FranDelJA Family Blog: Happy Holidays

 

Happy Holidays to all the FranDelJA families, children, and the staff that care for them!

The holidays are so fun – the music and parties, visiting family and friends, traditional or not so traditional foods and gifts. There is so much that we look forward to, but holidays can also be stressful, when all goes well, and sometimes even more so, when they don’t go as expected.

This year, each center had a joyful celebration with families. At Gilman the children got a visit with Santa, and at Fairfax there was an elegant meal with fun activities for all. Then, to our surprise, the fire alarm went off and everyone had to evacuate out into the cold, leaving behind the fun. Sometimes holidays are like that. All our plans for a fabulous celebration get sidetracked because of an emergency or some other stressful event. (We all understand the craziness of the past two years quite well.) While this may have been a disappointment for some, ultimately, there was no fire! The children enjoyed seeing the firefighters come with their trucks. Some of the grownups started singing Christmas carols with the children and the interruption to the Christmas party was soon over and forgotten. Everyone ate and talked, and the event came to a successful conclusion.

Here are some tips for supporting children (and even the grownups) through the stress of it all:

  • Talk in advance about what is going to happen, who will be there, what might be on the menu.
  • Know your child’s limitations and have appropriate expectations.

  • Take time to enjoy the moments and try not to over-schedule.

  • It’s okay if children just eat one or two things they know (no need to try new things).

  • Take breaks for yourself and your child – plan for snacks for busy days.

  • The simple things are important to young children – stopping to talk about the lights or decorations is fun for them and creates opportunity for connections.

  • If you or your child doesn’t feel well, rest! The viruses in our community right now are bad, and we need to take good care of ourselves and protect others.

Holidays are a special time of the year, so take the time to enjoy them!

I am thankful that each one of you is a part of the FranDelJA family. I wish you the very Merriest of Christmases to you and your families and look forward to the very best for all of us in 2023!

Sincerely,
Tracy List, Executive Director

 
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Posted by Coach Shirley on 24-Dec-2022 at 16:51:35 EST
Subject:

Merry Christmas <br>Thank You for sharing!

Posted by Dianne Alvarado, Site Supervisor on 23-Nov-2022 at 23:21:17 EST
Subject: An attitude of gratitude 🙏

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things."<br>Maya Angelou<br><br>Thank you all- We are blessed and humbled to be a part of your lives.

Posted by Michelle C. on 23-Nov-2022 at 18:31:57 EST
Subject: Thankful

I'm so very thankful for your leadership and all that the future holds for the FranDelJA family!