A family that plays together stays together. Okay, this might be a bit corny, but the underlying message is true.

Playing with our children of all ages creates a bond between family members. Whether it’s for children or adults, play serves as a critical mechanism for learning, exploration and connection.

Taking the time to get out and discover a new activity on Family Day can lead to lifelong memories that your children will bring up for years to come. Some of my kids’ favourite stories that come up time and time again stem from our frequent visits to local playgrounds.

“Remember when we were at the zipline park, and we got caught in the hailstorm? That was crazy!” Or exploring local sites together; “Remember when we went on that hike and dad slipped on the wet rock and fell into the creek? That was so funny!”

But play can have different meanings too. Supporting your child in playing a sport they love can create a special bond if you truly bolster their passion for the game and don’t push too hard or focus solely on winning. Who knows, they might even make it to Team Canada one day!

Pressing play on a parenting podcast can help broaden your horizons or provide practical tips and strategies for a challenge you are experiencing. Reading books about different ways to play can teach your child many lessons including how to be inclusive, when to compromise, the importance of listening and trusting themselves.

Is it time to start not only allowing but encouraging your kids to play with their food? Try out a new restaurant or maybe even a new kind of meal (brunch anyone?). Encourage them to help you with food prep or let them make dinner on their own (this is even easier with the help of a slow cooker!).

No matter how you choose to do it, family playtime is a powerful way to nurture emotional, social, cognitive and physical development while strengthening family relationships. The time spent having fun together can also provide a foundation for positive communication and a supportive home environment that benefits everyone in the family.

– Stacie Gaetz

Bamboobino Pink Roller Skate Bodysuit

Cute, locally made, soft and non-damaging (to humans and the environment!), this classic onesie-style bodysuit is made mostly from bamboo and has nickel-free snaps,perfect for any baby.

Mission: Small Bits of Happiness

This interactive game is created by teens for teens (although individuals of all ages love it!). Select your mission for happiness from 100 activities and complete it to win your small bit of happiness.

Jellycat Bartholomew Bear

Jellycat products are coveted by so many, and Bartholomew Bear seems to be the stuffy everyone wants! This original bear is cuddly, soft and floppy. Perfect for anyone who wants a stuffy to snuggle with.

LEGO Nutcracker Figure

This LEGO building kit is great for the Nutcracker fan in your life. Choose from a male or female face when building this 16-cm tall figure and have fun with the movable arms and opening mouth.

The Truth in Truth & Reconciliation Game

Perfect for teens and adults, this board game is based on real-life events in Canadian history and is crafted to help people engage bravely and thoughtfully with difficult content.

Coco Village Wooden Play Kitchen

Toddlers will love learning to cook with this realistic wooden play kitchen. Made from materials with the highest safety standards, this kitchen has working knobs and will provide many hours of fun.

Crayola Palm Grasp Crayons

Perfect for the budding little artist in your life—these washable Crayola crayons are designed for toddler hands. Each egg is the equivalent to 14 crayons and provides the colours and brightness you know and love from Crayola.

Hey Clay Monsters

This light, easy-to-sculpt clay is great for children three and older who love to create. This non-toxic clay air dries and does not stain clothes or counters. Build the monsters as suggested or check out the app for some cool guides and further inspiration.

Dial a Design Bracelet Maker

The Dial a Design Bracelet Maker is a twist on the famous friendship bracelet fad. The tween or teen in your life will love to create 20 different bracelets in a variety of colours and designs.

Melissa & Doug Play to Go Ice Cream Play Set

This play set will have toddlers using their imaginations to create all sorts of ice cream treats with a variety of play food. All pieces fit in the to-go cup, making this the perfect toy to take with you.

ThinkFun Fidgitz Twisty Brainteaser

This twisty brainteaser is perfect for tweens, teens— and even adults who love to fidget and work their brain. Enhance logic and problem-solving skills with this unique puzzle.

Dyson Toy Cord-Free Vacuum

Toddlers will love helping out around the house with this toy vacuum that has working suction and really sucks up tiny pieces! It looks, moves and sounds like the grown-up version.

New Bright Remote Control Truck

This 1:10 scale Ford Raptor Remote Control Truck will have kids and adults of all ages ready to take it for a drive. This full-function truck can tackle any obstacle in its way.

Rubik’s Perplexus Fusion

This 3D maze game puzzle takes the original Rubik’s Cube to a whole new level! Perfect for people of any age who like solving puzzles and challenging their mind.

We all know there are many benefits to exploring creativity with your children. Creativity allows kids to express themselves, explore their imagination and develop essential skills that will help them throughout their lives.

Where better to inspire your child’s minds than in your home where they spend so much of their time? A clean and tidy home with bright colours and lots of opportunity for expression can get the creative juices flowing.

Don’t worry, there is no need to renovate your whole house. You can make small changes that will stimulate creativity every day.

Here are some tips for making your sanctuary the perfect place to spark their (and your!) imagination and productivity.

Inspiration Through Design

Display affirming phrases on walls, hang meaningful art from places you have travelled to, or photographs you have taken, and incorporate anything that inspires creative thinking into your décor.

Hang your children’s art, not just on the fridge, but in their bedroom, the playroom and even your bathroom. Make a piece of art that you work on together a focal point in a living space in your house. A great example of this is collecting many different colours of leaves in the fall and making a collage or other work. You can even switch it out seasonally with pressed flowers for spring, a sculpture made of rocks or sticks in the summer and paper snowflakes in the winter.

Write on the Walls 

No, really! Earn cool parent points by encouraging the budding artists in your home to capture doodles or ideas on white boards, chalk boards or writable surfaces on furniture. You can purchase inexpensive laminate that can be installed vertically or horizontally to enhance countertops, desktops, cabinet fronts and closet doors with dry-erase capabilities.

You can use them to jot down the thought that just popped into your head, your grocery list, the funny joke you heard at work or an inspirational message to encourage success on a important day.

Build a Comfy Nook

Create a space all their own with a reading or art nook. The corner of a room, under the stairs, a teepee tent or an egg pod chair are all great options for a (somewhat) private place they can go to get away from it all.

All the space needs is a few pillows, blankets, a favourite stuffy and some books. If you have a reader on your hands, let them curl up with their favourite novel. An artist might hide away in their nook with a pad and pencil, and a music lover might escape the bustle of their life with their headphones and their favourite beverage.

Whatever creative way they choose to escape, having a quiet place all their own to do so can go a long way to not only inspire imagination, but also reduce sibling/family conflict and promote good mental health.

Bring Nature Inside

Remember those natural elements I mentioned earlier? It has long been proven that connecting with nature helps us connect with our imaginations. This can be as simple as incorporating a painting or photograph of a mountain scape, adding a tropical houseplant, setting out some wooden artwork, hanging foliage wallpaper or even purchasing a small table-top water feature.

Get Crafty

Having a dedicated space for creative endeavours like writing, artwork or crafts is key to bringing projects to life. Give your family members the opportunity to create their masterpieces with a dedicated desk or craft room. Make sure all the supplies they need are at their fingertips and are organized in a way that makes sense. Sometimes the biggest reason for creative block is not having what you need at hand when inspiration strikes.

Colour can also spark imagination. In a space dedicated to arts and crafts, you can think outside the box and get adventurous with a splash of bright yellow or orange on the wall. If painting is too much of a commitment for you, incorporate pops of colour into your furniture with a punchy chair or vibrant pillows that are easy to switch out.

No matter how you decide to do it, designing a creative vibe in your house requires little effort and has a multitude of benefits for the whole family.

Seeing many donning their fashionable sunglasses and sipping on their iced coffee drinks from Starbucks, it’s obvious that shorts, t-shirt and flip-flop season is in full swing. Just last week, it felt like we were bringing out the Christmas decorations and trying to find those ugly Christmas sweaters that resurface every December. Whether it is the Christmas season or summertime, one thing is constant in our lives, the desire to vacate our day-to-day existence and escape to a tropical or magical destination, even if it is just for a week.

I often reminisce about “the good ‘ol days.” When summertime meant hoping on your bike and pedalling as fast as you can to the local corner store. You and your friends would grab a Slurpee so big that it would instantly spike your blood sugar to concerning levels, and top that off with a bag of sour keys. You would sit on the curb outside the corner store and talk about nothing in particular, watching people, cracking jokes and wondering where the rest of your gang was. Back on your bike, you would race to an unsuspecting member of your posse’s house. You’d play video games, go on the trampoline and stage epic water gun fights that all the neighbourhood kids would get into. You were free … you were wild … you were on “vacation.”

Those simple times do not last forever, and soon riding a bike doesn’t seem as attractive as driving a car. You need to drive to get to that job you have now and there are no more Christmas, spring or summer breaks. Those friends you spend time with do not meet up at the corner store anymore. You have all graduated to local watering holes in the city, where you can enjoy some liquid courage, loud music and free spirits.

Life is busy now. New responsibilities. Greater expectations. And the journey into adulthood. Nonetheless, that does not extinguish the need for a break; the need to disconnect from it all and melt away somewhere. You and your gang get together and plan a week of adventure and sheer chaos in some remote land far from here. Flights need to be booked, accommodations need to be confirmed and invites to as many people as possible need to be sent out. Afterall, you need to soak this all in. This is going to be epic—you are going on “vacation.”

Pretty soon, there are little people in the picture. What happened? Suddenly, you are teaching them to ride bikes, but you are not allowing them near Slurpees or sour keys. Are you kidding me? Those are not organic. They will not be hanging around any corner store any time soon. And a trampoline? Well, it better have netting all around it and only one person on it at a time. Life is exhausting, you crave that word … vacation? But hold on, that term is no longer in your vocabulary. It’s not a vacation any more, it is a “family trip.”

There are now 17 suitcases you must load into multiple vehicles at the crack of dawn and head to the airport hoping you have your passports for you and the little people. Boarding passes? We have those, right? Did we put the house alarm on? Did we let the neighbours know we are going to be gone so they can watch for Amazon deliveries? The 30-minute ride to the airport is quite possibly the most stressful time in your life.

The flight is delayed. They lose your luggage, and the resort has you in the wrong room with a broken air conditioning system. Of course, the missing luggage has the home pharmacy that you packed, and your five-year-old gets bitten by some sort of mysterious exotic creature that causes his arm to swell like a bratwurst. This is the best “vacation” ever … I mean, “family trip.”

When it’s all said and done, you come back home and settle into your routine again. You tell everyone that will listen to you the trials and tribulations you had during your “time off.” But it does not matter, does it? Because those little people just got to experience the greatest week of their lives. They loved every minute of the “family trip” and will have zero recall of the lost luggage, the broken AC or the piles of Amazon packages that awaited you when you came back. Afterall, they got to be free … to be wild … to go on “vacation.”

Great job, parent! You just created some more “good ‘ol days….”

I love my family, and while I would never tell my husband this, I sometimes imagine what life would be like if we had another child. It would cause a lot of changes in our lives and change can be scary, or uncomfortable, but it can also be beautiful. If you are ready to grow your family, and you’re wondering how to help your children adjust to a new child, parent or living situation, these books might be a good way to start the conversation.

The first book is And J.J. Slept by Loretta Garbutt and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (Kids Can Press, 2022). This book celebrates the beauty of adoption and what home looks (and sounds) like. In And J.J. Slept, little baby J.J. arrives at his forever home and is greeted by his very loud, and very loving older siblings. One weekend, all four of J.J.’s siblings are away, and his home no longer sounds the way home should sound. If you are planning on welcoming a child through adoption, this book might help you spark a conversation about what will be different and what will stay the same when they arrive. For ages 3 to 7.

Another book about the introduction of a baby to a household is Rising by Sidura Ludwig and illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy (Candlewick Press, 2024). This story celebrates the art of waiting and resting. The narration follows a Jewish family as they make challah and prepare for Shabbat, while the illustrations focus on their lives as they prepare for a second child. If you love to bake with your children, Ludwig has shared her challah recipe so you can make it too. For ages 3 to 7.

Another story about family growth is Always Your Stepdad by Stephanie Stansbie and illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina (Doubleday Books, 2024). This book, which is written from the perspective of a little girl’s stepdad, shows how, when families expand and blend through marriage, the love the parents feel for each other can expand to include the children in wonderful ways. It lets children know that even though their stepparents might not have been there from the beginning, they can still have a solid and amazing relationship. For ages 3 to 7.

Family is Family by Melissa Marr and illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2024) has bright and bold illustrations that celebrate all the different ways a family can look. They might have lots of siblings and one mom, like the crocodiles, or a protective big older sister, like the tigers, or two moms, like the chickens. For ages 3 to 7.

The final story, Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (Charlesbridge, 2021), is a much sadder tale than the other ones. In this story, Lily and her grandmother are driving across Iowa from Lily’s old home, to her new one with her grandmother. While the story doesn’t say why Lily is moving in with her grandmother, you can tell Lily is sad about the change. To help her granddaughter, her grandmother suggests they find 10 beautiful things along the way. While it doesn’t fix the hurt Lily feels, it does help her realize that she can still feel love. For ages 3 to 7.

Voilà! Five stories that celebrate the beautiful ways that families can grow and change. If your family is changing, I hope these stories will help you prepare your children for the way things might be different, so that you can experience the beauty of the change with less of the trials that can come with it.

In a world where more and more things are seen as disposable, it is refreshing to experience an environment that promotes a circular economy.

The Repair Café North Saanich (RCNS) does just that by offering a space where skilled volunteers help mend broken items, giving them a new lease on life.

Getting Started

On an otherwise ordinary afternoon in 2020, two women met in a local café to discuss a topic dear to both of their hearts and that is how RCNS came to be.

Modeled after the original Café in Amsterdam, the neighbourhood Repair Café follows the simple principle of community members working together to help one another by repairing broken items and in doing so, keeping those items out of the landfill.

After recruiting a handful of volunteers with a wide range of skills, the first RCNS event was held in July 2020 at St. John’s United Church on West Saanich Road.

A Community Hub

Four successful years later, the Repair Café operates out of Deep Cove Elementary School and has a roster of more than 50 volunteers. Each event draws dozens and dozens of people during the three-hour session.

The “fixers,” as the volunteers are fondly called, bring an amazing variety of skills to their workstations while others with a more administrative bent, usher people and their items to the appropriate tables.

If you brought in a broken piece of costume jewelry, Kathryn was there to help. Geoff and Greg were there to tackle any project that involved electrical work and electronics.

Need a repair to a garment? Sherley was there. Bicycles, clocks, garden utensils or knives that need to be sharpened—the skills and equipment were on hand.

The success rate is impressive. Last year, 75 percent of the items brought in for repair went back out the door in working order.

Taking time to chat between jobs, all the volunteers shared their enthusiasm for Repair Café explaining how they enjoy the atmosphere and the work.

Good Growth

The power of like-minded, good-hearted people working together always generates positive energy and RCNS has grown beyond the regularly scheduled monthly sessions. This year, some of Camosun College’s marketing students will become involved by using their recently acquired knowledge to generate plans to increase the Cafe’s exposure. And members of Sidney/North Saanich Library’s Teen Advisory Group are looking forward to the Café’s return visit in April during the week of Earth Day when they will be on hand to shadow the fixers and learn new skills.

Showing Support

School District 63 is supporting RCNS by offering the space at Deep Cove Elementary, as well as staff to help out. Repair Café and school staff look forward to finding creative ways to foster local citizenship and involve the students in repairing, recycling and preserving the world’s limited resources.

Principal, Philip Jungen is excited about this partnership and sees it as a natural and positive extension of the school’s long history of ecological concern. This shared focus is evident in a Repair Café lunchtime club for the kids. Jungen explained that the partnership also complements the School District 63 plans by stressing the importance of students becoming globally-conscious critical thinkers.

By embracing repair culture and adopting mindful consumption habits, we contribute to a more sustainable future and we might even learn a little something along the way.

A family is more than the sum of its parts; it’s an emotional and psychological ecosystem whose healthy functioning depends on the harmony among its elements, especially parents. But so often, we act in the same ways as the adults we’ve witnessed in our own childhood, and these patterns can interfere with our ability to embody the qualities that a healthy partnership requires when co-parenting.

After all, it’s hard to be mindful and emotionally open when alarm bells from our past are ringing loudly. But, consciously moving into intentional and collaborative parenting can be made so much easier with a plan for change.

1) When co-parenting, expect conflict now and then

A clash in parenting styles is unavoidable from time to time, but that doesn’t mean that the relationship is in trouble. When you notice your emotions (or those of your partner) rising, take a moment to determine where the issue fits into your parenting priorities before continuing. There’s a wide divide between your ideal solution and the unacceptable, with a lot of room in between for compromise.

2) Aim for a speedy resolution

One of the best predictors of a happy family is swift conflict resolution, even if that means agreeing to disagree. Children (especially those with a sensitive temperament) are highly attuned to parent-to-parent interactions—their survival relies on it. When you resolve Big Life Journal Growth Mindset Conversation Cards issues quickly without allowing your ego to get in the way, you teach your children the art of acceptance and compromise. This is a gift for any child. If necessary, put a time limit on the discussion and agree to revisit it later to safeguard your child’s sense of stability.

3) Help children make sense of your disagreement

I’m always amazed when I realize just how much my children are absorbing. Even wearing headphones and sitting in another room, they will readily pick up that something’s up, even from a whisper. When we all do our best to avoid arguing within earshot of our children, they inevitably notice our transgressions. Instead of ignoring the hot-button moment, use it as an opportunity to build understanding. Children often blame themselves for their parents’ quarrels—especially when they are the subject of the conflict.

Children need to know that disagreements are a normal part of any relationship, and that as long as there is mutual respect and healthy ground rules for communication, they don’t have to be scary. It’s reassuring for your kids to see that while you may not always like what someone says or does, you are always ready to make amends.

4) Give priority to a family routine

Researchers at Syracuse University have confirmed something my grandmother has been saying for years: families that remain connected, thrive. After reviewing a multitude of studies, Spagnola and Fiese reported that when families eat breakfast and dinner together, and maintain some kind of family routine, everyone gains. Children in these families are healthier overall, parents feel more satisfied with their marriage and both parents and children are less stressed.

When you routinely cuddle up with your child to read at the end of the day or spend every Sunday hiking together, your special family activities provide more than fun—they provide security as everyone inherently senses the unity and connection deepening.

5) Co-parenting means moving from auto-pilot to co-pilot

The role of parenting can often fall on the shoulders of one parent in particular, which can naturally lead to resentment or feelings of alienation on either end of the partnership. When it comes to major parenting decisions, try to press the pause button before jumping in to take care of it yourself. Instead, take a minute or two to sneak away to another room and have a quick conversation with your partner about how you’d like to address the tough issue together. Then, schedule in regular times to consciously discuss both parenting hurdles and how you’d like to better balance your parenting roles and responsibilities.

6) Present a united front

Children develop many strategies for getting what they want, including exploiting weak spots in their parents’ relationship. When your children complain to you about your partner, use that opportunity to teach them how to address issues directly. Encourage them to share their frustration with the person they are angry with so they learn to take responsibility for their feelings rather than simply blowing off steam.

When children see that their attempt to have you overrule your partner (or vice versa) isn’t working, they experience firsthand that while you may empathize with their feelings, you are united in your parenting.

7) It’s important to stay connected when co-parenting

According to relationship specialist and researcher John Gottman, almost 70 percent of couples describe feeling less satisfied with their marriage after having their first child. With the many demands of parenting leaving little time for intimacy, it can be difficult for parents to remain connected to themselves, let alone to each other. Committing to kid-free time together sends the message that you value your partnership and the foundation it provides for the whole family.

8) Look for new solutions.

One of the most important things to remember when problem solving together is this: “the problem” isn’t the real problem; the old solution is the problem. By looking at what hasn’t worked, you can avoid making the same mistakes and finding yourselves in exactly the same position again and again. Instead, brainstorm together, talk to friends, take an attachment-focused parenting course or try couples’ counselling. Do whatever it takes to keep the conversation open while co-parenting, and you’re sure to find success in working together.

As parents, our lives are a delicate balance of responsibilities, love and constant growth. In the intricate tapestry of family life, the theme of “Taking Care” resonates on various levels—be it self-care, supporting each other, fostering a sense of community or prioritizing health. In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted dimensions of taking care within the context of parenting on our beautiful island.

1. Nurturing the Roots: Self-Care for Parents

Parenthood is an incredible journey, and like any adventure, it comes with its challenges. Amidst the joys and responsibilities, it’s crucial for parents to prioritize self-care. Just as a tree’s roots must be nourished for it to grow tall and strong, parents must invest time and energy into their well-being. Taking a moment for self-reflection, pursuing hobbies or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, can provide the mental and emotional rejuvenation needed to navigate the demands of family life.

2. Tending to the Garden: Family Dynamics

In the realm of family, taking care involves more than just meeting basic needs. It’s about cultivating a thriving ecosystem where each member is valued, understood and supported. Communication is the water that nourishes these familial roots. Regular family meetings, open dialogue and actively listening to each other’s perspectives create an environment where everyone feels heard and cared for.

3. Building Bridges: Community Connection

Our island is not just a geographical location; it’s a community where neighbours are like extended family. Taking care extends beyond our homes to the vibrant tapestry of our neighbourhood. Simple acts of kindness—helping a neighbour with groceries, organizing community events or participating in local initiatives—contribute to the strength of our island community. By taking care of each other, we create a support network that enriches the lives of all.

4. Balancing the Scales: Prioritizing Health

Health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. As parents, we play a crucial role in instilling healthy habits in our children. From nutritious meals to regular exercise, teaching our children the importance of taking care of their bodies sets the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. Additionally, regular health check-ups for the entire family ensure that potential issues are identified early, promoting a proactive approach to well-being.

5. The Dance of Partnership: Taking Care of Your Spouse

In the dance of parenthood, the partnership between spouses is the rhythm that keeps everything in harmony. Taking care of your spouse involves not only sharing the load of parenting duties, but also nurturing the emotional connection. Regular date nights, open communication and understanding each other’s needs contribute to a strong and resilient partnership, providing a solid base for the entire family.

In the grand symphony of family life, “Taking Care” emerges as the melody that binds us together. By prioritizing self-care, nurturing family dynamics, connecting with our community, prioritizing health and fostering strong spousal relationships, we create a harmonious environment where our families can thrive. As we navigate the unique challenges and joys of parenting on our island, let “Taking Care” be the guiding principle that shapes a fulfilling and meaningful family journey.

I have never given birth to a child, so it looked like I was never going to get a chance to be a mother—let alone a grandmother.

And then, eight years ago, I married a beautiful man with a beautiful family—a widower with three children and nine grandchildren. The only experience I had up to that date was as an aunt, and a sister to my younger siblings. Let the adventure begin!

I started out in fear and trembling. I didn’t want anyone to think that I imagined I could just walk into their grieving hearts and replace a beautiful mother and grandmother who had passed away only six months ago. I wasn’t even a cook or a baker, and there were 21 close family members at the time. But no worries! Everyone contributes to a part of a meal when we all meet. When nine-year-old Carter asked if I could bake cookies, “you bet!” Chocolate chip cookies, coming right up. Everywhere, there were signs of a warm welcome.

I was included in the big phone call from the oldest granddaughter, even before we were married: “Grandpa, you are going to be a great-grandfather!”

When we were dating, my fiancé turned up at his daughter’s house one morning without me. Nolan, 4.5, got right to the point: “Where’s Lynn?”

At the first full-scale family gathering, I got the names mixed up. I called Hayden Carter and Carter Hayden. They don’t even remember the incident.

Our wedding included everybody. Nolan and his sister Angela, age two, were ringbearer and flower girl. An adult granddaughter did a scripture reading. The rest of the grandkids helped with the decorations and the cleanup. It was so much fun.

I leave it up to the family what to call me—Lynn, grandma, great grandma. My favourite was “Great Lynn” That’s the way I sometimes sign their birthday cards.

The whole family is always there for me.

When we went hiking as a family for the first time on the west coast of the Island, I slipped on the trail and found myself hanging over what felt to me like a cliff. Only a tuft of grass between my legs was holding me up. Then two strong hands rushed to pull to safety, as I looked into the eyes of the concerned (and relieved) grandson-in-law.

Another time out hiking with the family, I fell and broke my arm. They all ran to my assistance. One daughter turned back on the hike to help my husband get me safely over the roots and mud to the trailhead, and his daughter-in-law, a nurse, was there with treatment and advice. Everybody kept asking “how are you doing, Lynn?” It was so reassuring.

A few weeks ago, I caught a mild case of covid and had to isolate myself. My husband became my servant: Get me a coffee! I would like ice cream! I had a craving for boiled potatoes. He followed my instructions and they appeared on my plate. In the meantime, his daughter texted me about how I was doing with the illness. Aha! I could relate the funny story about her Dad learning how to make boiled potatoes.

“I’m sure he was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to cook potatoes,” came back a text with a laugh emoji. (But I need to be fair here: he cooks lots of dishes tougher than boiled potatoes, like penne primavera and Texas hash.)

That big family, and those enormous grandma shoes, looked pretty scary when my husband-to-be first asked for a date. But I’m glad I didn’t let them frighten me off. So if you’re ever in my position, let me tell you this: “Don’t be afraid to join a family. Go ahead and marry a warm-hearted widower, and don’t forget to just be yourself.”

Let’s sprinkle some magic into this busy holiday season and make some memories for you and your family. You need a secret recipe for not letting yourself get too stressed out and overwhelmed!

Presence trumps presents. Your kids crave your time more than any gift (even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time). So, have some holiday movie marathons, cookie baking extravaganzas, goofy dance-offs and snowman-building contests (okay, maybe it’s wishful thinking we’ll have a white Christmas on the island). These times are where the magic moments are made.

Play the prioritization game. Pick the traditions that truly make your family happy and focus on those. Simplicity is the key to surviving the holiday hustle without feeling like you’re going to scream.

Give yourself a giant dose of self-compassion. You’re not aiming for a perfect gingerbread house, you’re aiming for having a fun day baking and decorating with your kids. Take lots of breaks, sip that hot apple cider and remember, self-care isn’t a naughty word, it’s a must-do!

Making Memories

Don’t forget to embrace the messy moments! Those crooked tree decorations and the not-so-perfectly wrapped gifts? Those are the pictures that make your family’s holiday album fun and memorable.

Learn that it’s okay to say no. You didn’t really want to watch your coworkers drink too much at the holiday party anyway, did you?! And you know you don’t want to stand in that cold line with your friends for an hour to save a few dollars at a special shopping event.

Involve your kids in holiday prep. Let them decorate the tree, wrap the presents or assist in the kitchen. They’ll make messes. But the memories will be worth it.

Say thank you! Gratitude is the magical ingredient for getting through busy times with ease. Count your blessings and try to learn to appreciate the chaos that comes with the holiday season.

Oh, and never forget about the spirit of giving! Teach your children the joy of sharing. Let them join in on spreading kindness—whether it’s donating toys or delivering cookies to neighbours.

Wishing you and your family a magical season filled with memorable moments!