Home for the holidays
From the Editor
In six more days our twin daughters will be coming home from college for the holidays. Thenit will truly be Christmas time for us. Like so many, spending time with our loved ones is what matters most to us.
Whether you are traveling or awaiting the arrival of family coming to visit, the get togethers with those we love are what really makes this season so special.
As much as I dream of a perfect, peaceful Christmas with the family, I am well aware that things don’t always go as planned. I have high expectations of what I think the holidays should look like when we are together but who am I kidding? Bringing family together is sure to have itsfair share of quirks and messiness. Inevitably, my adult daughters will have plans of their own, bickering will erupt between siblings, and my “perfect” Christmas will begin to feel stressful. Whatwe tend to forget is that the lack of perfection is actually what makes familytime so perfect. We’re all a little messy and no family is perfect. How wechoose to respond in the face of stress can make all the difference for us onthe holidays.
I think that is why National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is my all time favorite Christmas movie. Expectations are shattered inclassic Chevy Chase humor. NOTHING goesas planned. Yet they love each other, in their own quirky and crazy ways. Andthat’s all that really matters.
Speaking of holiday family stress, check out Raymond Tyler’s article on tips for dealing with stressful family moments. He compares family to a favorite and much loved sweater. As much as you love it and look forward to it, it can still get a bit “itchy” at times.
Last minute shopping is on the list of things to thinkabout as well. With Christmas only two weeks away, us procrastinators still have some shopping to do! Check Krystle J Bailey ‘s compilation of the Top GiftIdeas for everyone on your list. I know I will.
As I get older, I see that the real joy of the season, is in the giving. Hometown Heroes, Toys for Kids in Atlantic County work hard all year to ensure that ALL children have a gift to open for the holidays, regardless of financial hardships their family may be facing.
The giving season is in full force at Windjammer. Jinny and Steve Tiniakos, the owners of the Windjammer invited Veterans from Meadowview Rehabilitation Center to come eat at no cost. Santa arrived andgifts were given out to the veterans. I had the honor of seeing this event. And as I walked away, it occurred to me that this is what Christmas is all about,reaching out and loving one another. Check out the video on our Facebook page -Shore Local Newsmagazine.
Wishing you much joy and happiness throughout this holiday season.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
