by Sarah Grenier

Halloween to New Year’s always seems like a whirlwind of candy, travel, and craziness. New Year’s day we can finally take a breath!! To avoid burnout this holiday season as parents, I encourage you to slow down with your families. Say no to duties and gatherings that get in the way of family time. Put down the screens and enjoy connection over the table or during a family game night. Practice focusing on the little cozy things like a cup of hot chocolate, twinkling lights, a crisp breeze, etc. When we notice these little glimmers of happiness, we are much happier than when we are rushing from one place to another.

Holidays are special but also bring out family drama and the consumerist is us! Remember to take a deep breath, calmly hold your boundaries with family, and let it go. As parents, we can also model gratitude for the things we already have during “prayers” and discussions. Marketing is everywhere these days, so we must be intentional about counteracting that impulse to want everything. Your presence is the best present! One thing that is also free, calms our worries, and encourages us to slow down is nature. So bundle up and get outside these next few months while you carefully savor all the holiday magic.

Sunday, November 3rd, 10:30AM: Multigen Service

• 10:15AM: Nursery open, no children’s religious education
• During coffee hour: Mini Harvest Festival

Friday, November 8th, 6:30pm: Game night

Sunday, November 10th, 10:30AM: World Kindness Day Story

Sunday, November 17th, 10:30AM: Native American Story

Sunday, November 24th, 10:30AM: Harvest Story