Savor this special holiday time

As we prepare the final touches for our Christmas celebrations, it’s important to savor our time. Time is fleeting, fickle and promised to no one. With that in mind, Macon-Bibb County Cooperative Extension would like for you to consider the following suggestions as you prepare for the whirlwind of the holidays.

▪ Be in the moment: Social media, phones and, for some of us, work will still be waiting. Enjoy your family and be present. You may have a deeper exchange with your loved ones if you practice active listening (fully concentrating on what is being said). As much as my children love technology, each of them has told me they love it when we just hang out and talk — score one for Mom!

▪ Spend time with older loved ones: Older loved ones have something to offer at family gatherings as well. They are a wealth of knowledge and they have a great sense of humor. Spending time with them is essential for both parties. I also have found one-on-one conversations with older people to be rewarding; they are a hoot and just fun to be around.

▪ De-stress: If you are like me, you have been planning for the holidays since October. Trust that what you have done so far is enough. Enjoy it! If Uncle Homer doesn’t have the appropriate table etiquette, it’s okay. Your kids have not gotten dressed yet and guests are walking to the door, it will be all right. Things will happen as they should. Don’t sweat it; focus on being positive.

▪ Try something new: Tradition is great, but routines and going through the motions — not so much. While I am certainly not advocating that Aunt Irene not make her famous peach cobbler, I am suggesting that you add a new menu item or activity to your gathering. For example, while my family has traditional dishes each year, the children get to choose one dish they really like as well. Baked beans, fried fish or ribs may not have been on many holiday menus, but they were in the Thomas household.

Similarly, one year we created a movie from old pictures. The children loved seeing their baby pictures, finding music to accompany the video and presenting the video to the family. Another year we had a Christmas Eve family cook-off. Everyone enjoyed the new twists, it was generational and we got to eat the final product.

Now it’s my responsibility to add something new annually. This year we will play a charades-based game. What fun!

▪ Think about your life partner: There is a quote that says, “we hurt those closest to us because we like to reassure ourselves that even at our worst someone will love us.” My poor husband unfortunately receives the lion’s share of my impatience, snappy comebacks and frustration.

Often times, the perceived emergency (in my mind) can easily be solved. My dear husband generally reminds me of this and patiently waits while I process and realize I can survive. Remember to tell that special person thank you and show your appreciation for their “suffering.”

Finally, enjoy this season, focus on family, fun, love and a little food, too! Happy holidays!

This story was originally published December 19, 2016 at 12:34 PM with the headline "Savor this special holiday time."