20 minute read
reinvent tHe
REINVENT THE HOLIDAYS More Meaning, Less Stuff
by Ronica O’Hara
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Like many parents, Alicia Hough, a corporate wellness expert in New York, used to go overboard plying her kids with gifts at Christmas. “I was always busy with work, which is why I thought that buying my children the latest or most trending toy in the market will make up for the time I’ve lost,” she recalls. “As kids, they indeed get excited with material gifts, but that joy is just temporary, and that’s what I realized throughout this pandemic. In the end, it’s the relationship with people you value that matters, and not these material things or celebrations.”
Hough, who considers the pandemic a turning point, is not alone. In this turbulent year, holiday celebrations will likely be smaller, quieter and less opulent for many families. Yet the crisis has also set the stage for families “to create a holiday that is more in keeping with their values, finding deeper connection and meaning with less rushing around and spending less money,” says Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.
Besides passing up traveling and parties for cozy pajama times, many families are seriously rethinking their gift-giving habits. Although presents are a beloved part of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations, many families have come to wonder how the shopping and spending has gotten so out of hand. According to Investopedia, in 2019, the average American spent $942 on holiday gifts, a figure that has steadily mounted in the last decade to total $1 trillion. An estimated $16 billion worth of those gifts are unappreciated and tossed aside, reports Moneyish.
This pandemic season offers “a chance to reset expectations if festive gift-giving has become excessive in recent years,” says Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy. “Perhaps most important is to have a conversation with children about buying less stuff and avoiding waste,” she adds. “They may have their own ideas about how to reduce waste and relish the challenge of thinking about what they really want.”
Getting creative
For Evan Porter, of Milton, Georgia, a parenting writer at DadFixesEverything.com, “Less clutter and fewer gifts are something we’ve been working toward anyway.” This year, he and his wife plan to drastically pare down their kids’ gifts, possibly using this formula: “Something to read, something to wear, something you want and something you need.” Instead of presents under a tree, Dawna Campbell, of Bigfork, Montana, founder of ThetaHeartHealing.com, will give her kids an unplugged (and coronavirus-compliant) nature retreat where they can investigate the natural environment, work with animals and journal about how to make the world a better place.
For parents that want to embrace creativity, low costs and sustainability this holiday season, Kempton suggests the following gift-giving ideas: n Build anticipation with a treasure hunt or by opening presents over a period of time. n Incorporate a sense of wonderment with a wooden magic set or a storybook written by either or both parents that stars the child. n Surprise the children by transforming a room in the house into a winter wonderland or turning the garden shed into Santa’s grotto. n Offer a parent’s time, skills and attention in the form of promissory notes or a small token that indicates a future shared experience, such as a jar of homemade marshmallows tied with a label promising a family camping trip. n Give children items that they can use or eat that are handmade by the parents. n Invoke a sense of nostalgia that prompts family storytelling, such as a jigsaw that summons memories of putting together a puzzle with a grandfather 50 years ago.
n Celebrate environmental stewardship by planting and growing a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush.
Even gift wrapping can become a fun and eco-smart family game by challenging everyone to creatively repurpose everything from old maps and fabrics to magazines and paper bags, perhaps decorated with artwork and nature finds. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However they are wrapped, gifts demonstrate in these unprecedented times that deep joy comes not from acquiring new stuff, but from caring for and giving to each other—especially our children. “In the end, the most precious gift parents can give their children this holiday is their attention, infused with a little bit of festive magic,” says Kempton.
Ronica O’Hara, a Denver-based health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. gentle Self-Care for Parents It’s been a long, hard year for many parents, and working to make the holidays special for the children may add another layer of stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s key to acknowledge any sadness one is experiencing.
“Feelings of melancholy are a reality for many people over the holidays, and this year it is likely to affect more of us than usual, given how so many of us have lost someone or something this year,” says Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy. “It is vital to acknowledge these feelings and accommodate them, whilst also making space for joy. This comes down to talking about it, letting people know what you need or asking what they need and being prepared for the emotions to rise to the surface in the middle of things.” She suggests “putting some slack in your schedule, taking extra care of your health, reaching out for support and giving yourself permission to do things differently this year.”
instilling the giving Spirit in Kids
Children love getting gifts, but they also love the feeling of giving them, and the holidays are an optimal time to encourage this natural human impulse. Giving helps build their empathy and compassion muscles, which in turn makes for happier, more fulfilled lives, studies show.
Bridging the hug gap. With grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends less likely to be sitting around the table this year, having kids open those presents when the loved ones are on the other side of the Zoom or FaceTime screen can help ease the pain of the time apart. Or children can put together a love package for them that includes drawings and notes to be opened on the other end of a livestream virtual gathering. care for the community. “So many families have been devastated by COVID-19 and fires jonathan borba/AdobeStock.com this year. And many of us have become aware of the cost of institutional racism to families of color,” says psychologist Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. “Why not discuss and decide on a family gift to make the world a better place? You could decide how much you would normally have spent on presents and give some portion of that away to help people who are struggling or support a cause that is important to you.” Simple steps like giving neighbors homemade cookies or candies tied with ribbons can also do much to lift holiday spirits. With her kids, Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy, makes up a batch of mince pie to share. “We might be wearing masks, along with Santa hats, and leaving the holiday treats on doorsteps instead of going in our neighbors’ homes this year, but we can still share holiday cheer,” she says. Alexandra Fung, CEO of the parent networking site UpParent.com, says her family in Chicago will provide gift boxes for families in need through their church or a local nonprofit and may work together to make blankets for traumatized and ill children using patterns supplied by the nonprofit Project Linus. we are the world. Another approach is to give children a small sum to donate, perhaps $10 or $20, and encourage them to find a cause they care about in town or by researching online—from putting money in a Salvation Army Christmas kettle to saving rainforest animals. Or encourage them to find a humanitarian or environmental project to focus on over the holidays. At UpParent.com, kids can find 11 ways to help others around the world without leaving the house, like turning old jeans into shoes to help Ugandan children fight parasites or helping to track animals in the wild. The National Environmental Education Foundation at NeefUSA.org lists dozens of at-home projects for kids, such as doing a home-energy audit, creating a compost pile and helping to identify wildlife caught on camera for a digital database.
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plans changE- call ahead to confirm events will occur as scheduled.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Power of Choice Virtual Discussion Group – 11am-12:30pm. Jackie McCullough will lead the 1st Saturday virtual discussion group from 11am12:30pm. Jackie is a Life Options Coach/Counselor. She helps us to choose joy, peace and happiness instead of fear, anxiety and depression. Email unitycharleston@msn.com for login instructions. Donation on www.unitychs.org. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843566-0600. unitychs.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 A Conversation About...Veganism – 7:30-8:30pm. FREE! Live at The Treehouse, in person or via Zoom. Are you curious about veganism? Vegans? Join Will and Allison for this fun and informative discussion about the pros and cons of living a vegan lifestyle. We will even sample a few delicious vegan recipes!. FREE. The Treehouse, 203 Summer Lane, Moncks Corner. palmandlotus.com/ product/veganism.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 The Ugly Sweater 5K Dash – 8:45am. Grab your ugly sweaters and join the holiday fun! Registration is OPEN for The ARK Ugly Sweater 5K Dash. The ARK provides comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. This race includes a 5K run/walk and 1-mile stroll – both races begin and end at 206 Central Avenue in Summerville. The 5K begins at 8:45 a.m. and the 1-mile stroll kicks off at 9:45am.Through December 10 registration is $35 (includes an embroidered beanie, race bib, and sponsor swag) and $10 for the 1-mile stroll or $30 for a family of four. REGISTER TODAY AT: http://bit.ly/ARKDASH At this time we plan to hold the Ugly Sweater Dash as scheduled, but please be aware that we are monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and our state mandated orders. In the event that we are not allowed to have large gatherings and this race must be postponed, we will shift to a virtual race option and all registrations will be transferred to the virtual event. 10-35. St. Luke’s Lutheran Churchin Summerville, SC 29483, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Summerville. bit.ly/ARKDASH.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
Virtual Special Christmas Eve Service on Face-
book – 6-7pm. Unity of Charleston will hold a Special Christmas Eve Service at 6pm on December 24. Special Metaphysical Interpretation of the Christmas story. Holiday music by Brad Henty, Chris Crosby and Becca Darling. On Facebook, search Unity Charleston. Donation at www.unitychs.org. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566-0600. unitychs.org. plans changE- call ahead to con-
firm events will occur as scheduled.
sunday
Power of Eight Intentions Virtual Discussion
Group – 1-2pm. Unity of Charleston Rev Sarah Scott Putnam leads the weekly Sunday 1pm Zoom virtual group based upon Lynne McTaggart’s “Power of Eight”. The book is recommended but not necessary. Tap into your extraordinary human capacity for healing, using the miraculous power of group intention and its mirror effect. Email unitycharleston@msn for login instructions. Donation at www.unitychs.org. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566-0600. unitychs.org.
tueday
Simple DreamBuilding: Create the Life of your
Dreams! w/ Emilie Costikyan – 6-7pm. 1st & 3rd Tues. In this ongoing interactive gathering we will create a supportive community to help each other identify limiting beliefs and negative thinking neural pathways. We will develop and clarify our vision and learn skills to make our desires and dreams come to fruition. We will use exercises, meditations and learn skills to give our subconscious clear and positive messages and inspire us to transform our lives. FREE/Donations Appreciated. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks, Mt. Pleasant. blissspiritualco-op.org.
wednesday
Onsite/Online Body Sculpting with Missy Mi-
chels and Leza D’Alessandro – 11-12:00pm. (EST), Weekly, Wednesday and Friday. Body Sculpting is a weight bearing workout for all levels. Class is geared so all ages can achieve stronger abs, feel better and work those muscles. Due to CDC recommendations, participants must bring their own mats. The class will work together to sanitize the weights after each class. Zoom link at https://blissspiritualco-op.org/onsite-online-bodysculptig-w-missy-michels-leza-dalessandro/ FREE/ Donations Appreciated. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks, Mt. Pleasant. blissspiritualco-op.org
Onsite Drop-in Jewelry Clinic: Create, Repair,
Repurpose with Suzanne Bergen – 10am-12pm. Make new jewelry for yourself or to share as gifts. Repair or re-purpose gently used jewelry into new pieces. Donate creations for sale in the bliss Boutique!Beading supplies and tools provided by bliss and Suzanne or bring your own supplies and tools if preferred. Donation to Bliss Spiritual Co-op, or donate beads, jewelry, jewelry parts or tools for future classes. Free/Donations Appreciated. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks, Mt. Pleasant. blissspiritualco-op.org.
saturday
Online Hatha Yoga with Lea Austen & Amy
Gaffney – 10-11am. A yoga class where all levels are welcome! Promotes strength, flexibility and balance for body and mind and includes flow, intentions setting, breathwork and preparing for the weekend and week ahead. Free Conference Call link is: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/ wall/blissclass1/ Class meeting ID: blissclass1 (A limited number may also attend Onsite) Free/ Donations Appreciated. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks, Mt. Pleasant. blissspiritualco-op.org
Onsite Angel Guidance Workshop with Rachelle
Grant – 10-11:30am.Monthly, 1st Saturday. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to use angel oracle cards and your intuition to gain clarity and understanding about any area of your life. You will work with your angelic support team to more easily tap into infinite wisdom and power that is there just for you. You will also learn how to identify, remove and heal blocks, as well as use metaphysical laws to improve the quality of your life. Free/Donations Appreciated. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks, Mt. Pleasant. blissspiritualco-op.org.
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ALTERNATIVE HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Michael BauerschMidt, Md Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center 1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 360 Mt Pleasant SC 29464 843-388-5995 DeeperHealing.com Experience a refreshing MD consult at Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center where they take the time to dive deep to uncover root causes and focus on healing the body naturally. Dr. Michael Bauerschmidt, an expert in Functional & Environmental Medicine, offers state-of-the-art treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, a powerful cellular cleansing program, progressive allergy treatments, natural pain management, chelation and IV infusions. Dr. B is a leading expert on environmental toxicity and a compassionate professional who teaches tirelessly on how to live “well” in our modern world.
dr. PatricK s. lOVeGrOVe Merge Medical Center Mt Pleasant 843-469-1001 MergeMedicalCenter.com AMA board-certified MD specializing in family medicine, holistic internal medicine, Antiaging, Chinese medicine, naturopathy. Merge Medical Center … where modern thinking meets natural healing. Services include Primary Care, Weight Loss, Fatigue management, Bioidentical hormones, Colonics, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Chiropractic, IV vitamins, and Bemer therapy.
BEAUTY CONSULTANT
YOur GrOOMiNG Guru 1319 Savannah Hwy, Ste C Charleston (in Artisans Inc. Salon) 843-813-1838 • YourGroomingGuru.com Your Grooming Guru, Barbara Brant-Williams, is an experienced hair-stylist, makeup artist and certified Organic Color Specialist practicing out of the Artisans Salon. Charleston’s go-to source for hair, makeup and beauty product knowledge. See ad, page 11. Paula McGuire Mt Pleasant/Charleston 843-732-0293 • Paula@ireinst.com ireinst.com BioMagnetic Therapy can help create balance, restore vitality within the body and facilitate clearing of viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections; allergies; ADD; autism; autoimmune issues; heavy metal and other toxicity; chronic pain; infertility; herpes; MS; among other conditions. See ad, page 11.
CHIROPRACTORS
accurate chirOPractic 3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Ste 307 Mt Pleasant • 843-971-8814 CoursonChiropractic@gmail.com MtPleasantChiro.com Holistic Family Care practice, offering a variety of techniques and therapies to help improve overall health and wellness. Proudly serving the Charleston area for 17 years.
cOlucci chirOPractic aNd WellNess ceNter Dr. Gina Colucci 1806 Trolley Rd, Summerville 843-875-5700 • ColucciChiropractic.com Serving the Summerville area for 29 years. Specializing in holistic care; weight loss and nutritional cleansing; pain management; bio-identical hormones; sugar detox; stress testing; chiropractic; peripheral neuropathy; detox footbaths; emotional (TBM/NET) and wellness care.
dr. aNN JeNKiNs, NOt YOur OrdiNarY chirOPractOr 12-C Carriage Ln, Charleston SC 29407 (West Ashley) 843-270-9913 • DrAnnJenkins.com Exclusive to the area: Whole Body Magnetic Therapy. Mention Natural Awakenings for a BOGO Magnetic session. Holistic family care. Relief of neck, back and emotional pain. Homeopathy and essential oils.
CHURCHES
uNitY church Of charlestON Rev. Ed Kosak, Minister 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston 843-566-0600 • Unitychs.org Sunday Service: 10:30 am. Are you more spiritual than religious? Do you believe in many paths to God? Then please join us. sherrY KachaNis North Charleston • 843-743-9488 SherryKachanis@gmail.com SherryKachanis.com Transformational Coach and Shamanic Healer. Break through unconscious barriers to fully LIVE the LIFE you desire! Monthly Meditation/Shamanic Healing, Moon Ceremonies and Healing Retreats.
COUNSELING
hOlistic YOu cOuNseliNG Angel Muehlenkamp, MA Professional Counseling Summerville 843-327-1440 • LivingAngel777@gmail.com UniquelyuNow.com We are here to live in the fullness of who and what we truly are. Angel uses her unique ability to Connect to Source to assist you in moving beyond daily limitations. Open to a brand new way of living. Talk, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy; Quantum-Touch; Reiki; Intuitive Counseling; Art of God; Life Coaching; and Spiritual Counseling.
DENTISTRY
i sMile Mathis ferrY deNtistrY Wendy S. Haefner, DDS 1571 Mathis Ferry Rd, Mt Pleasant 843-884-1215 • MathisFerryDentistry.com Biological dentistry using IAOMT protocol. Natural products free of BPA and mercury. Mercury-safe filling removal. Now offering ozone therapy! See ad, page 9.
ESSENTIAL OILS
YOuNG liViNG esseNtial Oils With lisa BaYOreK Lisa Bayorek, Member #10796546 Charleston MYYL.com/LisaBayorek Curious about essential oils? I would love to share Young Living with you! I offer classes on family wellness, chemical-free cleaning, business opportunities and more! See ad, page 19.
PriMeMYBOdY heMP Oil 843-847-1927 • AnaHaugsoen@msn.com Anah.primemybody.com/ Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, Phyto-Cannabinoids and Hemp Oil! There is research on more than 250 conditions and cannabidiol. Hemp oil might be the most important product you add to your health regimen!
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
lOWcOuNtrY WellNess ceNter 1941 Savage Road, 100E Charleston • 843-793-1353 info@lowcountry-wellness.com Lowcountry-Wellness.com Holistic and Integrative Primary Care offered in an affordable monthly membership model. Bringing healthcare back to true patient driven care between you and Dr. Penni! See ad, inside front cover.
NUTRITIONIST
JaNa daVis, Ms, rd, cde 215 East Bay St., Suite 201-A Charleston, SC 29401 www.carolinagreenliving.com Online booking available 843-801-4686 CarolinaGreenLiving@gmail.com Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience. Private consultations, grocery store tours, public speaking. Owner of Carolina Green Living LLC, which focuses on teaching clients about avoiding toxins and other environmental factors that can impact health. cOttaGe arOMa Bella daY sPa 2671 Ft Trenholm Rd, Johns Island 843-266-3619 CottageAromaBella.com Relax and renew your mind, body and soul while enjoying our luxurious services. All treatments are tailored just for you using the finest all-natural products. See ad, page 3.
salON iNdiGO 732 S Shelmore Blvd, Ste 100 Mt Pleasant (Shelmore Village) 843-991-6835 Our experienced team of hairstylists and skin care specialist use 100 percent-certified organic products. We specialize in haircutting, coloring and make-up application. We sell All Nutrient™, Moroccan Oils, Dr. Hauschka™, 100% Pure™, iLike™ and many other boutique items.
SPIRITUAL HYPNOSIS
dr allisON BrOWN, QuaNtuM healiNG PractitiONer 843-425-4906 allison.brown@drallisonbrown.com DrAllisonBrown.com In-person or online sessions available Experience BQH, a heart and energy-based regression experience that is considered one of the most advanced healing modalities on the planet today. Connect directly with your Wisdom Team for purpose, guidance, and healing! laura Griffith GarlaNd, Phd Charleston Holistic Center 2366 Ashley River Rd, Bldg 8, Charleston 843-452-7996 • DrLaura.Coach@gmail.com CharlestonReikiAndTarot.com Transform your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary by understanding how the aspects of your being interact and block your progress. Together, we can heal your past and find your true future. See ad, page 13.
WATER
YOur Water Girl Margaret Blalock (843) 647-8885 • yourwatergirl.com Specializing in gold standard certified filtration and advanced Japanese technology. Turns tap water into Ph- balanced, antioxidantrich, alkaline drinking water and waters capable of removing pesticides from produce while replacing harmful cleaning, sanitizing and personal care products.
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