With Thanksgiving right around the corner and the weather already turning cold, most snowbirds are settled into their winter homes and prepping for the holidays. A concern that many people have in regards to seasonal living is about being away from family on the holidays. After all, family is really the driving force behind holiday celebrations. If you?re across the country, or even the world, from your family, is it still special? How do people adjust? Is there a way to ensure the holidays are special even if you?re away from family? The short answer is, yes! Here are 3 tips to make sure the holidays are special, no matter where you are:
Christmas in July:
Ok, it doesn?t actually have to be in July but you get the idea. Choose a time when everyone is together and bring out the Christmas lights and deck the halls! It?s a fun way to start a new tradition and, it?ll probably alleviate some of the holiday stress during the winter months because you don?t have to worry about ?sharing? your family with the in-laws.
Technology:
In this day and age, it almost feels like we never disconnect from each other. Often, with all the social media platforms it can feel like we were actually at an event instead of just watching videos, looking at pictures, and reading first-hand accounts. Plus, you can always use a video chat application like, Skype or something similar.
Give Yourself Permission:
You love your family. Your grandchildren are the light of your life. That doesn?t change simply because you decide on some self-care over the holidays. Give yourself permission and don?t apologize for doing what YOU want to do. They say that grandchildren are the reward for raising happy, healthy, children. While that may be true, they can also be exhausting. Take some time for yourself and enjoy the things you want to do. You?ve earned it!