National Family Month is celebrated during the five-week period between Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June.
The definition of family has evolved and changed over time but in these current times family is just as important if not more so than ever.
My family is my strength. I know that I will have support from them when I need it. As I age, I embrace my family more than ever. My children have grown and moved on, but they are still my children. I now also have grandchildren. I am lucky enough to still have siblings alive and in contact.
Whatever your current place in your family, let’s celebrate it.
Family Traditions:
My family have had many wonderful family traditions. As we have aged and our families have expanded some of the old traditions – getting together for Christmas with stuffed stockings for everyone, no matter age or relationship – have been altered. As adult children make their own families, they have their own traditions. Still the memories of the old are often incorporated in the new. New traditions emerge and tie the family together. I still love to put up a live Christmas tree and all the decorations that have such great memories.
Finding Time:
For extended family don’t wait for birthdays or the holidays to get in touch. Schedule those calls and Zoom meetings on a regular basis. When possible, schedule times to be together physically. We were so excited to gather with my husband’s family this past week and I am so looking forward to seeing my family face to face in July. It is wonderful to have family make the effort, take the time, and spend the money to come from all over just for some family time.
For family members living in the same home, it is also important to find time to do fun things together. Even though in my current situation it is just my husband and myself, we schedule two days a month just for “our days” when we don’t set the alarm, fix special meals, and go somewhere fun. Once a week my son, who lives nearby, comes over for a visit and a meal. It’s fun to visit face to face and get caught up.
Celebrate:
I am always on the lookout for a celebration! Graduations, weddings, new babies, birthdays, new jobs, a move, whatever – let’s celebrate! Send cards. Call up and sing a song! Have a Zoom meeting with cake and decorations. Do something to make the person being honored feel special.
Take the time this week to call a family member and let them know how important they are to you.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.