holidays Archives - Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau

Nov 30 2018

Honoring traditions without harming ourselves

As if modern life wasn’t busy enough, there are certain times of year when many of us just take on too much. Holidays and celebrations which should be joyous can become overwhelming when we forget to apply the principles and practices that keep us healthy all year long.

For most of us, making family memories and honoring ancestral traditions is an important part of special days of the year. The intense pressure we put on ourselves can leave us feeling like failures if we cannot do everything we’ve planned, or completely unwell for overextending ourselves to the point of exhaustion and sickness.

In today’s video message, I address the notion of honoring family traditions and trying to do it all. If any of this message resonates with you, you can begin to explore all the ways of handling extra emotional charge this season.

As always, let me know if I can help. Now, watch this:

[Editorial note: I accidentally blended the phrases “east coast” and “western hemisphere” in this video.]

Much love,

As a coach, writer, recovered over-doer and busyness addict, I understand the challenges of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle while the mind tries to sabotage your success. In my journey to vibrant health, I created a personalized health system of nutrition and supplementation, lifestyle changes, and I retrained my mind and the energy of my body. I view my success as the formula to my happy, healthy life. I now empower other women to create their own personalized formulas, including the tools and strategies just right for them! Amazing life shifts come from our relationships. I look forward to helping you, too!

Dec 11 2013

20 {Guilt-Free} Ways to Homeschool the Holidays

Something many homeschoolers seem to share is a desire for children to keep learning even during holidays and vacations. Some parents even feel a sense of guilt or shame for taking time off!

It takes nothing more than watching a young child “play” for a few minutes to understand that learning never takes a day off! Every activity and experience presents an opportunity for learning a new theory, fact or skill. When viewed in this light, nothing ordinary families do is ever a waste of time!

Holidays, in particular, are chock full of ways to learn. With this in mind, I have prepared a quick list of 20 guilt-free ways to weave a little homeschooling into everything you do this season. (I have used Christmas in this example, but please substitute any holiday, vacation or season; then, adapt these kinds of ideas for your family!)

20 Guilt-Free Ways to Homeschool the Holidays

Hang outdoor decorations: Measure distances in yards, feet or inches — or use a child’s foot or a small toy as a measuring stick! Use calculations to divide long expanses into parts, then learn to center wreaths and picture frames smack dab in the middle. Learn to bang nails, apply removable sticky hooks, unfurl and tie knots into ribbons and monofilaments, and don’t forget to make everything secure, discussing how wind shear could possibly take it all away! {Award credit in: science, art, math, or practical arts}
Bake some goodies: Purchase supplies, measure ingredients, and learn successful ways to bake cookies, cakes and candies. Double- or triple recipes as necessary, talk about cooking temperatures (and candy thermometers if applicable) and discuss food substitutions if necessary, too! Don’t forget to talk about cross-contamination, proper food storage and long-term shelf-life, too. Then, dive in and taste-test your creations to see how they came out! {Award credit in: practical arts, science, math or economics}
Clean the house: Learn new chores, or practice existing ones. Ready guest rooms and tackle seasonal chores, too. Get a family competition going by using a clock or timer. Or, set chores to music to make them a lot more fun. Emphasize health and safety, and create healthier, natural substitutes for toxic cleansers if you like, too. {Award credit in: life skills, physical education, science or home economics}
Get a tree: Cut or buy a real tree or purchase a potted tree from a local nursery. Discuss the different varieties and price points, making sure to learn about growing habits, climate concerns and which characteristics make your choice the most appealing for a Christmas tree. Care and nurture the tree for weeks to come, then dispose or recycle it in an eco-friendly way, or plant it in the yard when the holidays are over. {Award credit in: science (botany), economics, gardening, or life skills}
Visit family and friends: Whether traveling near or far, travel presents many outstanding opportunities for learning. Ideas include learning about a new area, charting distances on a map, following routes on a globe, making air or automobile travel arrangements, packing for a long trip, buying/making a hostess gifts, meeting new people, and everything else that comes in play along the way. {Award credit in: geography or anything else you decide!}
Write cards and letters: Hand-written cards and letters are most meaningful at holiday time, so encourage students to write to grandparents, cousins, distant relatives and friends this season. Include extra cards for military personnel, if you are so inclined, discussing the importance of remembrance and acts of kindness at holidays, and all year long. Focus only on messages, penmanship and general neatness. Resist the urge for perfection, instead allowing students to send heart-felt messages to those who mean the most. Students may be taught to address and stamp their own envelopes, too. {Award credit in: language arts, handwriting, or life skills}
Volunteer: Compassion education is greatly emphasized during holidays, thus opportunities to help are abundant in most areas. Working at shelters, soup kitchens, and events to assist those less fortunate are great ways to contribute, if families are able. Just as worthwhile are smaller efforts like collecting food items, making small monetary donations or walking dogs at a local shelter during the holidays, too. Remember to talk about the need for these activities all year long, not just at Christmas. {Award credit in: community service or practical arts}
Plan a menu: Meal planning requires much more than just deciding what to eat. Students can be given part of the responsibility for a holiday meal — or may be assigned the entire project to complete (and budget) on their own. Some students may enjoy creating shopping lists and doing comparison shopping (and/or couponing), too. Encourage them to design colorful menus, too! {Award credit in: cooking, practical arts, home economics, or design)
Send thank-you notes: See #6; or, help students to create fill-in-the-blank (“Mad Libs” style) thank you letters instead!
Find a new recipe: Many children enjoy variations on traditional favorites and/or trying new foods at parties and other events. Utilize their desire to discover new foods by encouraging students to discover new recipes on their own. Provide a list of recipe web sites you trust, a stack of recipe books or access to the local library. Then, show children how to create recipe cards or print recipes for storage in a binder. {Award credit in: research, technology, practical arts or economics}
Learn about the origins of the holiday: Online research is probably the quickest way to do this, but consider also talking to older relatives as part of the research, too. Where did the holiday originate? How is it celebrated there today? Including drawing, writing or other assignments if desired, or just keep it light and fun. Consider incorporating regional crafts, heirloom recipes or older traditions into your home this year, or just talk about your celebration will differ from many years ago. {Award credit in: history, geography, research and technology, other}
Mail a secret letter or package: Children of all ages enjoy the mystery and suspense of receiving secret cards and letters. Expand on this idea by sending a secret note or a small package to someone they know. Aspects of the mystery should be left up to the child, including what to send, how to go about doing it, and what to do if the secret is discovered. Sneaky activities and beginner sleuthing skills may include traveling to a distant post office for shipping, having a non-family member address the envelope or encrypting messages to be decoded as the sender is revealed. {Award credit in: science, technology, writing — you decide!}
Find out how the postal system works: When is the last day to mail a card with guaranteed Christmas delivery? What is the actual difference between sending “snail” mail versus electronic mail, and which is appropriate in which case? What is a business day anyway? What is the actual volume of letters delivered every year at this time? Advertising (or “junk” mail?). Find the answers to these questions and more by talking about the U.S. postal system, and other carriers, too, if you like. Include air mail, intra- and inter-continental mail in your studies, too. This activity can lead in many different directions — even including stamp and postcard collections, sending mail to oneself, and so much more! {Award credit in: practical skills, geography, mathematics and more}
Cut out paper shapes: A favorite activity among many kids is the cutting of paper shapes. Whether it be paper dolls, paper chains, paper snowflakes or anything else, cutting requires planning, a steady hand and concentration — plus, following a specific set of instructions or designing shapes on their own. Capitalize on the fun by providing many different colors, kinds and textures of papers (newspaper, card stock, loose-leaf and more), and lots of different cutting tools (scalloped-edge scissors, pinking shears, student scissors, etc.). Let students run wild, and make sure to let them hang their favorites on the windows or Christmas tree. Remember, great snowflake patterns can be found online — free! {Award credit in: art, crafts, technology or design}
Wrap gifts: Have you ever noticed some kids are better at wrapping gifts than others? It takes a bit of dexterity to crease corners and fold crisp edges. This year, allow students to help wrap gifts for friends and relatives — showing them alternative ways to do it, too. Have kids brainstorm creative ways to wrap presents, too, using recycled gift bags, plastic and cellophane wraps, repurposed potato chip bags (washed, then turned inside out) and more. Decorate papers with rubber stamps or cut-outs, too. {Award credit in: art, crafts, science (recycling/ecology), or practical arts}
Make handmade crafts and gifts: Nobody ever said gifts needed to be expensive! Some of my most treasured gifts were handmade by little people! With this thought in mind, pull out the box of craft supplies or head over to a nearby dollar store to get ready. Then, set the children free on their own, or provide some potential project ideas (working alongside younger learners). Age appropriate gifts could include picture frames, candle holders, tree ornaments, sculptures, floral arrangements, beaded items and more. Older students can browse Pinterest or family-friendly web sites for ideas, too. {Award credit in: art, crafts, economics or practical arts}
Learn new songs: Holidays are great times of the year to learn new songs or revisit older, traditional tunes. Crank up the volume and learn new songs. Print song-books if you like, and share the fun with friends and neighbors, too. Have children who play musical instruments? Add them to the mix, as well! The more the merrier. This is a learning experience for all ages! {Award credit in: music}
Learn table etiquette: How many parents of sloppy and unruly children wish they had actually taken the time to formally teach table etiquette? Though these skills can (and should) be modeled and taught throughout a child’s youth, children benefit from receiving specific lessons in how to act and behave at a dinner table. Setting a table, sitting there, responding to questions, engaging in pleasant conversation, serving oneself and eating properly, are all a part of proper table etiquette. Practicing eating at someone else’s home is very beneficial, too; thus, taking turns with a friend could be one of the exercises to help cement these skills. Families can make these activities especially fun dressing up and serving special foods, too. After-dinner conversation, dancing or clean up can also be incorporated, as desired. {Award credit in: practical arts or life skills}
Mix [non-alcoholic] drinks: Special events deserve special beverages ~ and no child is immune to a sweet cup of eggnog or frothy, fruity holiday punch. Create a “bar” of ingredients for children to experiment with and allow them to create their own holiday “signature beverage”. Start with a variety of fresh or frozen fruit, fruit juices and some bubbly drinks (like seltzers and lemon-lime sodas) and garnishes (fruit slices or chunks). Include crushed ice and a blender, and let students create their favorites. Or, opt for coffee- and chocolate-flavored concoctions with a pot of decaf coffee, some hot cocoa packets, various milks (almond, rice or cow’s milk) and whipped cream toppings. Include sprinkles, fun straws and stirrers, too. Children should be charged with naming their drinks, too! {Award credit in: cooking, home economics, nutrition or practical arts}
Make a wish: Well, not exactly. But having children create a list of accomplishments for the year, plus a list of goals for the next year is an excellent idea. Particularly for teens, goal-setting is an important skill they can master now — in a fun way. Make this a family activity, or challenge every student to come up with a private list and submit it to you. Not only will this project get students thinking, it can tell parents a lot about what skills they have mastered or hope to conquer next year. {Award credit in: language arts or life skills}

Merry Christmas!

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Dec 21 2012

Hospitality on a shoe string

There’s a myth going around that hospitality ends when homeschooling begins. Surely, living on a single income means the party is over, right?

Wrong.

Listen — there are enough myths circulating about homeschooling and unschooling already. No sense releasing another into the universe.

The truth is, aside from scheduling guests so they never interfere with school (unless you like it that way), there is nothing stopping homeschool families from extending hospitality to family and friends whenever they like. Budget has nothing to do with it.

Think of this. Hospitality is made of many things that cost nothing at all — your time, sharing friendship and togetherness, a welcoming home, and a friendly greeting with a smile. A a pot of tea and some cookies add only pennies to a gathering already so valuable on its own. If you can do more, great. If not, that’s okay, too.

Some families serve tea and coffee as a budget-friendly way to entertain in the mid-afternoon. Some put out bite-sized appetizers and a pitcher of dressed-up fruit punch at brunch. Still others offer hearty soup, homemade breads and crackers for a sit-down style meal.

Do what you can afford. But, never deprive your family the joys of entertaining just because dollars are tight. Benefits of entertaining extend beyond your own family, anyhow. The support and friendship you offer during these times are priceless to others, as well.

This year, I again challenged myself to do Thanksgiving on a budget. Serving 10, I wanted to spend even less than last year, but also be able to offer guests a plentiful feast with all of the trimmings. It wasn’t hard to do, and the result was an event to be proud of.

Read my tips from last year to get motivated for Thanksgiving under $100. Then, read these additional tips to save even more — cutting the budget further for a holiday feast under $75.

I began with decorations since ~~this is my favorite thing to do~~ these can be prepared well in advance. This year, I clipped grape vines from the yard and twisted them into decorative wreaths. I used brown twigs for the wreaths and wound them together with green bits until they stayed put. After washing and drying in the sun for several days, I decorated and placed them throughout my home.

I used vines along the table, as well (see below). They were perfect for my long table, and wound nicely around flower arrangements and candles, too.

I began collecting what I had around the house and also shopping the clearance sections of stores I visited throughout the month of November. I found packages of coasters marked “Be Thankful” at Michael’s for a dollar. I also found napkin rings made of twine that work for all seasons, so I snapped them up knowing I could decorate them for Christmas as well.

I lucked out on these sweet candles from Kirkland’s for only $.97 a box of six:

Table settings were kept simple and elegant this year, and cost nothing. A collector of antique plates, I always have endless combinations of settings to choose from. The children helped me this year, and we arrived at a color combination we loved using pieces from 3 different sets, including my dear grandmother’s old wine glasses.

The children made flower arrangements in homeschool co-op this season. Several of these graced our long table for 10, and lasted several days later as they were made primarily from dried leaves and flowers of the season. We paired these colors with lovely paper napkins that were a gift from my mom this year, and the table came together beautifully…don’t you agree?

I have written about food savings before, so I won’t repeat it here. However, some highlights of the grocery shopping this year included these deals, secured in plenty of time for the holiday, thanks to bargain-hunting combined with coupons and the use of a large freezer to store goodies until Thanksgiving day:

a frozen turkey purchased on sale well in advance (though still kicking myself for just barely not qualifying for the free bird offed by my local grocer)
frozen Bird’s Eye brand vegetables offered at 50% plus coupons, making them almost free
frozen Sara Lee treats and pies also marked down to 50% off several weeks prior
frozen ready-to-bake baguettes and rolls, purchased months in advance on clearance
homemade apple sauce and pumpkin pies using store-brand ingredients (canned pumpkin and evaporated milk) for even greater savings
color-themed candies purchased after Halloween (Hershey’s Kisses and the like, see under wine glasses) for 90% off
boxed stuffing mixes (I usually make my own, but these were virtually free this year at BOGO plus coupon savings)
sweet potato casserole using fresh veggies from our organics delivery, making them ultra-delicious and extremely low cost by purchasing in bulk
a generous windfall of a large variety of citrus from a friendly neighbor

As you can see, our family ate well and didn’t break the bank doing so. Other low-cost activities throughout the day included homemade hot chocolate during the Macy’s Day Parade and a walk around the neighborhood after the meal.

Also like last year, I ended with a freezer full of stock and a refrigerator full of left-overs, too. The meal itself came in under budget, even when including the bottle of wine we didn’t drink, plus two 2-liter bottles of sodas served to the children.

I hope I have encouraged you to entertain whenever possible on your own. Remembering my tips about keeping your home clean enough and scheduling events around the family calendar, I know you can make it happen!

Much love,

Nov 19 2012

Homeschooling thru the holidays

Among the many reasons people give for homeschooling is flexibility in scheduling. Flexibility to learn any time they like. Flexibility to play any time they want.

But did you realize there is learning in recreation and play? Time off from homeschool isn’t time off from learning at all! As a matter of fact, down-time can be nature’s best way to learn — giving students the chance to discover, accomplish and soak up much more than what can be found in books alone.

Keeping this in mind means it’s okay to take time off to celebrate holidays and other days that are important to you throughout the homeschool year. Whether you are curriculum-users, online students, literature-based learners or anything else, I highly recommend time off when your family needs it!

What traditions are important to your family? Are Thanksgiving and Christmas your favorite times of the year? Or maybe your traditions include giant family reunions on Independence Day or chili cook-offs on New Year’s Eve. Whatever they may be, family time should be honored. It’s important, and the preparations are, too.

Think about the planning leading up to big days like these. What skills are involved? Is communication one of them? How about budgeting, shopping and price-comparisons? Does design and space planning play a part? What about travel? Now think of decorations, banquet tables of endless buffets, game-playing, and all of the special touches that make up the day. What kinds of things can children learn by creating banners, making photo collages and slide shows? How much creativity goes into all of those home-made games and activities anyway? Would anyone dare argue that preparations like minor home renovations and cooking aren’t necessary skills? And no list is complete without at least mentioning areas like history, geneology, foreign languages, geography, interpersonal skills, fashion, personal hygiene and so many more.

As your family moves throughout the holiday season, particularly as you approach days that are very important to you, rest assured that learning does not end the day before and begin again the day after. Good stuff happens before, during and after special days. Take heart in knowing that nothing is ever lost by enjoying time off, and that there is value in everything you do as a homeschool family.

Related posts:

From Rigid to Relaxed

Yearly Homeschool Schedules

Sick Days

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