While many of us are in the last minute stress of gift-wrapping, cooking, and finalizing travel plans, there are also families who are not preparing much for the holidays because of the economic hardships they have faced in the past year. But no matter our status, we can all enjoy the precious gift of family.
Happy Holidays from Lakeside
We often are so busy putting Christmas together that we forget about the precious gift of our family. Whatever your circumstances this holiday season, take some time to enjoy relationships.
One of the great antidotes to some of the more difficult emotions of the season is to spend time with those you love….times not of conflict, but of affirmation and support. This season provides a great opportunity to share those important conversations that build relationships with spouses, children, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, grandparents and extended family. I do hope each of you will have a wonderful holiday season filled with faith, family and contentment.
Supportive listening: give your family a HUG
There is a way that a family can better listen. Our acronym for better listening is HUG. It is a simple skill comprised of the formula of hearing, understanding and giving back the same information in our own phrases.
To explain, we take the time to listen carefully to the words being spoken to us. Then to make sure we are clear about what our family member is saying and that we understand what is meant, we feed it back using a good sentence starter like “it sounds like you…,” or “I hear you saying….” These types of listening statements can really help families communicate so much better because both individuals are truly present in the conversation and listening to each other.
So, give your family a HUG. Listen and learn about their lives. I know it will be a great opportunity to give and receive love as you enjoy family and friends who celebrate the season with you.
A wish for your hoiday, blessings of peace
I do hope you will be able to celebrate the wondrous gift that God has blessed us with in Christmas. It is truly a great celebration of divine love to us all! May you and your family experience true peace on earth together.
Thank you so much for reading Lakeside Connect. I hope it been helpful to you. We will be providing more information in the coming year that we hope will be uplifting to caregivers and parents of our children.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO, Lakeside Educational Network
