Family Memories by Tandy Balson

When I ask my now grown children about favourite Christmas memories they will talk about two things.  One of those is the fact that we always got new board games and jigsaw puzzles for the family and would spend many happy hours around the table playing together.  

More importantly, though, was the time spent with my mom.  In their early years, we would join other family members at Grandma’s home for Christmas dinner.  As she aged, our traditions changed.  She had been widowed for many years and we didn’t like the thought of her waking up alone on Christmas morning.  

On the afternoon of December 24^th, we would drive the 20 minutes to her house and pick her up.  She was perfectly capable of driving herself, but this was an extra touch of care that we wanted to provide.  Our evening held a familiar comfort for all of us.  We would have an early dinner and then attend a candle light Christmas Eve service at our local church.  With the strains of Silent Night still in our hearts, we headed out for our next adventure.  

Armed with the local newspaper’s  list of the best light displays, we drove around the city enjoying the elaborate displays in people’s yards.  The best ones always had the manger scene.  Then it was home for hot chocolate and cookies.

My son would give up his room for Grandma and sleep on the floor of his sister’s room.  Together they would wake up early and sneak out with flashlight in hand, to look through their Christmas stockings.  They vividly recall the time they heard Grandma’s voice behind them and thought they were going to get into trouble.  Instead, she asked for the flashlight and went through the contents of her Christmas stocking!  This was a secret the three of them shared for many years.

My mother has been spending Christmas with Jesus for fifteen years now.  We still talk about the fun we had with her sleepovers and her childlike enthusiasm.  The gift we gave her was the freedom to relax and have fun as she had no other responsibilities.  The gift she gave us is the countless precious memories that we recall.  

Southern Gospel singer Guy Penrod sings a song with the following line: “I miss you most at Christmas, you were like a little child.”  It took many years before I could listen to the song without tears.  I thought I could do it now, but I am shedding a few tears just thinking about it.

The true blessings of Christmas are not the physical gifts we receive.  My children have no memories of special gifts.  Our fondest family memories are the love, laughter and time spent together. 

My husband and I have been invited to our daughter’s house for a sleepover on Christmas Eve.  I think I’ll find a board game and jigsaw puzzle to take along with us.  

Merry Christmas.

blog: www.timewithtandy.com

website: www.tandyb.com

Family Matters

by Glynis M. Belec

I have spoken a few times at homeschool support groups or at community workshops and so forth about the importance of involving family early in the reading process. No matter what we say about the importance of reading, if we don't model the desired trait (reading for fun) our little darlings won't do it. No amount of do as I say, not as I do wisdom will matter. Children pattern themselves after us and for the most part, they do as we do.

I don't watch television much but tonight I caught an episode of Super Nanny - that terrific, wise woman who flies into the homes of the not so rich and famous and, within an hour transforms and reforms wee rascals of every ilk.

On the show this evening I picked up on one sage piece of advice she was giving to the floundering parents - "you child is becoming a little you. Make sure the behaviour you exhibit now is one you want to see later in life."

Hmmm...I thought as I pondered the state of literacy in many children. I think perhaps these wise words from Super Nanny, might have great bearing on some young minds today. I see so many children come into my classroom with such poor reading habits. There seems to be little love for books or just plain reading for fun. The children who I tutor privately definitely have some limitations academically, but the common thread is that they do not (most never have) read for pleasure. In turn, words on a page become a chore and then every subject is affected. Even those with a penchant for problem solving and numbers might flounder because reading instructions is too difficult. I see that too often.

One idea to encourage the love of reading that I have passed on to parents is to set aside a family time 1 to 3 times a week where activity grinds to a halt, televisions and computers are turned off, then everyone grabs a book and reads for an hour. Even little ones will enjoy this special time and it begins a formation of good reading habits. It just warms my heart to see a child absorbed in a book.

I am still amazed how God has taken a mere 26 letters and has given us endless combinations that we call words. What a blessing to be able to call myself a writer and combine words that make sense (well most of the time!)

Onward and upward. Thanks Super Nanny!