CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES THAT DON’T BREAK THE BANK

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Christmas Activities That Don’t Break the Bank

By Emily Burkett

Gathering with our families are some of the most important times that many took for granted before the pandemic. As the holiday season is upon us, here are some alternative activities to enjoy while including the entire family.

• Look at Christmas lights. Some people go all out for the holidays, find those houses and take a walk looking at them. All of the different lights and decorations are sure to put you in a holiday mood.

• Have a cookie decorating competition. Baking is a staple of this season, so have fun with it!

Incorporate different cookie shapes, icing, and sprinkles, let the creativity flow, and in the end, you can enjoy some sweet treats.

• Holiday movie night. Gather all of your favorite people together and sit down with no technology and watch a movie together.

• Christmas crafts. There is an abundance of easy and affordable holiday crafts. You are guaranteed to have something in your house to create a fun activity for family members of all ages.

• Deck the halls! Incorporate the whole family in decorating the house and the tree. Put on some festive music and make a night of it! Being present and having fun together are those moments that will last a lot longer than the gifts you open.

• Volunteer together. Show your family that it’s not all about receiving during this season but also giving back. Getting involved in the community is a rewarding experience that impacts those in your area at a time of the year where they could be missing family. This could even become a new tradition.

There are more ways to have fun and make lifelong family memories than shopping and giving gifts. It’s not about money, but about those priceless moments that you can’t buy in a store.

W.E. INSPIRE

Abundance and Optimism:

Mindset Matters

By Michelle Mitcham, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, CFM

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In-Store // Curbside // Local Delivery // Nationwide Shipping Locations: Midtown Manor // Capital Circle NE The mind attracts that which it dwells upon and acknowledges. Essentially, you become what you think and also attract the energy that you give. Our mindset is critical to achieving success in all aspects of life including work and relationships. Those that adopt a mindset of abundance tend to approach life and challenges in a solution-focused manner and know that there are abundant opportunities and possibilities for everyone. Others that adopt a mindset or philosophy of scarcity tend to perceive themselves as a victim and don’t readily see all of the blessings available to them. I like to surround myself with like-minded people who are positive, uplifting and empowering, always focusing on all that is good.

Here are some thought-provoking questions and strategies for embracing and celebrating a mindset of abundance. Consider writing in a gratitude journal every night to manifest a positive mindset and set your intentions for abundance!

•What am I grateful for in my life right now? •Who do I love and who loves me? •What am I excited about? •What am I most proud of in my life? •What do I enjoy most? •Recite positive mantras daily or write in journal and review often. •Spend time with positive people that speak of uplifting things. •Focus on the positive perspective •Try to see the silver lining in most situations •Take ownership of your happiness •Don’t play the blame game •Recognize your strengths and resiliencies •Choose happiness every day •Adopt a self-care plan including mindfulness •Engage in positive conversations •Don’t look back