Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1056437
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 17 Central Rappahannock Regional Library 540-372-1144 • librarypoint.org T A I V E E R C MINDS Explore self-guided learning stations in a supportive environment especially for children with Autism and other special needs. Siblings welcome. Grades K-6 with a caregiver. 2nd Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 Salem Church Branch "If you are inten onal, you can make Christmas about the ideas of love, caring for one another, understanding, enjoying quality me together and trea ng each other as the precious beings each of us are," Flynn says. If you feel overwhelmed and stressed because you're trying to manage the bulk of holiday prep on top of working and taking care of your family, ask your spouse for help. Discuss what you'd both like Christmas to look and feel like. "Some mes it's not that men don't want to be involved. It's that they are never invited to be, and they don't ask," Mous- savi says. Maybe your husband can mail the pack- ages for out of town family, purchase ckets to the Christmas play your family wants to see or take charge of a few of the gi s. 6 Plan ahead for those individuals who love to bait you into an upse ng con- versa on at annual gatherings. Since you know how the person is likely to behave, rehearse how you will respond when they pounce. "The only thing you can do is get be er at making it clear what you will and won't tolerate," Moussavi says. "You have to shut it down. You standing up for yourself is normal, empowered adult behavior." Arm yourself with responses like: "I'm here to enjoy myself. I don't want to talk about that right now." Or, "Let's agree to disagree." Also, physically exit from the situa on by saying: "I'm going to go refresh my drink." Or, "I have to make a call." 7 Thou shall not allow others to steal thy happiness Rather than twis ng yourself in knots seeking the perfect present for everyone on your list, take a more light-heart- ed approach to gi -giving. For example, give a t-shirt with a meaningful quote, a digital photo album commemora ng a fun getaway, or an experience like ckets to the zoo or a concert. Volunteering your me is also a fulfi lling way to give. 10 Thou shall give from thy heart As Theodore Roosevelt once quipped: "Comparison is the thief of joy." Some people enjoy cas ng their home in a professionally-created holiday glow while others prefer to hang a fes ve wreath on their door and call it good. Do what brings you pleasure and makes sense for your budget. 9 Thou shall not compete with thy neighbors Thou shall invite thy partner's participation ages for out of town family, purchase ckets to the Christmas play your family wants to see or take charge of a few of the gi s. As Theodore Roosevelt once quipped: "Comparison is the thief of joy." Some people enjoy cas ng their home in a 9 Thou shall not compete with thy neighbors "The holiday can be manageable and simple if we allow it to be," Flynn says. "What makes the holiday so diffi cult is our own thinking about it. We make it diffi cult for ourselves." Experiment with small changes that can relieve your stress. Hire a caterer for your party. Forgo Christmas cards this year. For the rela ve who has everything, send fl owers or make a dona on in their name to an organiza on that is important to them. 8 Thou shall simplify 10 10 Thou shall give from thy heart fl owers or make a dona on in their name to an organiza on that is important to them.