Christmas Time - A Family Time

When my son was 7 years old he announced to me at breakfast“ Mom, its 8 weeks and 6 days till Christmas!” (his face full of  hope and anticipation of all the toys he’s pointed out to me in the paper and toy shop windows in the last few weeks)………….”Oh” I heard myself reply, “Is it really so close?” Meanwhile my head started buzzing with ALL the things that had to be done before I could even begin to think of Christmas! Later the same day I asked my 7 year old daughter (yes they are twins!) ”What is Christmas all about? ”Her reply came so calmly and freely “ Its when Jesus was born……that was quite a long time ago! ”Well, yes it was a long time, but it is in the remembering that we start focusing on what Christmas is really about, it is in the remembering that family traditions become special times together.

Being from the northern hemisphere I find myself still erring towards thoughts of snow and log fires when I think of Christmas, but with 4 children I am more than happy to enjoy the benefits of our glorious South African December weather!

Some of the ”traditions” do seem a little out of place down here, but lighting a candle each night on the Advent ring a reminder of the “coming of Christ”, the coming of hope……..

Decorating the Christmas tree is fun for all the family especially if you combine home made decorations with baubles you can buy….but don’t stop with the tree….there are lots of ways to conjure up a festive atmosphere in the rest of the house.  Christmas carols sung around the piano ….or listening to a seasonal CD at supper time. 

Christmas is often the time that family will gather together from far and wide, a lot of excitement and anticipation and perhaps a lot of stress.?

It seems that in this day and age of high tech and instant fix, we forget that we, yes you and me need to slow down and be gentle on ourselves. How about loving ourselves a little bit more this Christmas?

What do I mean?.....you ask......

Well how about asking every family member to prepare and bring part of the Christmas meal. If money matters are a concern, then discuss amongst the adults privately the sort of gifts that can be afforded for the children and family members and come to an agreement on the kind of gifts to be given.

Talk to your spouse about what you look forward to and what you think will be difficult at the family gathering so that you can support one another!

During the course of this year, in the Choice Child Care office we have been dealing with more and more single parents needing help with child care…….this brings a new dimension to Christmas…..yes you are not alone

Christmas conjures up so many thoughts and dreams and maybe your reality is going to be different this year.

Don’t just sit at home and mope! Plan a little something special for your-self and think of new traditions that you can start in your new situation.

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