with Natalie caine

December 24, 2008 | by Natalie Caine | No Comments

Will you be able to be present with whatever presents you give or receive? 

Now is the time to laugh, hug, and have little surprises fill our homes.  We set the tone and I actually like taking on that role.

As I have shared with you before, I get present because I like being a positive role model. Sounds corny, but it really does motivate me to be at my best and be real.  After all, what is more important than the person right in front of you?

• Everyone is in need of a hug and a good story so shift when fears and mistakes pop in the kitchen.
• Ask for help so you care for yourself.
• Gather your music collection, candles, and greens from outside.
• Fill your baskets with quotations, games, photos, and a funny book.  We like to play Apples to Apples, watch the games, cook, hike, cuddle, see movies, sit around, play our stale guitar and piano and click away those digital cameras that I am still trying to figure out how to upload and then find on my computer.  A friend just told me that my camera also takes black and whites. I got my first digital camera two months ago and obviously didn’t read the manual.  It takes video as well.  Too much info for me.  I like the immediate gratification of click, look, and say, great shot.
• Keep it simple. Make their room feel cozy and alive again. I do votive candles, and small white twinkle lights, as well as, a basket of fruit and water by her bedside.

My tradition is to read a new book to her. It is wrapped and set on her bed.  Truth is, I still choose a children’s book.  Don’t tell…. I chose “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy” by Mo Williams. My daughter has a fantastic collection of children’s books from this tradition.  We cuddle in her bed and I read to her.  I just love it no matter what day it happens. Letting go of schedules has helped over the years.

What matters this holiday are kindness, beauty, laughter and lots of food. Come on…a filled cupboard and refrigerator is a good feeling.  It doesn’t have to be all fattening and expensive foods. It does have to be quick, comforting and yummy.  Soups are staples. 

Practice being playful, relaxed, loving. Lower your expectations and you won’t be as frustrated. People are good. They just don’t always do things as you wish they would. 

Be that safe harbor for those who enter your lovely home.

Our children want to feel and see hope at home. Use this time together to be uplifting and playful.  Have meaningful conversations because believe it or not, they are interested in the world and ways you think about it all. They like discussions on their timing, of course.

Home is comfort. 

Let them know what you need to enjoy this holiday season together.

May the holidays bring you smiles and wonderous surprises.

Natalie
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
800-446-3310 Los Angeles time
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