Parents are making shopping lists from special recipes and re-arranging colors in the house for the holidays. Children will come back from college, work, travel, or their own homes, and some won’t be able to make it. Winter break for college children can last for three to four weeks. Changes in life circumstances such as divorces, financial problems, or illness, might make this holiday different than the ones before.
Some children have other commitments and can’t be with you, but you can still put candles and flowers around the house. Enjoy the beauty of your sacred home. Cook the foods you love and have fun reading new recipes. Plan a day out of the house where you can be around others if your family isn’t coming to visit. Maybe volunteer at a shelter, serve a meal to others, or ask if you can read to children at your local library or school. Meaning can add inspiration.
A little email or short chat on the phone before the children arrive sets the tone for the holidays and acknowledges the changes in all of your roles.
Here are some things you might wish to share with your children before they return home:
1. I am so excited to see you.
2. I know you have been on your own and without an authority figure.
3. I have discovered a new freer routine for me.
4. We all are changing our roles and awkward in the practices.
5. You and your friends must be so excited to be with each other again.
6. Grandma, Grandpa, and your brother and sister can’t wait to see you and they know you need time to veg out, sleep, and see friends.
7. Hopefully you will have time to schedule your doctor appointments and other things you want to get done while you are here.
8. Ok good news … no curfew
9. Ok bad news … park the car on the street since you come home later and we have to get out the door before you.
