5 Ways to Strengthen Your Connection to the Jewish Community

Building equitable Jewish communities requires embodying equity in everyday Jewish practice. Fellow Jews explore this idea in depth. Some libraries host neighborhood Song and Storytimes in non-traditional locations like independent bookstores and coffee shops. It helps unaffiliated families connect with Judaism in a low-barrier, low-commitment way.

Get Involved

Getting involved in your Jewish community can take many forms. You can join JCC Denver, support Israel and the Jewish world with your dollars, or volunteer at your synagogue. You can also participate in national, virtual, and community events focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and challenging antisemitism. Social media is an excellent way for congregations to highlight events and attract new members. But they need to offer more than just calendar listings. Congregations should share personal, inviting, and engaging content, lowering young adults' barriers to participation. Being an ally to Jews looks just like being an ally to other marginalized groups.

December and Christmas Traditions When You're Catholic

 About 10 years ago, I wrote an article called "10 Special Christmas Traditions" and it was published in maybe a dozen or so regional parenting publications in the US (then I parked the text here on the blog). Now that the kids are so much older, there are several that have dropped off, and I'd like to start including some different ones and start incorporating our Catholic faith a bit more. 

For instance, we still look at Christmas lights, but with teens' work and social schedules, sometimes that has to happen AFTER Christmas. The Letter to Santa tradition has morphed into the Add to Your Amazon Wish List tradition 🙄 We don't have the kids go sit on Santa's lap anymore (last time they pretty much just stood), but we could definitely handle some more volunteer work and helping others (just today my husband and three of the kids helped demo a bathroom at an old convent and loved it!).

December 6th is my fourth child's birthday, and she'll be 15 this year (able to get her driving permit in our state and possibly able to get a job—if her dad says okay). It's also the feast day of St. Nicholas, and I only learned a few years ago about putting treats in kids' shoes. I'm a convert, and my husband either never knew or doesn't remember a lot of this stuff; I don't think his family ever did this shoe thing. Here's a link at Catholic Icing with ideas for gifts to put in the shoes.

December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and a holy day of obligation, which means we go to Mass. Here's more information about the real meaning of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and also a craft.

December 12th is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we do love our Mexican heritage around here. I fell in love with speaking Spanish long ago, and our second son Michael (Miguelito) flew through dual-credit Spanish I in college and is going back for more, happily. I think it's cool that the Spanish speakers at the restaurant where he works ask to speak to him on the phone when they want something understood (like they left something at work and need it put in their locker)😁 This is a new one we're adding to our December Traditions lineup (I know, like we need more to remember and do), and it's going to be as simple as having tacos for dinner that night 🤷 When we are able to step it up a little bit, I'm parking this link to Catholic Icing for some more ideas for celebrating this feast day.

December 13th — How did I not know that the feast day of St. Lucy is huge in Swedish culture?! I really don't think I'll be making these saffron buns anytime soon, but I'll park the recipe here just in case. And here are more fun ideas for celebrating. Otherwise, to keep it simple, maybe we'll just go look at lights that night.

December 24th (Christmas Eve) — I think I went to Midnight Mass with my husband's family once (and this is before we were even married, I think, and maybe before I even converted) and quite possibly said, "Never again!" Nah, I remember thinking it was beautiful (I think we went to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS), but once we had kids and tried to go to Mass anytime past 10 p.m., it was a disaster. Anyway, we always attend Mass on Christmas Eve and get a lovely family photo in front of the altar.

December 25th (Christmas Day!) — This is the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. At one time, it was a bit stressful trying to get several places on this one day with little ones, but then we decided no more and we've pretty much stayed home to celebrate ever since. This includes sweatpants; a breakfast consisting of cinnamon rolls (Boy Scout-made rolls when our son was in Scouts, but now just store-bought in a roll), orange juice, coffee, and an egg bake; opening stockings first; presents after breakfast (one at a time so I can savor it, please!); and basking in each other's presence (and each other's presents LOL).

The Best Ways to Connect with Other Christians

 

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

It's always important in life to have friends who are similar to you. While you should try to make friends with all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs too, sometimes you need to have people around you who share your outlook and understand you. Some Christians are connected to a wider community from the moment they are born, but others may struggle to feel connected to others who share their faith. If you want to connect with other Christians and perhaps make some friends, you need to know where to meet people. Here are some ideas that you can try.

A Miscarriage Memorial, Hashimoto's, and my Husband Got Hit by a Car

Warning: sad post and a little long. I am usually a pretty upbeat person, but sometimes certain things happen in our lives and we need a little time to recover, and they change who we are. We all grieve in our own way. I think it's important to journal and share, if you feel comfortable doing so (originally posted September 23, 2018)

Back in March of 2018, I had a miscarriage. I was 46 years old and excited to be pregnant with my sixth child with my wonderful husband. Our other kids were 8, 10, 13, 14, and 16 at the time. They were also excited, as were our friends, our families, our neighbors. I had waited a couple of weeks after my period to take a pregnancy test because my periods had been irregular about once a year. I just figured this was that once-a-year period that went long. One Friday, I took a pregnancy test and was excited to see my nausea and exhaustion now had a reason!

Wonder Woman and Bravehart; I'm holding baby #6 and he's holding the pregnancy test!

Sadly, the next day I started to bleed, right after the Brookside St. Patrick's Day parade. I wish I had taken a pregnancy test sooner just to have the idea of this child in my mind and heart longer! I'll spare you the heartbreaking details of the next seven days (at least in this post), but I lost the baby.

What Does Success Mean to You? #Lent2022

 

I highly recommend the book "Maid" by Stephanie Land and the Netflix show that goes along with it.

I've only seen the first episode of the show, which prompted me to grab the book first, and they are pretty different, as is normal with books/movies.

Here's one line from the book that stood out, referring to her clients with huge homes for just two occupants, wasted food, expensive furniture that rarely gets used, and "Prescription pills littered the bathroom countertops and the medicine cabinets of most of the houses I cleaned... Maybe the stress of keeping up a two-story house, a bad marriage, and maintaining the illusion of grandeur overwhelmed their systems in similar ways to how poverty did mine."

This got me thinking.

As I drove the kids to a homeschool dance last night, I saw a couple of gorgeous, new, large homes on 143rd Street between Kenneth and Mission Roads. They were lit so perfectly with small spotlights, and one even had a bridge that you had to drive over to get to the home. I used to covet homes like that when I was younger; now I just think of how much time or money it would take to keep it clean and maintained.

When I'm working to make money *for* my family, it usually entails taking time *from* them, often for things we don't necessarily need. Last night I was grateful that I was able to drop some kids at the dance while others were content at home with other friends, a movie, books, homework. I was able to sit at McDonald's and work, which was good for my brain and for our family finances.

So many people think that being successful means having a cool car, a large home, nice clothes, a job with clout (doctor, lawyer, best-selling author, engineer, CEO), among other things. What does success mean to you? Having the car, clothes, home, job, as well as all the books, all the art, the biggest television, the newest furniture, fancy foods and drinks, and more?

This Lent, I'm really trying to inspect what success means to me and how I treat money, time, people. For me, Lent then should continue in that we take with us the lessons we learned each year on our Lenten journey. You, of course, don't have to be religious to do this :-)

I think it's important to read books like Maid and Nickel and Dimed (I'd love your suggestions as well!) to think about people and situations outside of ourselves, to be more compassionate, and to be more grateful for what we have.

Faith, Family, Finances

*Conversely, where do you think the "bad marriage" concept comes from? From one or both working so much that they are too tired for or don't have time for any meaningful connection? From having their priorities possibly out of whack? Instant gratification extending into unrealistic expectations from their partner?

How to Start a Christian Friendship Group on Facebook

 

Photo by Simon on Pixabay

 

Facebook is the world’s largest social networking site. It’s also one of the most popular sites for finding friends and forming relationships. So it only makes sense that Facebook would be a great place to start a Christian friendship group. With over 2 billion active users, Facebook is a great place to find Christians who share your interests and values. But how do you go about starting a group on Facebook?

 

How to Create a Facebook Group

First, you need to create a Facebook profile for your group. This will include your name, contact information, and the groups you’re associated with. 

3 Great Technological Features to Have in Your Church to Boost Your Membership

 If you're a pastor or work in church leadership, you know the struggles of getting and keeping new members in your church. Sometimes, it might seem like nothing you're doing is reaching out to the people and you can't seem to get new members to attend even one service. Sure, you always prepare the best sermons and stay in touch with your congregation, but you still need something more. You might need to implement technology into your services. Here are three technological features that you can add to your church that are guaranteed to bring in more members and give your congregation a pleasant service.

Why Does Self-Isolation Boredom Set In?

What could be so bad about staying at home for a few weeks? 

But, self-isolation during the pandemic is a lot more than just staying at home. It takes its toll, both mentally and physically. It doesn’t matter how much you love your home. The prospect of not going out as you usually would, for a walk in the park or a catch-up around a cup of coffee, can create a lot of mental pressure. Boredom kicks in. You’ve been trying to keep yourself busy, but despite a huge list of hobbies and activities you could do, you can’t help but feel too bored to do anything. Why is that happening? 

You spend too much time indoors

The most common mistake that affects your energy levels is to stay inside for too long. It’s not always easy to go outside every day, especially if you are worried about virus spread. However, in the long term, failure to get enough direct sunlight exposure will affect your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is linked to your immune system and your mental health. It can make you feel sluggish and down, which often translates into a sense of boredom. Get yourself out with simple and fun activities where you can control all the risks. If you live next to a park or a woodland area, grab a cornhole game – you can click here to pick some fun-looking designs – and some sunscreen lotion. Ideally, you want a self-contained game, hence cornhole, but cricket, football, rope skipping, or even handball can be a lovely family activity. 

Your home workouts lack excitement

You’ve been trying to work out every day at home. But you can’t get excited about your yoga mat and dumbbell anymore. It’s time to get creative and create a new approach to sports. It’s not safe to join a sports club yet, but you can build your own active studio at home. With a little DIY magic, you could create your own indoor rock climbing adventure in the garage. Rock climbing can be a lot of fun, even indoors. You may not need to prepare like you would in a professional climbing venue. But you’ll still need some gear, namely a pair of shoes and a chalk bag. 

You don’t feel like you’re doing anything productive

You’ve had a long list of skills you’d love to learn in self-isolation. It’s been weeks now, and you find that you still haven’t managed to learn any new French vocabulary or to practice your splits. It’s been an unproductive lockdown. And you know what? It’s okay. You don’t have to be productive. The lockdown is not about making you a better person. It’s all about staying safe. So stay safe, and stop pressuring yourself into turning a pandemic into a skill challenge. It’s normal to feel down and to lack the motivation to go through your to-do list. It is an exceptional situation, and, as such, you should maintain mental clarity by refusing to let yourself feel guilty about your achievements or lack of. 

We can’t say it often enough. During the pandemic crisis, your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. While most people think about depression or anxiety, boredom is actually the most common symptom of lockdown fever. Tackling boredom can help you manage your mental health… Besides, it’s also super fun to be positive about your activities and yourself. 

75 (and Counting) Clean Movies with Minimal Sex/Nudity (updated regularly)

*"Clean" means different things to different people. My kids are 12 and up, so violence and cussing are not things I worry about as much as others might need to. It's the visual sex and the messages sent that I am now trying to watch out for. Definitely watch out for some of the PG-13 movies and make sure to read what others have posted.

I have to admit, we have watched some questionable movies. Sometimes we'll put on a movie for the family that we enjoyed once (pre-kids), and then we realize ... "Oh wow, I forgot about that inappropriate part." (examples: why does the guy have to be naked at the start of Die Hard 2, and why does there have to be a poster of a naked woman on the wall as Bruce Willis walks by in Die Hard?)

But it's never too late to turn things around! A quick trip to the IMDb website parent guide, which my best friend told me about now solves all that. (just go to IMDb site and search for the movie or show title, then scroll down to Parents Guide) If something is rated R, don't freak out. Sometimes movies are rated R for something like smoking ;-)

It goes further than Common Sense Media in that it explains specific instances and scenes. I'm okay with most language (hate when God's name is taken in vain though), and some violence is fine, but the sexual stuff that's inserted even in kid movies is just so unnecessary! There's a section at the top called Sex and Nudity and it shows instances and describes them so you can make an informed decision about watching the movie or not.

BONUS: Many of these movies are based on true stories and count as educational history!

Check out this list of movies, vetted by my girlfriend for her family of 7 boys and 2 girls 😀 plus a few of my own. And PLEASE leave your ideas in the Comments section or email them to me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com so I can check them out and add them!

All the Marvel movies (except for the Iron Man movies)

Captain Phillips

Courageous

Dunkirk

Godzilla movies (newer ones, 1998 and 2014)

Goosebumps

Hunger Games series (four movies)

In the Heart of the Sea

Inception

Interstellar

Lincoln

Night at the Museum (and 2 sequels) — We've seen this many times and I didn't realize how clean it was! Sam requested it for his 12th-birthday night movie after his homemade sushi dinner. 

Pacific Rim and sequel

Pursuit of Happyness

          Quiet Place 1 and 2 

Source Code

The Bourne Identity (and sequels)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (we read the book first as a family for homeschooling, then watched the movie ... be prepared to be depressed afterward)

The Eagle

The Giver

The Greatest Showman (one of our family's favorites!)

The Impossible

The Maze Runner

There be Dragons

True Grit (the newer one)

Vantage Point

Walk the Line (Johnny Cash)

My Family's Recommendations (movies we have seen or want to see again or for the first time):

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Because of Winn-Dixie Just started this book with 12-year-old Sam (November 2021), then we'll watch the movie.

Cast Away (male butt cheek)

Cheaper by the Dozen (how could I forget this one?!) but NOT the second one

Chef (read the sex/nudity stuff before watching with your kids, depending on their ages)

Cinderella Man

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Evan Almighty

Good Will Hunting

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Little Women (2019) We've read the Junior Classics version of this book, and need to watch the movie!

McFarland USA (it says 7 instances, but one instance says "there is absolutely no sex or nudity" and then it goes on to talk about things like a married couple kissing or a brief shot of a shirtless man, so you do need to read it!)

Me Before You (fantastic date night at home movie, but the message about self-euthanasia is something to watch out for and discuss)

Moneyball

RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) (my aunt recommended this one forever ago, so I recently checked it out and was shocked that it had zero sex/nudity and only 1 instance of profanity) (Update: if anyone in your household is triggered by being tied up or women with duct tape on their mouth and a bit of cleavage showing at the same time, skip this one. Keep an eye on the "violence" category in IMDB as well, because something like this was not in the "sex/nudity" category and also I didn't realize that people just like you and I are the ones leaving these notes.)

The Princess Diaries (2001) *Cheerleaders and bathing suits at a beach party*

That Thing You Do

The Terminal

Twister (I was typing up some Science stuff for homeschooling and this movie came into my mind, so I looked it up and it's clean!)

Wall-E

Walt before Mickey

Yes Day

Recommendations Found Online:

A Boy Called Po

A Little Game

All is Lost

Arrival

August Rush

Cool Runnings

Finding Neverland

Glengarry Glen Ross

Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Heart of the Country

High Strung

Locke

Major Payne

Martian Child

Mr. Church

National Treasure (cleavage)

Storm Rider

The Great Gilly Hopkins

The Intouchables (subtitles)

The King's Speech

The Truman Show

Waffle Street

Your Recommendations: 

Have seen but won't watch again with the kids:

Bedtime Stories (or anything by Adam Sandler, sadly)

Pixels

Image by Devon Breen from Pixabay 

7th Annual Pitching for Priests Baseball Game -- Kansas City 2021 Friday, October 15

7th Annual Pitching for Priests Softball Game

Fall Classic!

Priests from Kansas City - St. Joseph VS. Priests from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Friday, October 15th at 7:00 PM

Tailgating will begin at 4:00 pm

KC Monarchs Stadium (old T-bones Stadium) - Legends Field Ballpark

1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 

Get this in your budget now and on your calendar! I always wonder who we should root for? We lived in Kansas forever ... now we live in Missouri. Rooting for both!

Get your tickets here!

PLEASE NOTE: This post is updated annually so it's kind of confusing and like a really bad novel jumping back and forth in time. Father Evan Harkins has since passed away, and his loss will be felt forever. Please continue to pray for him and for his family. This is what I wrote about him last year and just can't bring myself to take it down: "Father Evan Harkins is my friend's son (she taught my boys study skills and my daughter how to do handcrafts), and we got to see him play in 2018. He's such a sweet person, it's like he is a priest celebrity. Like how can anyone really be that awesome?!"

UPDATE 2019! This was originally posted June 12, 2018 and we went to the game and LOVED IT! Our family enjoyed it so much we are going again this year with tons of friends … and TAILGATING! Our own Father Haake is playing again and he is an amazing priest with such great insight and the best homilies!

UPDATED POST for 2020, which was then cancelled: My family is so excited about this event for the third year and a row, and we are grabbing our tickets fast! Priests playing baseball is actually super entertaining, especially as you get to know more of them. I was at a party Saturday night where there were three or four seminarians, so I'm at that age where I get all excited to see who is going to be an incoming priest because I know their mothers and their families and I love that they are going to study at seminary!

Healthy Hobbies and How To Get Started

 Hobbies are similar to habits. A hobby is a regular activity performed for enjoyment; a habit is a frequent action or behavior acquired through repetition. The main difference is that you carry out a hobby consciously, whereas a habit is often a subconscious act.

Many people try to quit unhealthy habits, and a great way to do this is to replace them with productive hobbies that will benefit your health and state of mind. Think about it – you could replace the time you spend unconsciously on a habit with a conscious activity you enjoy.

This guide is here to inspire you to take up healthier hobbies.

7 Things You Can do When You're in a Funk

Photo by Inzmam Khan from Pexels

So, let's talk for a moment about what you do on those days that you are either (A) in a funk for no reason or (B) in a funk because nothing is going right; for example, you need to call someone for appliance repair because the dishwasher STILL is not working and a funky smell is also coming from it PLUS you can't seem to get anything in your life working correctly on a certain day. (I'm not talking about full-blown depression here.) 

Some people might call a friend, call a parent or sibling, take a nice bath. One of my favorite ways to get out of a funk is to go for a drive and put on some loud music. The music depends on the mood. Sometimes I'll put on a Spotify playlist, sometimes head straight for some Beatles and classic rock, sometimes current stuff. 

Below are more ideas to help you get out of a funk. One of them is bound to work, and if you pair a couple of them up, you're going to be in a better mood in no time!

How to Make Christmas This Year Easier on Your Finances

Christmas is around the corner and spirits are getting high, especially for those who love the season. For others, however, anxiety could be increasing when they think about the cost implications. This doesn’t have to be the case if you come up with a tangible plan and not overwhelm yourself with more than you can handle. There are ways to enjoy Christmas with your loved ones without overspending and starting the new year on a financial low. When it comes to preparing for Christmas this year, here are a few ways that you can make it easier on your finances.

Get Your Finances in Order

When it comes to Christmas, one of the most stressful aspects of it is how much it’s going to cost you. There are so many things to pay for, especially if you’re someone who enjoys doing things on a larger scale. To begin with, make sure that you create a budget and you incorporate these expenses into any existing one you may have. If you’ve got lingering debts or are in the process of trying to improve your credit, use platforms like https://www.crediful.com to help you and ensure that you’re on track. Once your finances are in order, decide on an amount that you can afford to spend after all of your core expenses have been accounted for. You’ve then got to resolve to make sure that anything you buy doesn’t exceed this amount.

Spirituality: 5 Common Hindrances to Spiritual Growth

 Growing spiritually is often a hard task for many people. It doesn’t just happen overnight; for beginners, growing spiritually is not just being righteous or being able to memorize the entire Bible question and answers.  Instead, spiritual growth is growing nearer to God and becoming more mature in accepting God and yourself.

Pixabay – CC0 License

Why Do People Stop Growing Spiritually?

We really need to put aside the entire burden that is hindering us in running the spiritual battle. But, how can a person grow spiritually, how can they identify the hindrances to their spiritual growth? Many things in a person’s life can deter them from growing spiritually as a Christian.

Unspiritual company

When your company is made up of graceless people, you fail to grow spiritually. This is the case, especially if you live close to them or have not confronted or even tried to instruct them. The company of such people only disperses their poison and taints and turns your soul carnal. PSALM 1 Says that prosperous people do not involve themselves with the destructive, wicked, or controlling people; instead, they delight in God’s liberating word.’

Desire and distractions

Your desires have a significant impact on your spiritual growth. The world that we live in is full of distractions that can highly influence our spiritual growth. Matthew 13:1-23 (The parable of the sower), we learn that God’s truth fails to take root and cultivate because the cares of the word and the dishonesty of the wealthy chock out the word that has been seeded. To conquer this battle, you must keep reminding yourself that this world is not your home, but you must be truthful to pray for those who are confused by the world.

Neglecting silent prayers

Lack of direction and sensitivity in your life is usually due to the lack of an effective prayer life. Prayer is two-way communication with the Almighty Father; it is not one way.  Praying is not just a chance to talk to God; it is also an opportunity for Him to talk to us.  By spending more time praying to God, you become more spiritually closer to Him.

The fear of change

Have you ever got that wish to do something but never did it? The truth is that it can be very difficult to step out of your comfort zone. However, God calls us to combat our fears and do wonderful things. Fear is just going to deter your spiritual growth until you overcome it. Start by making some small changes, step by step.

Dangerous satisfaction

Having a partial vision of what your life will look like in Christ, not believing in God anymore, and saying you are comfortable with how your life is, is very dangerous contentment. Positive satisfaction comes from inside and is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. It all begins by fixing your eyes and heart in God and acknowledging all that He has done for you. Contentment is silent and is only seen through your activities and not from your words. After realizing that you have a perfect life and a Heavenly Father who cares for you, praise and gratification should follow.

Conclusion

Spiritual growth components can be the most bewildering thing when you try to put them all together. Normally people like to live a life of purpose and meaning. When you achieve all your spiritual goals and overcome all the hindrances to spiritual growth, harmony is put in your life. More so, you get the chance to develop your family’s spiritual side.

Overcoming Your Fear of a Medical Procedure

 

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Not everyone is as comfortable in clinical environments as others. For some, a stay in a hospital bed (despite the misfortune that has led you there), can signify healing, being in safe hands, and perhaps hope for the future. For others, it can seem oppressive, worrying, and tiring. For most people, it’s a mixture of both, at different times.

However, it is also the case that sometimes, this intensive atmosphere is a cause of fear, and that feeling can dissuade you from getting the help you need. For instance, if you need a surgical procedure, it could be that your fear of the operation is preventing you from helping you overcome a condition lowering the quality of your life. This isn’t good for anyone. Of course, sometimes your deterrence may be a consequence of religious belief, but for most, it will be a fear that can be overcome.

How To Cope With Loss- Navigating The Grieving Process

 The sad reality is that all of us will experience loss in our lives. Grieving can be an extremely difficult process. There is no rulebook or instructional manual to follow, but hopefully, you will find these tips helpful if you’re trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. 

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-alone-anxious-black-and-white-568027/

Help and support

It’s incredibly hard to come to terms with loss and to start looking forward, especially if you try and muddle through on your own. You might not feel like you want to talk to anybody for a while, but knowing people are there can be hugely reassuring. You should never feel pressured to open up or make calls to friends and family, but sometimes, having a shoulder to cry on, a friendly and familiar voice on the end of the line or even somebody to sit and watch TV with you in the evening can be comforting. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are checking in and getting in touch if you want to chat, or you feel like you need some company. People are there to help and support you, and they’ll understand if one day you need space, and the next you don’t want to be on your own. 

Practical advice

Losing somebody is not just an emotional upheaval. There are also lots of practicalities to deal with, including planning a funeral. It can be overwhelming to find yourself in a situation where you need to make calls to banks or law firms or suddenly choose poems or songs for a funeral when you’re grieving. The important thing to remember is that others are there to help. You can seek expert advice to help you with legal and financial issues, and it’s also beneficial to choose a funeral home like Miller Funeral Home that provides support. When you’re distressed, and you feel like you have a hundred jobs to do, having friendly faces there to help can make all the difference. If you don’t know of any funeral homes in your area, it’s a good idea to ask neighbors or friends for recommendations and to take the time to meet representatives. 

Time

Many of us live our lives at a hundred miles per hour, and we feel pressure to keep up momentum and hit deadlines on a continual basis. Losing somebody is traumatic, and it will impact every aspect of your life. It is so important to take your time to heal and recover, and to understand that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to grieving. Some people might want to be busy, but for others, the thought of even getting out of bed may be daunting. Allow yourself to feel, and don’t suppress your emotions. It is highly likely that you will go through ups and downs and experience moments when grief will hit you like a train that seems to come from nowhere. Don’t apply too much pressure to yourself to get back to ‘normal,’ but don’t feel guilty if you enjoy going out for a coffee with a friend or you want to go back to work. Everybody is different and there is no time limit on grief. Take each day as it comes, and recognize when you need to slow down, look after yourself and seek help and support from others. 

Losing somebody is one of the most traumatic experiences we go through as human beings. If you’re navigating the grieving process, reach out to others, seek advice and don’t feel pressure to conform to a time-frame.  

Tips To Help You Prepare For Christmas

 Dare we say it, Christmas is just around the corner. Now that fall is well and truly underway, is the time to start planning and getting prepared for the festive period. Think about if you know what you are cooking when, who you will invite and how to decorate your home. By being prepared, you can budget and get some real bargains as well as remove any last-minute stress. Get excited, ready, and look through our tips to help you prepare for Christmas.

Image from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cold-snow-holiday-winter-40541/

Start practicing your recipes

There is a lot of pressure on Christmas day and the days that follow to get your cooking right. The last thing you want is the added stress of trying a new recipe on Christmas Day, and it to go wrong. To avoid any last-minute calamities, now is the time to start planning and practicing what you will be making so that on the day you ace it. Maybe try a starter one week, main the next, and follow on with a dessert? Not only will you feel happier on the day, but you will also get in the Christmas spirit! Are you feeling the fall vibes? Check out my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins to really get you in the mood.

Start to shop for your presents early

Unfortunately, due to COVID, there is a chance this pandemic will affect how easy it is to buy your nearest and dearest presents. Leaving it to the last minute may not cut it this year! Start your online ordering now so that you can beat the rush and get all the presents that you know your family and friends will love.

Start preparing how you are going to decorate your place

Once the decorations come out, this is when it really feels Christmassy, and the excitement starts. Get prepared and start stylizing your property for the best festive feels. Think about whether you have a real Christmas tree or a fake one and what decorations you will have inside and outside your house. For inspiration, take a look at Just Artifacts and see what you think will look best for your Christmas extravaganza.

When will you be ordering the food in?

Have you thought about when you will be getting your food delivery in? Food is a crucial ingredient to a successful Christmas, and if left to the last minute, you can find you can’t source the ingredients you need. Get prepared and start planning your orders now to have exactly what you want before the Christmas rush kicks in. A lot of dry ingredients you can purchase now and store in your cupboards. If you have enough freezer space, you could store the turkey too!

Get your invitations out

Be prepared and start sending out your Christmas invitations early. Not only is it exciting choosing your Christmas cards (you could even design your own!), but you’ll feel festive writing them and confirming your list. The sooner you know how many people to expect, the easier it will be to plan ahead.

Unfortunately, with COVID affecting everyone in every country, the sooner you start planning for Christmas, the easier it will be, without having to stress. Have you started planning yet? What tips do you use to get yourself ready? Let us know in the comment box below.