This
Month’s Wanderings
I
took the kids to my cousin’s wedding in Michigan in October. We were
able to visit with family we hadn’t seen for awhile and then
traveled to Indiana to be with my folks. As I watched Nate and Anna
interact with my Gra’ma, parents, sis and her hubby, it was a good
reminder of the benefits of being with family…which leads me to the
topic of this edition!!
How
Do You Relate to Your Relations?
The
holidays are fast approaching with a multitude of family traditions.
Some are overwhelming and some are endearing. But they all are a
part of our story. Whether you have healthy family relationships or
dysfunctional ones, families create that sense of belonging. Here
are some ideas for making the most of your time together.
1) Set
aside a specific time to have a conversation alone with each person.
My uncle did this when we had a Thanksgiving Family Reunion, and it
made me feel really special. I was in middle school at the time, but
it is still a memory I cherish.
Don’t know what to talk about?
How about their favorite activities? Dreams for the future? Biggest
challenge at school or work?
2) Play games together. Games are
great ice-breakers and give a task to focus on. Once the laughter
rolls in, there’s no limit to the fun a family can have. Your
relatives don’t like to play games? No problem! Get out a jigsaw
puzzle or pop some popcorn and watch a movie together. There is
always something good to watch this time of year! Here are a few of
our family’s favorite games: Apples to Apples, Trivial Pursuit,
Dominoes, Phase Ten, Skipbo, Taboo, Rook and Uno.
3) Come with
reasonable expectations. Ever feel let-down after being with kin?
The holidays can be a stressful time to be together with high
anticipations about what will take place. Suzie, Donna, Frank and
Ralph might each come with different presumptions. It’s impossible
to make everyone happy all of the time! Instead, cut each other some
slack and come looking for ways to serve your family. Everyone will
be blessed in the process!
Wishing you a heart full of gratitude
this Thanksgiving!
Sally
