Give yourself and your family the gift of time well spent this holiday season
Getting back to basics
With the holiday season upon us, we can start to feel overwhelmed by our ever growing to-do lists. Shopping lists, school holiday parties, work parties, church events, gift exchanges, trips to the mall, holiday school spirit days, and so much more. And while these things are a part of the excitement of the holiday season, many of these items are not the things that our kids will remember about their family holidays. It’s the moments of thoughtful togetherness that our kids will carry with them.
Being intentional with where we spend our time, and creating space for moments that matter can make a big difference in your holiday experience for you and for your family. The providers at CMC Pediatrics are here to offer their advice on how to give the gift of presence and time this holiday season.
It's the time spent together that matters most
There are few things more quintessentially Christmas than baking holiday cookies. And while the idea of making them from scratch is wonderful, it may not be realistic for your family based on the age of your kids or dietary restrictions in the house. Dr. Didolkar shares, “it’s the time together that matters most. Consider a no-bake option like mini caramel apples or holiday popcorn balls. These also make great gifts for neighbors and teachers, allowing you and your children the joy of making a homemade gift for others.” Consider making garland with any leftover popcorn!
If you can't bake it, make it!
Ashley Crago, APRN, suggests carving out time for crafts this holiday season! “Even something as simple as construction paper garland is a great way to support children’s mental health, allow them to use their creativity and problem solving skills, and provide them with the satisfaction of a job well-done when they hang the finished product!” Want to kick it up a notch and reap the health benefits of nature with a healthy dose of vitamin D? Consider a holiday craft using items from nature! Collecting and then painting pine cones is a great way for kids to enjoy the healing benefits of nature while exploring their creativity.
Learn about holidays from around the world
The holidays provide a great learning opportunity for you and your kids. Consider hosting a themed evening where you explore how the holidays are celebrated across the globe. This could include a sample of a local holiday dish, learning a holiday song from another culture, or creating a holiday craft! Dr. Stephen Replenski, shares “Starting a new tradition is a great way to form a deeper connection with your kids, that they can call upon later in life.”
Giving back together
Of course, there is no greater gift to receive than when we give to others, Making giving to your community a family affair. Dr. Stephanie Cobb suggests “If your kids are old enough, consider volunteering at a local organization to help those less fortunate. For those with little ones, simple craft paper and crayons are all you need to create festive holiday cards that you and your family can deliver to local hospitals or care facilities. It will be a holiday experience your kids (and you) will remember for years to come! The CMC Foundation participates in an annual sock drive during the months of November and December. Consider collecting socks with you child as a great way to give back together. Don’t forget to bring your child when you deliver the items to make it that much more meaningful!
There is no time like the present and no present like time
Remember, there is no present like the time. These precious moments allow us to form a closer bond with those we love and will allow you to revisit what matters most this holiday season. Text content
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Don’t have a pediatrician? We have the care you need from experienced, compassionate experts through CMC Pediatrics.
We’ll help your child and work with you to create a team approach to establishing a lifetime of healthy habits for your son or daughter.
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