Our Wish For You This Holiday Season

In the hustle and bustle of this time of year, when it is easy to get overwhelmed with the length of your “To Do” list, our wish for you this holiday season is the gift of connection.  

Despite all of the tv ads, the email blasts for the latest sale, and the long list of things that your child “must” have, remember that time with your children – your undivided attention and affection – will be the greatest gift that you can ever give to them.   

Find time to be together.  Play games, bake cookies, talk a walk, have a quiet dinner with music and candles, watch movies, invite friends over, have a pajama party, sing and dance together, play charades, do a puzzle, host a “Read-In” with another family to share a meal and your favorite children’s books, create a family scavenger hunt, get out the arts and crafts, or just snuggle and be still together.  

Be present. Be connected. Laugh together. Make memories.  

Listen.  In the craziness of cooking, cleaning, wrapping, and entertaining, take a moment to turn to your child and look at them with a light in your eye, letting them know that you can’t wait to hear what they have to say.  

Hug them.  Did you know that it only takes 20 seconds of hugging for the brain to release oxytocin – the feel-good brain chemical – to calm your nervous system, lower your blood pressure, boost positive emotions, and create a greater sense of well-being?  

Sleep.  Be sure to get some much-needed rest after a long fall of school, sports, work, meetings, and other activities.  

And as the month comes to a close, take the opportunity as a family to reflect upon the past year.  What did you learn?  How were you brave or resilient or kind?  What are you grateful for?  What are your favorite memories?  How do you hope to grow in the year to come?  

On behalf of the BStrong Together Board of Directors and all of our amazing volunteers, we wish you and your family a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and time with family and friends celebrating your life TOGETHER.