Hello Philadelphia Family Voices’ Family and Friends,
Did you know that there are many religious and cultural celebrations (over 20 at last count) between Thanksgiving and December 31st? Although there are a few holidays that dominate our attention, families are celebrating a lot of different meaningful events this time of year, and the stress of the season is universal. Our December blog focuses on ways to combat stress, develop healthy coping and wellness skills, and practice self-care through spreading joy.
BUILD JOY
When researching the season, I stumbled across a little-known day held annually on December 2nd called National Build Joy Day. Started in 2017, the goal was to support communities impacted by tragedy or natural disasters. Over time, however, the movement expanded to include spreading joy through tiny acts of kindness. I love the idea of kicking off the month focusing on kindness instead of to-do lists, unrealistic expectations, and the financial stress that we often face this time of year.
This month, we encourage everyone to spread joy, not just to others but to ourselves as well. This isn’t another thing to add to your plate, but rather a way to ensure we set time aside for what really matters. No matter how small, plan time for experiences that bring joy to you or others. Add marshmallows to your hot chocolate, crank your favorite song and dance with your 2-year-old, give the overwhelmed cashier a big smile and warm thank you. Tiny acts are sometimes the most meaningful.
Some of the traditions we follow are an important part of our family’s history, however, our families may have outgrown some of the annual routines. Eliminate the need to “do it all” by looking at what parts of the season are important, and what activities we can let go. Leaving room to make new memories, while keeping those traditions that are most meaningful to everyone, is a great way to strengthen our families. As my children grew older, they no longer want to look at the decorations and lights in Center City, but this is something that is meaningful to me. I now go with friends, and our family is happier because I listened to what they want.
Some of the ways the PFV family plans to Build Joy:
Nyeta: I want to mainly focus of my self-care. When you’ve spent a large portion of your life caring for others while you yourself are struggling, even with the simplest of things, self-care becomes a huge life changing experience. Those things include Massage Therapy for physical healing, Meditation & Prayer for spiritual healing, and Listening to History Podcasts to continue my thirst for knowledge.
Marguerite: I’m planning to play hooky with my grandsons to visit the Please Touch Museum
Mary: My plan this month is to adopt a bonded pair of kittens/cats. I’ve been wanting to replace my one cat that passed away earlier this year (March) and at the same time, do my part in rescuing two homeless kitties.
Nyeemah: My self-care goal for December would be more time for meditation.
Tamika: My plan is to continue to spread cheer and joy to one another all year round!! By being kind to each other regardless, of culture backgrounds, relationships, or circumstances. It’s a quote, I read daily “If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy”. And what I take away from that, is that everyone can benefit from showing some extra love!!!
Tasha: I plan to begin a structured physical fitness program.
Michelle: The Beading Hearts helps parents grieving children lost to addiction one bead at a time. This Parent make beads bracelets, or necklace, adding that child name, all the Parents gather and share their story, while making bracelets, each will support that Parent helping in making that bead bracelet. This is a great resource to share. https://beadinghearts.org/about-us/
Heidi: Time spent with pets can be joyful and healing.
Lauren: My plan is to walk every day in December as a way to de-stress, plus the decorations and lights lift my mood!
GRATITUDE
I also find it easier to feel joy- and spread joy- when I practice gratitude. This year has been an amazing transition at PFV, as we more than doubled our staff, found office space for 2023, and increased our support of families by 500%. I am grateful for our amazing team and the work that they do to ensure that parents and caregivers can access the resources they need for their children and become effective advocates in the process.
Thank you to our manager Tasha Liggins, our supervisors Tamika Johnson and Mary Drake, our program coordinator Nicole Wilkins, and our team of amazing navigators and family peer specialists: Michelle Sanchez (team lead), Nyeemah Wright, Heidi Morein, Marina Nunez, Gail Pryor, Marguerite Willis, Nyeta Griggs, and Anntionette Adams. All of you make our PFV family shine!
WELLNESS
Wellness is not just our physical well-being but includes our mental health as well. At this time of year, we can experience holiday sadness, seasonal affective disorder or depression, and increased feelings of unhappiness. Lack of sunlight is a contributing factor, as is a history of depression. Other sources include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Unrealistic Expectations
- Over-commercialization
- Financial worries
- Inability to be with friends and family, or a lack of friends and family
Philly Healthy Minds is a great resource if you or someone you know is struggling. For tips on boosting your mood, check out their website: https://healthymindsphilly.org/boost/wellness-tips/.
HAVE A HAPPY & HEALTHY DECEMBER
Staying Safe This Season
We are all tired of talking about the coronavirus, but unfortunately it hasn’t gone away. We encourage everyone to take time to look at the options for yourself and your family members prior to group celebrations. Talk to your doctor about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to decide what is right for you and your family members. Some tips for keeping everyone healthy this season:
- Practice healthy habits, like hand washing and not touching your face.
- When possible, practice social distancing and/or wear a mask.
- Develop a plan for reducing risks for those family members who are vulnerable to illness, especially the very young and older adults, or those with underlying medical conditions.
- Isolate if you or your family develop any cold or flu symptoms. Find another way to celebrate with others outside your household- such as video or phone calls- and make plans to meet in person when you are feeling better.
ASSERT has some terrific resources (in English and Spanish) regarding what to expect with vaccinations as well as other important COVID-19 information. Check out their resources at https://paautism.org/resource/covid-19-vaccine-social-stories/
We hope you find ways to Build Joy in your life, your family, and your community. And if you or someone you love needs help with finding resources or support with children and youth services, please contact us at 484-228-1229. We are open Monday through Friday from 9-5 except we are closed on December 26th. For mental health emergencies, call the Philadelphia 24/7 hotline at 215-686-4420.
From all of us at PFV, we wish you and your family a joyous, safe, and healthy season!