The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
November Issue 109
by the REPs
The most wonderful time of the year… or so they say, right? But for some,
as lists start to compile and calendars begin to overload, it can often feel
like the most stressful time of year. It leaves people strung out and stressed
– not all looking forward to time at Grandma’s for the best pumpkin pie or
skating on Grandpa’s pond, because that’s one more bag to pack!
With as busy as everyone is this day and age, it is important to plan – and
sometimes it requires more than 1 or two weeks; it can take months. Think about
the time and effort people put into weddings – Christmas can harbour the same
emotions for lots of people. Try to avoid feelings of disappointment. I always
tell my kids if you don’t have a plan, you plan to fail. I believe this rings
true with the holidays, too. Christmas should be a time of reflection, joy and
some nostalgia, looking back and reminiscing about favourite traditions as well
as creating news ones with your family and friends.
A way that we can help iron out some of the extra kinks in December is
to start prioritizing in November. Start a family holiday calendar! Add the
dates that are non-negotiable like Christmas concerts, favourite holiday parties,
family dinners, and church events. This will give you the main timeline in
which everything else can fit in around.
It sounds silly, but then you need to find a day or two depending on how
much decorating you do to hang some tinsel and trim the tree! And don’t forget
to start a pot of homemade potpourri! Combine 4 cups of water, 6 sprigs of
rosemary, half a lemon and a few cinnamon sticks. Simmer on the stove or in a
crockpot. Nothing puts you in the spirit like being surrounded by the sights
and sounds of the season.
December dates to add to the calendar:
All-important holiday events
Concerts (school, church, music)
Dinners
Church
Kids school holidays
Sporting events
Christmas Parties
Decorating Day(s)
Baking(s)
Make gift list
Shopping list
Gifts
Create a detailed list of all family members to save time overlapping
and overbuying (include a few extra hostess items for last minute invites)
Teacher/Coach/Bus driver gifts
Baking
Dinner (meal planning during the holidays can save time and money – December
loves a slow cooker meal!)
Advent
Volunteering
Then you can start adding some of the extras. See where it leaves you! You
might be surprised how much you can fit in when you have a plan!
Try some new traditions or bring back your favourites from years before
you just were not able to find the time for, like hot chocolate stations,
random acts of kindness, family movie nights, craft night, carolling, skating
& sledding parties. Look for local Christmas productions, be sure to take a
night as a family with nothing but the sound of Christmas music in the
background and drive around to see lights of Strathmore, Chestermere and
Langdon - especially Strathmore’s Celebration of Lights – they always do a bang
up job!
So before this amazing holiday season draws near, save the date for you!
For you to fill a cup of coffee and grab some coloured markers and fill up your
calendar in early November, before the calendar controls you.
Start your pre-Holiday planning by saving the date & marking down
the Santa Claus Parade in downtown Strathmore on November 26, 2016 – be sure to
look for the REPs float!
May you all enjoy time, love and laughter with family & friends -
make memories! From our Reps family and all of our extras to yours!
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