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Enjoy Family F.U.N. During the Holidays

By Maria Bickel, Cornwall-Lebanon Education Association December 17, 2014

Ah, the holidays. You are either a good elf who has everything ready and waiting for the big day, or you are one of Santa’s elves-in-training… you know, the ones who know the holidays are coming but are still trying to get everything done.


Well, all of you elves can relax, because what your children will remember most are not the gifts, wrappings, and shopping.


The Food preparations (F), the Unique (U) things you did as a family, and the Need (N) to spend time together kind of fun is what your child will remember.


F – FOOD! 


Who doesn’t equate food with the holidays? Some of my best memories are baking cookies with my grandmother. It was a learning experience as well as a bonding experience. As I stood on the stool in her kitchen, I remember her letting me read the recipe, measure the ingredients, and follow the directions.


Who knew that my grandmother was helping me learn reading, math, and life skills all while allowing me to sneak tiny pieces of the cookie dough? Hopefully, during this holiday season, you and your children can make something from a recipe together.  Now remember, it might not turn out like the pretty picture in the cookbook, but the memory will be beautiful!


U – UNIQUE! 


Well, my family was nothing if not unique! The three of the children in our family could not have been more different, yet we all shared the same unique holiday experiences that still bond us today. Having unique holiday traditions are important to keep family memories alive.


One of my favorite traditions was showing off every present in detail when my grandparents came over that day. It was my turn in the spotlight. They lovingly oohed and aahed at each gift. What we didn’t know was that in addition to practicing our verbal skills and vocabulary, we were taking turns asking and answering questions, and we were using descriptive language that would aid us in our schoolwork. 


Just taking the time to talk and have one-to-one conversations can be such a meaningful, educational gift to our children. And that leads me to…


N – NEED TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER!


We all know that we need to slow down and catch our breath during the holidays. It seems that we need a holiday from the holidays when it is all over. When I look back though, I remember the times we spent in the house together.


We were not all looking at phone screens, texting, or surfing the net on our own individual devices. No, we were playing board games, reading holiday books together, or watching holiday movies on television. This holiday season, try to do those things together.  From a fast game of Go Fish, to Jenga, to Apples to Apples, everyone can get in on the fun.


You could also pick up some holiday stories at your local library and leave them in a basket in the living room. Snuggle up and read a few that will soon be holiday favorites year after year.


Last but not least, sit together under the blankets, dim the lights, and pop the popcorn to watch the good, old classics from our childhood! Children will certainly remember these moments of warmth and love. 


One of my favorite quotes is, “The best gift you can give your child is your time.” Time is a special gift every child would love.  By remembering to take the time to have F.U.N. with our children this holiday season, they will be learning, loving, laughing and making memories.