The Gift of Time

Last Christmas when I took my girls to see their great-grandmother in her nursing home, they had a little song and dance prepared for her. The sight of this strong and often rigid, ninety-seven year old woman with a big grin on her face and a proud look in her eye was something I’ll never forget. She called over all of her friends, some busy nurses and even a passerby to get a glimpse of the show. Who knew that “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” sung by a nine-and-six year-old would have created so much joy. Although studies certainly show that intergenerational relationships stimulate learning and improve overall health in both the elderly and children, all I needed to see was that moment.

For me, taking the time to connect with loved ones is what the holidays are all about. So this year that’s what I’m asking for—time. Time to spend on simple traditions that make memories that will last a lifetime.

Some ideas that everyone can incorporate into the holidays:

• Make sweet moments: Spend an afternoon making holiday cookies with Grandma.
• Record memories: Videotape interviews of family members to be played back at Christmases to come.
• Dress in the spirit: Take a turn putting on a red velvet suit and be Santa on Christmas Eve for your family or your friends.
• Cook together: Don’t just eat Christmas dinner together, have the whole family help make it together.
• Give compliments: Go around the dinner table and play, “One of the many things I love about you is” and have everyone answer it about each other.
• Put it in writing: Write a love letter to someone special. The best gifts are those that keep on giving and make us smile over and over again.