I swear it comes earlier and earlier in the year. As soon as Halloween was over, Thursday, November 1st I walked into a store the next day and their Christmas decorations were up and they had Christmas music going!
The music of the season of course puts my mind into a place of thinking about holiday celebrations, about what our plans will be, and also, when I was caring for my mom my first priority was to do what I could to make the holiday season joyous for her. So much so, that I overdid myself, built up expectations of how things “should be” and also made expectations of my family members that of course, they did not live up to. I completely stressed myself out thinking to myself, “this might be Mom’s very last Christmas.”
Since then I have learned a lot. How can you prepare as a family effectively and easily for the holiday season without stressing yourself out? How can you keep conflict and drama out of the family gatherings? Family Gatherings and Relationships is our theme for the month. We will discuss ways to celebrate with ease, and to learn to let go of the things that stress you out in the upcoming holidays!
Also nationally, it’s National Caregiver Month. We step back and appreciate family caregivers who are unpaid and making sacrifices in their lives to care for others. Learning to overcome Caregiver Burnout is possible and if you want to remain effective, it’s necessary! We will delve into these issues and talk about ways that if you are caring for a loved one, how to take care of yourself in the process!
In closing, November also is about Veterans and Thanksgiving. On Veteran’s Day weekend we will be featuring a special program to honor our veterans, including a special interview with Seattle Seahawks’ VP of Community Outreach and Veteran, Mike Flood, as he shares about the Seahawks’ plans for Salute to Service, and how the Seahawks honor our seniors.
Of course, it’s also time to give thanks, and as I write this, I truly feel beyond blessed. We are truly thankful for our listeners and the expert providers who have been with us through 1½ years we have now been on the air here in Western Washington. I am grateful every single day that I have the platform to help families who are caring for our seniors and those who need care. My heart is with you always!
Here is wishing each and every one of you a glorious Thanksgiving holiday and celebrations with ease!
Warmest Regards,
Suzanne
