Slow Down and Connect
The wind-down into winter can be a peaceful time. For those early morning risers, the sunshine glistening off the morning dew compels us to embrace the great outdoors. It is a period when families venturing out together enjoy the nostalgic warm hug of their scarves and bobble hats. Seasonal activities are aplenty: frosty walks, outdoor ice-skating and, if we are gifted with snowfall, sledging and building snow-people.
Throughout December various multicultural celebrations take place worldwide. Across the aeons, traditions of warmth, light and colour have helped humans bear the colder, harsher months of the northern hemisphere; inversely, in the southern hemisphere, joyful festivities have honoured the Sun in all its splendour. Children are as naturally excited as they are inquisitive about the celebrations around solstice. Here they can learn the fascinating history of some of the festivals taking place this month.
In the United Kingdom, the predominant (and official-public-)holiday is Christmas Day—the 25th December. A religious event for some, commercial for many and a ‘day-off’ for most: public services are reduced to a minimum and trading is limited or suspended, encouraging the general population to slow down, connect and enjoy the period in whichever way they choose. Leading up to this day can be stressful, though, for children as well as the adults! Whilst children are typically the main receivers of presents at this time, they may collaterally lack our presence in the build-up. From a safeguarding standpoint, it is important to be mindful of the little ones that do not fully understand what is going on—a couple more steps of explanation and inclusion is usually all that is required. The same can apply to teenagers who often seek meaning in their experiences and want to learn more about their world and peers. They can find more on the season’s celebrations here.
For those families going full out for the festivities, let the lead up be inclusive and fun. It does not have to be expensive nor rushed—youngsters simply love quality time with their kin—and if you feel you have an overwhelming list to complete before slowing, or gifts left to gather, let your tiny teammates help out. A good crafts session with your children makes good work of those homemade presents and decorations; moreover, it will give you more time for that relaxing time-off you truly deserve!
To you hard-working guardians, this time of year, the Children’s Chaperone sends a hearty, warm cheer!