A house is not a home.

I realize that by referencing the famous Luther Vandross song "A house is not a home", dates me, but it is a perfect theme song for this blog! For those Gen X & Gen Y'ers...check out the song on iTunes, a chorus goes like this:
"A room is a still a room,
Even when there's nothin' there but gloom...
But a room is not a house,
And a house is not a home,
When the two of us are far apart..."

I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance who shared their story of he holiday blues with their extended family members. Their family congregated at a beautiful 3,000 foot+ home, in an affluent neighborhood, with all the bells & whistles. The children of the homeowner received every gift they requested, and after a few hours of gift opening, everyone dispersed to different rooms. The teenagers played Xbox, the grandparents napped, the other adult family members occupied themselves with independent activities; reading the paper, checking email or playing Words with Friends.
On Christmas Day, there was no holiday spirit. No egg nog while singing carols, no tales or family folklore, no warmth. The only dynamic in the equation that was different from previous years, was the location. Previous holidays were hosted in a nice, but modest home. You know the kind that captures the sweet aroma of apple pie, coffee brewing and the roast simmering in the oven. The kind of home that you can hear your name being mentioned in a conversation in which you are not involved & where the neighbors congregate to discuss the Lakers game during the half time show.
It appeared that this lovely house, was not a home. Although the family was present, they did not appreciate that the present is a gift.

This blog is a reminder that bigger homes aren't always better & how important it is to preserve your family time, especially on the holidays. Below are some ideas of activities that you and your family can enjoy during the holiday season. Enjoy!

Read a book together;
Fly a kite;
Bake cookies;
Look at photo albums or family videos;
Play cards;
Discuss personal goals and accomplishments for the upcoming year;
Put together a puzzle;
Plant flowers;
Go for a walk;
Shoot hoops or play catch;
Play hide and seek;
Play softball;
Play pictionary, scrabble, or other board games;
Watch Christmas classics together;
Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood;
Make tamales!;

Please feel free to add your family favorites. Thank you for reading.

An attitude of gratitude.

Home for the holidays. Home is where the heart is. These are sayings that resonate with us as we commence our preparations for the holiday season.

This year unlike others, the fall leaves are more golden, and the warmth felt in my heart is more abundant. As a new mother of an 18 month old, years form in my eyes as I reflect on how much he has grown since last Thanksgiving & how the importance of establishing holiday traditions will positively effect my son, and his children, and his children's children, et al. And I began to ponder, what will my legacy be?

I was moved to further define and create a spirit of gratitude in our home as well as in my profession. How will I cultivate and nurture gratitude in 2011?

1. Write thank you cards to those clients who I've helped or; who have helped me in reaching a personal goal;
2. Set aside 15 minutes a day to reflect on my daily learnings and what I have to be thankful for;
3. Make a list of things I grateful for. Each day add one thing, at the end of the year I can review my gratitude list.
4. Smell the roses! Take a walk and ponder the beauty of all that is around me.