is from Germany and St. Nicholas originated in Scandinavia. The Netherlands expanded on the myth to have St. Nicolas or Santa Claus fill the stockings hanging over the fireplace. The United States extended the story adding the sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

Finding the compromise

Determining how to celebrate the holidays for divorced or blended families can become difficult with schedule conflicts and trying to combine the traditions that were important to their nuclear family. There are many solutions to the problem if everyone is willing to compromise and experience new traditions. Communicate with non-custodial parents to make sure the children are present for the festivities that are important to them. Try to be flexible and alternate the schedules when possible. Discuss how change can be a positive event when blending your favorite traditions.

Blending family traditions can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When all the changes become overwhelming, try to focus on the reason for the Christmas season. You are not competing with each other but explaining the importance of how your family customs are celebrated. Traditions are about building special memories so that one day your family rituals will be passed on to future generations. Acceptance and acknowledging what is really important to the special people in your life will create the holiday you will all want to remember.