With the holidays nearly upon us, chances are you’ve started receiving invitations to parties, events and social gatherings. While the hustle and bustle of the season is exciting, it can also be overwhelming for many people. The holidays are advertised as a time for families to relax and enjoy each other, when in reality they are often characterized by tension, drama and exhaustion.
My advice for families seeking to enjoy quality time together this year is simple: choose a couple favorite activities and say no to the rest. Though we live in a society consumed with the idea of having more and doing more, it’s not always best for our physical, mental and emotional well-being. The holiday season is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to wind down, relax and reflect before embarking on another year. I encourage you to slow down this time of year, to enjoy family and friends – and to pause and be thankful for all of the good things in your life.
Live in the Moment
Don’t overlook the benefits of being fully present with your family and friends when spending time together. Between texting, emailing and social media, we often inadvertently ignore the people around us. When you attend an event with your family this holiday season, take a few pictures to commemorate your time together and then put your phone away. You will have less stress and appreciate life more when you live in the moment and take time to interact with the people around you.
Looking for a couple low-key ways to celebrate the holidays and enjoy time with your family this year? Here are few ideas:
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot For more than 25 years, the Columbus Thanksgiving Turkey Trot has been a great event for families to enjoy together and an opportunity to give back to the community. The event, which benefits Easter Seals and the Make the First Five Count program, makes it possible for runners, walkers and kids to participate!
German Village Village Lights Your family will enjoy an enchanted evening filled with more than 10,000 luminaries lining the streets of historic German Village. Local restaurants and shops will be open late, offering treats, samples and special holiday discounts.
“Elijah’s Angel” Capping off their 100th anniversary celebration, the Jewish Community Center will present its first ever commissioned play based on the award-winning book by Columbus author Michael J. Rosen.
Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” Continuing a 30-year tradition, the Ohio Theater will once again present this wonderful family event, which is guaranteed to kindle your holiday spirit.
Franklin Park Conservatory Franklin Park Conservatory is offering several fantastic holiday events this year for adults and children, including A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Bruce Munro: Light at Franklin Park Conservatory, cookie decorating, a special candlelit dinner and a musical presentation by the Worthington Chorus.
Whatever you do to celebrate this holiday season, make it relaxing, stress-free and truly enjoyable. Enjoy!
David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide.
Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
