My dad always said that the best part of the Thanksgiving turkey was nibbling the crisp, fatty bits of skin that fell off his knife as he carved. The turkey sandwiches the next day were the second best part. Sure, he’d say, a plate of dark meat and gravy was all well and good. But … Read more
How much do the roommate’s troubles bother your son or daughter? If safety is not an immediate concern, you’ll want to find out what the roommate’s difficulties mean to your college student. For example, your son might say that his roommate drinks too much and often misses class, but that the roommate isn’t disruptive because … Read more
I walked back into the room and lounged on the sofa, nursing my coffee gloomily. “It’s only a day,” my aunt reminded me. But what was Thanksgiving without the tumble and chaos of preparing a meal for a hodgepodge of people you loved? Sometimes the gratitude I felt once we were all gathered over dinner … Read more
Start, she said, with a question about intention: “What does this family, company or group of friends need this year on this occasion of getting together?” That answer will become a touchstone and reveal how the event should be structured. Then ask some of your invitees how they want the gathering to feel or be … Read more
“Holidays often come wrapped in memories and expectations. Mindfulness offers the gift of being present in the moment. Just show up and be interested. At holidays, this means simply being present in the moment with compassion for yourself, and others.” — Nina Smiley, director of mindfulness programming at Mohonk Mountain House. As you sit down … Read more