Make This Holiday Season One to Remember

By Jackie Rouse –

Tis the holiday season once again. And while it is always enjoyable visiting with and entertaining family and friends; this year you may feel the need to do something new, something different, something extra special. If that is indeed the case then hopefully the following suggestions will help make this holiday season, one to remember.

* Host a Family Christmas Eve “BYOB” Sleepover. This is a “bring your own bed” affair, while it creates sleeping accommodations, it will also make for family closeness, literally. Have your family bring their own comforters, sleeping bags, sheets and pillows. These items will make for worthy sleeping pallets.

* In keeping with the spirit of generosity during this holiday (especially in light of the country’s current economic situation) have one family member choose a household that they know is in need. And then request that your entire clan (siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, etc.) make contributions and provide that family with Christmas gifts and/or funds.

* If you are planning a holiday party it would be a nice touch to employ someone to check coats. This could be a young relative dressed in formal attire positioned at the door to take the wraps of your guests as they arrive. And don’t forget to set up a tip jar, a good way for your young employee to earn a little holiday spending change. You could also employ a couple of the family tweens (youngsters between the ages of 10 and 12) also dressed formally to pass the hors d’oeuvres. And after the mixing, the mingling and the eating; continue the festivities with a sing-along. Pass out copies of the lyrics to some of the more popular Christmas songs to your guests and let the caroling begin. The Twelve Days of Christmas is always a good song to start with and it’s fun to sing.

* And finally, arrange an adult gift exchange that will consist of only dollar store purchases. This exchange will be amusing as well as cost effective. (You just might be surprised at the things that you can find in a dollar store.)

As we celebrate this joyous time of the year, remember the real reason for this season and may you all have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Jackie enjoys writing about issues that concern women in a slightly humorous manner because she believes we sometimes take ourselves and life a little too seriously. Her mother, 4 sisters, 2 grown daughters and 2 nieces always manage to keep her inspired. Jackie can be reached at: Jackie.rouse@seiu.org