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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