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5 Ways to Brighten Your Spirits If You’re Feeling Lonely at the Holidays

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5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy

“I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams.” Did you know that holiday classic, recorded by the legendary Bing Crosby in 1943, was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmastime?  While the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, there are so many people who aren’t able to travel home, or don’t have any place to go during this season, and end up feeling downright lonely in the midst of all the holly jolly.

If you’re feeling a bit like your merry has headed south for the winter, one of the best ways to kick those grinchy feelings to the curb is to engage in certain activities that will get you to reach out to friends and loved ones near and far, as well as the people around you. The antidote to loneliness is connecting, so we’ve rounded up five easy ways to help you do just that. (Warning: these ideas will tend to bring out your inner Cheermeister.)

1. Break out the Skype along with the eggnog. These days, Skype make it so easy to feel like you’re there even when you can’t be. If family is gathering together, or you have friends in another state and you can’t be with them, there’s no need for you to spend the holidays alone. Link up long distance and join the conversation and merriment. Thanks to modern technology, you can still bake those traditional family cookies right along with Mom and Grandma, or catch up with your brother, aunt, or a special friend as you wrap presents together from afar.

Cultivate gratitude and put pen to paper - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy2. Cultivate gratitude and put pen to paper. It’s well known that expressing gratitude improves your health, so grab a pen and some holiday cards and send some to the people you love and are missing. Thank them for being supportive, for always being able to make you smile, or for those hysterical moments you shared together that you’ll never forget. A fun idea to do for kids or grandkids away at school is to write 12 separate notes or cards for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. You’ll not only be giving them 12 days of fun in their mailbox, but you’ll be creating a great memory, too, for the both of you, while automatically feeling closer. And if you need a nudge to get all the fuzzy feels going, we have ideas for what to write to help get you started. (We also guarantee that you’ll start to feel your heart grow three sizes.)

Warm hands, warm heart: share a cup of cheer - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy3. Warm hands, warm heart: share a cup of cheer. Research actually suggests that taking a warm bath or having a comforting hot drink like coffee can help counteract feelings of loneliness. Even those ivy leaguers at Yale have found that adults and young children are more social after they’ve touched something warm. So if you can’t sit down with your own family this year, what better reason to ask a neighbor over for coffee? Or meet up with some friends you haven’t seen in a while at your local coffee shop? And while you’re at it, pay it forward and surprise a police officer or bell ringer with a cup, and watch their face light up like a Christmas tree.

4. Volunteer and make someone happy. There’s a saying that goes, “A sure way to be happy is to make someone else happy.” If you’re far away from the people you care about, sharing something, even if it’s with complete strangers, is one of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling down, plus you’ll be immersed in the true spirit of the holiday season. And don’t forget our furry friends, too — local animal shelters are always in need of extra hands, and, like gratitude, animals have a positive effect on heath and can soothe isolated feelings while bringing an overabundance of comfort at the same time.

Focus on what brings you joy - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy5. Focus on what brings you joy. Doing things you love will help soothe your feelings of loneliness. Whether it’s painting, crafts, baking, being outside, or watching favorite holiday movies, don’t forget to treat yourself to the things that feed your soul. Always watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” with someone who you’re not with this year? Invite a neighbor or someone else you know who may be feeling alone, to watch it with you. Oftentimes, it’s sharing what we love that brings us the most happiness.

As Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street reminds us, “Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind,” and we hope that during the holiday season these ideas will help bridge the distance between you and the people you love, as you find joy in the spaces in-between.

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5 Tips for Connecting With Your Middle Schooler (Plus free coloring pages!)

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Coloring book pages

Got a middle schooler? We feel you! And they’re feeling everything. Puberty isn’t just kicking things up a notch; it’s kicking everything completely off the charts, leaving you trying to connect with them as best as you can, while simultaneously parenting from the sidelines.

Though you might be feeling like you’ve suddenly taken a back seat in their lives, feeling a bit ‘uncool,’ irrelevant or uninfluential, it’s well known that this is a time when tweens and teens actually need a strong parental connection more than ever. But how do you give them the space they desire, yet still show up for them without your helicopter? No worries.

We interviewed one of the magical moms we know, Christine Rich, who’s currently navigating those stormy middle school waters. Find out how she’s able to maintain valuable connections with her kids in this digital age and learn how parents can give their kids the distance they crave while still being a main influencer in their lives.

The struggle is real.

You’re in the thick of it. You have a middle-schooler. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a parent in balancing advice and fun?

Christine: My daughter’s turning 14 this summer and I remember that age so well. Everything feels so intense and sometimes the best thing I can do for her is give her space to process her feelings, which can be really hard because I think as parents our natural inclination is to fix it, help them, and dole out unsolicited parental wisdom. However, left to her own devices (literally) she would lock herself away in her room with her phone and laptop all day. Sitting in one’s room for 7 hours binge watching The Office (while I fully understand the appeal) isn’t about processing feelings — it’s a form of avoidance.

Spend bits of time with your middle schooler to strengthen communication - Mommy Daughter Dates.

In terms of balancing advice and fun…personally, as parent, I don’t think those things have to be mutually exclusive. The key to me getting through to my daughter in a way that doesn’t feel like “forced family fun” is to spend small bits of time together doing something she likes. One thing that’s worked since she was little is something we call Mommy/Daughter Dates — or MDDs as we refer to them now.

Keeping the cool factor in check! 

How do you keep from sounding like a nagging parent, yet still advise them in a way they’ll accept? When did you first have that feeling of being ‘uncool’ and how did you deal with it?

Christine: A few weeks ago my daughter asked me to drive her and some friends to the movies. Two of the friends were boys — eek! My daughter begged me not to embarrass her or basically speak whatsoever. I promised her I’d be on my best behavior because a.) I wanted to check these boys out for myself and b.) I wanted her to know she can depend on me to be involved in little moments like her first “double date” even though she swore up and down that’s NOT what this was. (Ya, right.)

How did you let go and allow for some distance? What did you realize about your child and yourself?

Christine: Once all the kids were piled in my car, I realized that moment was an opportunity for both of us to gain each other’s trust. She saw that I could be trusted not to sing along to what they referred to as “old school Justin Timberlake” and I saw that she could be trusted to spend 120 minutes in a movie theatre alone with her friends. (Although, it literally took everything in me not to sneak in the back of the theatre and spy on them!)

 

You Are Loved Coloring Book Page

Be Kind coloring book page

Imagine coloring book page

Think happy thoughts coloring book page

 

Feelings aren’t facts

Some of the things you hear as a parent may not always reflect what they’re really feeling; they DO love you – you know they do. What do you commonly hear from your middle schooler that you hadn’t heard before, and how do you respond? How do you help them navigate their moods?

Christine: Something I didn’t realize until I became the parent of a teenager is that it’s really hard not to take what they say when they are mad/frustrated/upset/disappointed to heart. I try to recognize that what she’s going through isn’t about me and how it makes me feel — it’s about her. She still needs to have respect — but what I’ve found is that when anyone of any age is behaving poorly, it typically has nothing to do with me and everything to do with what they are going through at that moment. Maybe having a bad hair day seems like small potatoes to me now, but to a 13 year old it can literally ruin an entire morning. The hardest moments are when I know something is going on with her friends and she won’t open up. I have to give her the space, be patient and let her know I am here when she’s ready to open up. That’s typically when I ask her on a MDD.

Coping not moping – connecting and staying credible

Can you share some tips on keeping your communication and connection with your child strong (and yourself, too!) without being overbearing? What are some things you do to connect in a meaningful way?

Parenting middle schoolers - do fun activities together

Christine: Doing something together one-on-one tends to open the door to impromptu conversations and she seems more receptive because there are no other distractions. MDD’s (the Mommy/Daughter dates I mentioned earlier), usually include grabbing coffee together, playing her favorite card game on the back porch, and especially coloring or hand lettering at the kitchen table. The time together feels special and it’s in those micro moments when she opens up to me most.  It’s just the two of us, jamming to her Spotify playlist, and talking things out. As a parent, you can never underestimate the power of your undivided attention.

Pleasant surprises…why it’s all worth it!

What surprised you as you navigated the middle school years? Was there a positive pivotal or touching moment that stands out?

Christine: It was during that moment when I drove my daughter and her friends to the movies. What surprised the heck out of me was when I dropped them off. My beautiful, smart, fiercely independent daughter (in front of her friends) leaned in and kissed me goodbye without hesitation.  “Bye ma — thanks for driving us!” That was a Mama-Mic-Drop-Moment for me and a small thing I will never forget.

***

We hope Christine’s experiences and tips help you maintain a meaningful connection with your own middle schooler through these challenging years, in addition to making you realize you are so not alone. (And on a side note – you’re still way cool.)

Don’t forget to download your free coloring pages with links below! (Even us adults swoon over a good, relaxing coloring session, right?) From toddlers to teens, these inspiring words and beautiful images are perfect as your child gets ready for the next school year (and are great for posting on the fridge or decorating their lockers!) Color them with your kids to share some priceless time together.

You Are Loved :  Be Kind : Imagine : Think Happy Thoughts

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How to make Hygge happen in spring

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(And share it with those you love)

A cozy Hygge place shown with soft blankets, warm coffee, the glow of candlelight and a good book.

Maybe you’ve heard of it. Or maybe you’re thinking, “hy-what?” Either way, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced hygge.

It’s pronounced HOO-ga. (Not quite what you were expecting, right?) Hygge is the Scandinavian philosophy of comfort and coziness. It’s not just a word; it’s a way of life, a sense of togetherness and connectedness – known all too well by the people of Denmark who are considered the happiest people in the world despite the region’s long, dark winters.

So, is it only a cold weather thing? Heck, no. “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things,” writes Meik Wiking, author of “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” “It is about being with the people we love.” It can be the smell of spring, a mug of hot cocoa by the fireside, reading a great book, the feeling you get from connecting to something meaningful, and especially spending time with your favorite people.

As spring brings new blooms and warmth from the sun we can all appreciate – what better time to create and connect with your happy place and share some hygge with those you love? We’ll get you started with some ideas you can do with a friend, your child, your partner, or even just for yourself.

Hygge with your friend

A tray holding a candle and friendship plant to remind you of your time together picking out a plant.

  • Share a pot of ‘thank you’ tea.
    Pick an afternoon or early evening, simmer some relaxing tea, and show a friend your gratitude by giving them your undivided attention and sharing good conversation (sans cell phones).
  • Hike and a fire.
    The smell of the earth as spring begins and the scent of wood smoke curling in the air are two of our favorite smells of all time. Experience the best of both by heading off for a hike then unwinding fireside afterwards. #awesomeday
  • From cyberspace to your space.
    Get those pics off of your phone and up on your wall. (They can’t make you smile hiding in a cloud.) Choose your faves and frame them up so you’re reminded every day of those priceless moments and the friends that made them happen.
  • Brunch via video.
    Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t want to get out of bed on the weekend to meet your wolfpack for brunch. So change it up – leave the pj’s on and have everyone brunch via video chat. This is especially cool if you’ve got friendly faces in faraway places – coffee talk with friends is the ultimate, especially when you can stay in your bunny slippers.
  • Share a friendship plant.
    Next time you’re together, head to the local garden center and pick out a plant for each other or buy the same one. Now you’ll have a super springtime reminder of your friend as you watch your plant thrive and flourish. (Just like friendship. ‘wink’)

Hygge with your child

A DIY craft made with yarn and a paper plate with hygge design elements.

  • Decorate their room with this cheerful homemade yarn craft.
    The design of hygge is all about clean shapes and earthy color palettes, but it’s the together time in creating this piece that counts the most. This yarn craft is the perfect thing to make to hang in your child’s room, so grab some yarn and craft a memory.
  • Plant garden seeds and watch them grow.
    Have the kids create the space where they play. Purchase some seeds of their choice and help plant them in the yard so they can watch their handiwork bloom through the spring.
  • Press flowers.
    Take a walk with your child to gather nature’s gems and jewels then press them in pages to frame, or string them up. It’s a great way to bring spring indoors to decorate your space, as well as create a priceless memory.
  • Create a hyggekrog (or nook) in a sunny window spot.
    Gather your child’s favorite cozy blankets and pillows for the perfect togetherness space where you can get lost in your favorite books.
  • Bring the inside out.
    Lay down a blanket in the yard and keep your eyes to the skies – what shapes do you see in the clouds? At night, point out constellations and keep a lookout for shooting stars. Since the air may still be a bit chilly at night, be sure to layer up before you look up.

Hygge with your partner

3 cards with warm wishes - huggable sweetness, sending a huggle and sharing good times together.

  • Massage and a movie.
    Get those sheets off the bed and onto the floor for you and your partner to have a good old fashioned slumber party in the comfort of your home. Get your lineup of movies going and take turns giving back massages for the ultimate in entertainment relaxation.
  • Build something together.
    What would be spring without a little cleaning and a small (or big) renovation project?
    Roll up your sleeves and dig into that ‘room re-do’ or list of repairs that you both keep saying you’ll get around to. This stuff is always more fun with two.
  • Print those pics – and frame them!
    Nothing says home like your own memories right in front of your eyes. What an awesome reminder of all the special moments and people you have in your life.
  • Toast to togetherness.
    Uncork a bottle of wine and every time you ‘cheers,’ say out loud two things you’re grateful for. Not only are those grapes giving you a little health kick, but expressing gratitude boosts your heart and mental health as well. (Clink, clink!)
  • Make a nursery date – to refresh your home.
    Spend an afternoon together picking out fragrant flowers and eye-catching plants to give your home a fresh, spring feeling. Not only can plants totally bring out the personality of a space, but they also help clean the air in your home, so your lungs also get a good dusting with every breath. Ahh…

Hygge yourself

A warm phrase illustrated beautifully and available in a free download for your daily hygge inspiration.

Click here or on the image above for the free printable phrase.

  • Set up your writing space.
    Create a space where you keep cards, notes, stamps, etc. and designate that area for your card and letter writing to connect with friends and family. When you have a specific place set aside to do this, you’ll see how easy and natural it is to make sure your best intentions make it to the mailbox…and straight to their hearts. If you need some inspiration on what to write inside a card, we have a whole lot of that for you here.
  • Let the light in.
    With spring arriving, the daylight is deliciously lingering longer and longer, so head to your favorite feel-good store and pick out some fresh new curtains that filter more light into your space, creating a cheery, warm atmosphere.
  • Frame your favorite phrase (or this printable).
    What phrase or quote inspires you every time you read it? Print it out in a cool font, frame it, and hang in your home for that daily dose of inspiration. Or go ahead and download this one we created to remind yourself to connect with others in a meaningful way.
  • Meditate, rotate, repeat.
    Rotate your relaxation or meditation practice from indoors to outdoors to maximize your connection to nature and refresh your body and spirit. Namaste.
  • Splurge on what makes you smile.
    Every now and then you just gotta have that thing that brings you joy. Allow yourself that special purchase. New couch? Pretty bedspread? That metal chicken holding a daisy that makes you think of your mom? Get it. Having something in your surroundings that makes you smile and feel good will make your space even more enjoyable to be in, and better yet – those good vibes will stick to you when you head out the door, too.

At the end of the day, hygge is all about gratitude, sharing, and the pursuit of happiness. Now that’s an idea we can all get behind.

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Celebrating Father-Daughter Day with Smokey Robinson

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Father-Daughter Day – celebrated on October 8 this year – was created by Smokey Robinson to celebrate the special bond between a father and daughter. We were able to sit down with Smokey and hear why creating this day was so important to him. Here’s what he told us.

“As an honored father of six beautiful daughters, the father/daughter relationship is one I have cherished for decades. There are many different kinds of families today, and we know that all parental relationships are important to the healthy development of children, but the father/daughter bond is unique and one that is near to my heart.

A positive connection between a man and his daughter can have a tremendous impact on a young girl’s life and play a big role in her development into a strong, confident woman who knows her value. It also shapes a young woman’s perspective of men and what to expect from them. I believe that female empowerment begins in the home, and fathers must set a healthy example through their personal actions and interactions.

We honor mothers and fathers individually with special days, and we hear a lot about the importance of male role models in a boy’s life, but with this holiday, I would like us to celebrate and nurture the special bond that exists between fathers and their daughters.”

And be sure to check out Smokey Robinson’s new ecard celebrating Father-Daughter Day!

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Grandparents Day Free Printable Quote

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Grandparents Day Free Printable Quote

The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is such a special connection, don’t you think? Without the pressure of the day-to-day parenting, it can be such a breath of fresh air to open yourself up to a world of play and discovery as you see the world through your grandchild’s (magical!) eyes. And you serve a unique role in the family lineage–a wise adviser, family historian and a strong, respected family member to lean on–it’s no wonder they call this time your golden years!

Grandparents Day is coming up on Sunday, September 10th and to celebrate, we created this free printable Grandparents Day quote just for you! This free printable artwork is perfect to display in your home or office or share on your social networks.

Download and print this free Grandparents Day quote HERE to help celebrate the important bond between grandparent and grandchild!

Looking for another fun way to celebrate Grandparents Day? Get a great list of questions with tips for Connecting with Grandparents to kick off a meaningful talk!

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A Mother’s Last Dance

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When a mother finds out she is having a son, one of the future events she may dream of is the joy of dancing with her baby boy at his wedding. Mary Ann Manning had that chance taken away from her in 2010 when her son Kyle passed away at the young age of 23. According to TODAY, soon afterwards Mary Ann’s breast cancer returned after almost a decade in remission and was diagnosed as Stage 4.

With her health continuing to fail, Mary Ann’s dying wish was to make it to her son Ryan’s wedding to share that special mother-son dance. Despite suffering another stroke a day before the wedding, she still managed to be there and mustered the strength to make this dance happen. And the result is one of the most beautiful, touching moments we’ve seen caught on video.

The groom’s sister, Kristie, shared on the YouTube page, “Mary Ann Manning lost her battle with breast cancer just 3 days after this dance. She held on with all her might to give her son this last gift. It’s really the epitome of a mother’s love. She now joins her other baby boy, who passed 4 years ago, in heaven.”

We wish this brave and beautiful family all of the love and healing thoughts in the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made in Mary Ann’s name to Hope Hospice or Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation.

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Top 10 Family Reunion Ideas

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Relationships are the fabric of our lives. They are the fibers that weave all things together - Eden Frost quote | American Greetings Blog

There’s something about summer that inspires us to connect with family to celebrate the unique bond that unites us. The joy of sharing not only a cultural heritage, but a family history makes these multi-generational gatherings a time-honored tradition.

Whether it’s an elaborate gathering of the entire network of extended relatives or just your immediate family, here are some great ideas for get-togethers that will have everyone enjoying the day together and creating some special memories.

  1. Check out the zoo (and we don’t mean your zany cousins): A visit to your local zoo will bring out the kid in everyone as they explore different exhibits and learn about exotic creatures. Interactive places like this also inspire conversation and mingling throughout the group, which is the main goal of any family reunion.
  2. Croquet in the park: This centuries-old lawn game is making a comeback in a big way—and it also allows all ages and skill levels to partake in the fun. Pack a picnic, bring out the wickets and hoops, and enjoy a relaxing (and minimally competitive) sport.
  3. Celebrate your heritage: Choosing a memorable date from your family’s country of origin is a good way to help everyone remember when you’ll get together each year. Make your party a celebration of your roots by utilizing traditional colors, foods, activities, and even a little history lesson for the younger generation.
  4. Of grapes and grain: If you’re looking for a way for just the adults to enjoy some time together, visiting a local winery can be a fun way to get outside and enjoy a few spirits in good company. Check with the winery beforehand to see if reservations are necessary and if you’re permitted to bring your own snacks. If so, assign a few people to breads and fruits and ask everyone else to bring a new type of cheese to share.
  5. Take me out to the ball game: Few things say summer like a baseball game—but even if you don’t have a major league budget, minor league and local high school games can still prove to be fun for the whole family.
  6. Scrounging for clues: For another type of interactive activity, consider hosting a scavenger hunt. There are many resources on the Internet to make planning a snap. Consider assigning teams of non-immediate family members to get everyone involved and working together.
  7. Summer camp, family style: Camping doesn’t just have to be just for the experienced outdoorsmen—there are many state parks and recreation areas that offer lovely accommodations for pitching a tent or parking a recreational vehicle for a weekend of turning off the electronic devices and enjoying the great outdoors. What better way to connect than over a campfire and a few good ghost stories?
  8. Cook-off: Is your family known for their barbeque or another summer treat? Host a cook-off where the family chefs present their best recipes (and bring copies to share!) A fun set of cooking utensils makes an appropriate, yet inexpensive grand prize.
  9. Walk for a cause: Start off a traditional picnic with a purpose by signing up the family to participate in a fundraising walk. Selecting a cause that’s near and dear to your family will ensure that everyone feels connected to the event. Host a potluck picnic afterwards to keep the good times going—and pat yourselves on the back for the good deed you’ve done!
  10. Make your family tree: A great activity during any family reunion is to piece together your family tree and history. Take photos of all family members who attend and ask them to provide photos of family members who could not attend or are deceased. Consider putting this family history together in a format that everyone can order a copy of like a custom photo book.


What special things does your family do in order to stay in touch? We’d love to hear in the comments!

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Game Night

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Game night!

You’ve made it to Friday! The work week is coming to an end and soon you’ll be able to go home and relax, but you also want to have a little fun. Sometimes it’s hard to find the energy for a Friday night on the town – so save your energy for tomorrow – but there’s no need to waste a perfectly good Friday night. Invite a few friends over, or get the family together for a good ol’ fashion game night. Scrabble, Monopoly, Twister… get creative! The important thing is to be around people you have fun with and spend some good quality time with each other. If you’re planning a game night far enough in advance you could even send out fun invitations or ecards to let everyone know what to expect. You could have themed goodies based on the games you choose – and don’t forget some good music! Everybody’s working for the weekend and now it’s finally here – so celebrate!

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Indoor Adventures

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What are your plans today? With a long weekend upon us due to Presidents Day on Monday, there’s no better time than now to make some memories with the family. Weather not cooperating? No problem – indoor fun is just a couple of creative thoughts away!  Don’t forget to have the camera close – you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity capture smiles, laughs and all kinds of memories! Print out the pictures you take and make a scrapbook or card featuring your indoor adventures!

photo of two kids lying on the carpet while smiling and laughing together

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Famiglia!

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Family Time - A family sitting down together and viewing a map.

Famiglia! Families come in all shapes & sizes, varieties & personalities. We all have different interpretations of what makes a family and that’s what makes every family unique and wonderful. It seems like life gets busier and busier with each passing year, but time spent with family is irreplaceable. There’s no better time than right now to reach out to someone in your family and tell them that you love them, are thinking about them or miss them. Staying connected to family – near and far – is easier than you think. Make someone’s day and send them a Thinking of You greeting card, or a funny ecard. If you’re lucky enough to have family living close by, throw a family dinner party to catch up with everyone. Remember, every family tree needs love and support to grow!

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