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1. Maintain a Routine with Flexibility
Breaks are for relaxation, but having a loose structure to the day can create a sense of balance. Include time for play, rest, and family connection.
2. Encourage Open Conversations
Make space to check in with your children about their emotions. Remind them that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this time, whether joy, frustration, or sadness.
3. Foster Connection
Use this time to strengthen bonds with loved ones. Whether through a family meal, game night, or quiet moments together, meaningful connection can have a positive impact on mental health.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Focus on simple joys rather than pressure for everything to go exactly as planned.
5. Prioritize Self-Care for All
Help children understand the importance of self-care by modeling it yourself. Whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or practicing mindfulness, these habits can build resilience.
6. Recognize Signs of Stress
Be mindful of behavioral changes that may signal stress, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, or withdrawal. If needed, reach out to a counselor, teacher, or trusted professional for support.
7. Unplug and Be Present
While technology is great for entertainment, try to balance screen time with offline activities like crafting, baking, or spending time outdoors.
Winter break is a chance to nurture not just physical rest but also emotional and mental well-being. Let’s support one another in creating a season filled with kindness, warmth, and understanding. Wishing you and your family a restful and joyful winter break!
Warm regards,
Laura Lupo
Mental Health Coordinator
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While the holidays often bring joy and togetherness, they can also be stressful due to packed schedules, financial pressures, and high expectations. Taking time to rest, reflect, and recharge not only enhances your ability to fully enjoy the season but also ensures you have the energy to get through it. Caring for yourself is not indulgent—it’s necessary and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. What do you do for self-care? Here are some zero to low cost ideas:
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Local Events
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Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt – Lynden
Pick up a FREE Clue Card on Saturday Dec. 7 at ELF HQ – Corner of Front St. & 5th, Lynden. Find all the elves hiding in businesses in Downtown Lynden & be entered to win one of three baskets filled with downtown business gift cards and treats worth $300. Follow the clues on the card to find the hidden elves! The hunt is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winners will be drawn at 6 p.m.. Elf Hunt HQ closes at 4:15 p.m. Pick up your clue cards before then.
You are invited to explore programs at the Whatcom Family YMCA! Meet program leaders and coaches, learn about current offerings, explore the facility, and discover what’s coming in the new year! Event is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 N. State Street, Bellingham, WA.
Activities Include: Soccer, T-ball, Girls on the Run Activity, Trail Blazers Relays, Basketball, Adaptive Sports, Family Yoga Class, Climbing Wall, Family Swim (starting at 1 p.m.).
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Handmade Holidays
From 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, LEGO® Master contestant Brad Bergman will supply holiday cheer with custom buildable LEGO® sets. Work with Brad to build a festive LEGO® ornament. Crafts are free! Admission to Old City Hall is by donation through the month of December. Free fun for the whole family!
Jingle Bell Run
Get ready to celebrate the 40th year of Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation on Saturday, Dec. 14. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let’s jingle all the way toward a cure! Let’s lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!
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December Dates
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12/1: Rosa Parks Day
12/2: National Special Education Day
12/3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
12/7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
12/10: Human Rights Day
12/15: Bill of Rights Day
12/21: Winter Solstice
12/23 – Jan. 3: Winter Break (No School)
12/25: Christmas Day
12/25: Hanukkah begins
12/26 Kwanzaa
12/31: New Year’s Eve
1/1: New Year’s Day
1/6: School Resumes
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