Don’t get too busy

As we enter the holiday season, here’s my reminder to myself and all of my readers to not get too busy with the season that you forget to be present with your family and friends. Here are some tangible ideas that will help you connect with people you love and make memories that will last.

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As we enter the holiday season, life will get busy but that doesn’t mean we should forget to slow down and do special things together.

Make Smoothies for Breakfast

My daughter and I both enjoy a smoothie full of good ingredients that we can control. Our favorite smoothies are made with oatmeal, frozen berries (that we picked on the farm), peanut butter, local honey, milk and maybe even some frozen spinach. Even on busy school mornings when she is rushing out the door, we take a few minutes to toss all our favorite ingredients into the blender and enjoy something tasty and filling.

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Make it Homemade

We enjoy chocolate covered coffee beans but don’t like buying them at the store. But did you know that you can make them at home with just chocolate and coffee? All you have to do is melt the chocolate morsels and then stir in your favorite coffee beans. Spread the covered beans on a tray and let the chocolate harden for a little while and you have a perfect snack!

My son was super excited when he got home from school to find homemade chocolate covered coffee beans. And they make a great snack to eat when you watch your favorite holiday movie!

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Go on a Treasure Hunt

Take a break from chores and life to spend some time outside with your family looking for ‘treasures’. A few years ago, we entered the world of metal detecting and started digging up holes in our back yard. You just never know what you’ll find – old small tractors, horse shoes, coins, and of course lots of scrap metal from cans. Metal detectors are a great way to build memories and spend time with your family!

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Work a Puzzle

I will admit that I’m not a big fan of working a puzzle all by myself, but when it becomes a family activity – I’m all in! Puzzles are still one of the best ways to build family memories and just slow down. My favorite puzzles are the ones with different size pieces, like this one from Springbok. This allow each member to focus on the pieces that are right for their level.

Take Pictures – lots of them!

Many years ago I started taking what I call “proof of presence” photos. I want to have pictures of the people that I love. So when you are with me at any gathering, I will probably insist that we all take at least one picture to prove we are all here. These don’t have to be elaborate photo sessions, just take out your phone and snap pictures.