4
I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H
Capturing the Joy of the Season
NO MATTER YOUR AGE, A BELOVED CHRISTMAS
SONG, CHERISHED STORYBOOK, TREASURED
ORNAMENT, OR FESTIVE FOOD CAN TRANSPORT
YOU BACK TO CHILDHOOD. AS YOUR CHILDREN
MAKE THEIR OWN MEMORIES THIS YEAR, TAKE
THE OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY
TIES AND TEACH THE TRUE MEANING OF
THE HOLIDAY.
THESE DAYS, MANY parents feel compelled
to do and buy more in an effort to make Christmas
memorable. Children may not yet realize it, but
simple, meaningful moments leave a lasting
impression and create memories worth sharing.
"As Dr. Seuss explains in How the Grinch Stole
Christmas, Christmas comes without trappings,
tags, or special wrappings," says Moira Kneer,
Community Outreach Coordinator at Sacred
Heart Hospital. "Christmas is in the hearts of all
who welcome the gift of love in their midst."
As you celebrate with your family this season,
incorporate the family activities on these pages to
help Christmas memories pass from one generation
to the next.
Staying
Close
If loved ones live
far away, let modern
technologies help you maintain
an old-fashioned connection.
• Use video services such as FaceTime or
Skype to let the whole family gather and
speak "face to face."
• Write or record your favorite Christmas
memory to share.
• Make a video of the children singing a
Christmas carol.
• Create a family Pinterest page and invite
others to participate.
• For people who do not have ready access
to a cell phone or computer, ask children
to write letters and draw pictures to be
mailed with a Christmas care package.
