How To Survive the Holidays with FAMILY....

The first Thanksgiving brought together the Pilgrims and Native American tribes who hadn't exactly been best buddies. Many Americans can say the same thing about the Holidays and spending time with family. So, how do you get through the holidays without conflict and even reconnect with family in positive ways?
Here are a few suggestions.
Do Your Homework!
Arrive with memories of family FUN (not disasters), to spark laughter and bonding. “Remember when…” will engage family members in reliving positive family moments.
Think of some movies, novels or pop culture on which you’ll all agree. Remember the good old days of Hannah Montana? Does anyone aspire to wear hats like Pharrell Williams? What TV shows are you binge watching these days? Can we help set Grandma up with Netflix so she can binge watch too?
Brainstorm Future Fun
As our families move on to new places in life, new traditions are bound to appear. Instead of exchanging gifts, plan an annual bowling or movie outing instead. Or, have a game night and potluck. Think of new ways to spend time together that center around an activity to provide distractions should conversations take a wayward turn. If all goes well, perhaps you can discuss trips you’d like to take together.
Express Care and Concern
Expressing interest in, and concern about each other’s health and wellbeing is usually appreciated and a way to bond. Avoid any competitive undertones or touchy topics, and be truly supportive if you can.
Whatever you do, don’t leave the table to go shopping! Stores that are open on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, are ruining other peoples’ holidays and should not be rewarded. It’s also taking the easy way out of time spent with family. Stay at the table and make the most of the opportunity to enjoy family while they’re still around and in good health.

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How Do You Give Thanks?

During November, and with Thanksgiving upon us, its time to think about all the things that make us thankful:

For family and the other special people who have joined life's journey along the way. 

For good health if you have it, one of life's greatest pleasures. 

For a brain that allows you to think and function. 

For the seasons that remind us that life is full of change (whether we like it or not). 

For a warm bed at night. 

For a phone that allows us to communicate with loved ones that are far away. 

For food, whether you are making it or eating it. 

For access to water, one of life's most important necessities.

For music, which feeds the soul. 

For little pleasures that remind us that we are human. 

For the ability to help others in need. 

During the holidays, not everyone has the ability to visit family, or have a family to visit.  Poor health and distance prevent many folks from gathering during the holidays as they once did.  Volunteering during the holidays doesn't have to be an ongoing commitment, or even an all-day affair.  Volunteering during the holidays will, however, make the difference in the life of someone else who needs a simple pleasure to boost their spirits.


Serve Dinner at a Homeless Shelter:  Homeless shelters need volunteers to prepare and serve meals for those without a home.  Whether or not you're handy with a frying pan, homeless shelters appreciate the extra help.  Check out The National Coalition for the Homeless, or The Salvation Army for information on where to help out. www.VolunteerMatch.com is an incredible website that can help match you to very specific areas of interest in your town or city.

Deliver a Meal:  If you have a car, consider volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels program to bring a hot dinner to those who aren't able to join family and friends.

Run a Turkey Trot:  Turkey Trots are races that often benefit local charities, planned on or around Thanksgiving.  Not only are these runs for a good cause, but they're also a way to burn calories - which means you can definitely have that second piece of pumpkin pie!  Simply type "Turkey Trot (your city, state)" into a search engine to find an event near you.  Not a runner?  Not a problem!  Most Turkey Trots offer a walking option. 

Invite a Neighbor, Friend or Acquaintance:  Perhaps you learn that someone may not have a place to go for a holiday meal.  Invite them to Thanksgiving dinner with you and your family.

Take Food to Public Service Workers:  Thanksgiving is just another working day for many public service workers.  Fire Stations, Police Stations, Emergency Workers, etc., all keep the rest of us healthy and safe during the holiday.  Call ahead and ask to bring a few plates for those on duty. 

Visit a Hospital:  Call in advance (or go online) and find out your local hospitals' volunteer policy.  Get yourself setup to volunteer and visit sick patients with an activity to make Thanksgiving day special. 

Visit a Retirement Home:  Many elderly often spend their turkey day without their families who sometimes live far away.  Help ease their loneliness by visiting them and spreading Thanksgiving cheer. 

Source:  www.dosomething.org; www.volunteermatch.org