BLENDING CELEBRATIONS

HOLIDAY GIFT Guide

BlendingCELEBRATIONS

BLENDED FAMILIES MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL FACTORS

ETO CONSIDER AS THE HOLIDAYS ARRIVE. COURTESY OF METRO NEWS SERVICE motions run deep come particular holidays throughout the CREATE NEW TRADITIONS the holiday season. Holiday year in advance. Others may do it The holidays without everyone under planning can be hectic, especially for as plans get arranged. As long as the the same roof enjoying traditions blended families. arrangement is fair to everyone, the that have been part of celebrations

Today's families are increasingly choice is up to the families. The plans for years can contribute to feelings blended, meaning they're a should be made known to all involved. of anxiety for people accustomed to combination of families due to divorce these annual traditions. Draw the or death. Even though the holidays DISCUSS EXPECTATIONS focus away from how things used to are meant to be joyous, navigating The Stepfamily Association of be done and create new traditions traditions and accommodating the America says that communication that all can anticipate. An annual unique needs of all involved — during the holiday season is vital, outing to see a concert or show or including cultural traditions, visitation especially for children so they know hosting a holiday movie night might schedules, rituals, and religious beliefs what to expect. Writing down specific be a new tradition the entire blended — can be challenging. But blended itineraries can help alleviate the stress family can enjoy. families need not fret as they attempt of not knowing where they will be at to negotiate Christmas, Chanukah, a given time. DON'T EXPECT PERFECTION Kwanzaa, or New Year's. All members of the family should Putting too much emphasis on trying vocalize how they feel about particular to make the holidays perfect can LOGISTICS aspects of the holidays so that no one backfire. All families must recognize The first step to holiday planning is to is disgruntled. Do not expect others to that holiday celebrations will change. It keep in mind predetermined custody be mind readers. Perhaps one person can take time to find a new celebratory or visitation agreements. Although is focusing a significant amount of rhythm, and comparisons always will there can be hope for holiday flexibility energy on trimming the tree when be made. It's acceptable to have mixed and generosity, try to stick as close that isn't as important to others. feelings about new traditions, but each to existing arrangements as possible. Discussing expectations can make member should go into the season with Some families choose to divvy up planning that much easier. a positive attitude.

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Reindeer Games

15. Who voiced the Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" — and what popular Hollywood monster was he most famous for playing?

SPOT THE GAME TAGS THROUGHOUT THIS GIFT GUIDE AND FIND THE ANSWERS BELOW!

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ANSWERS: 1. Dentist; 2. Ebenezer; 3. Mince pies; 4. Roast beast; 5. 1931; 6."The Bells of St. Mary's"; 7. Hocus Pocus; 8. Flying Fish Cove; 9. Donner; 10. Grover Cleveland; 11. Jingle Bells; 12. Bethel; 13. Six; 14. New York City; 15. Boris Karloff, Frankenstein’s Monster