EduNews Magazine EduNews Dec2013/Jan2014 | Page 27

Family togetherness in the festive season Nowadays it is part of a world trend to text your brother telling him how you are doing, to phone your mother every Sunday after her afternoon nap and to talk to your children over Skype from wherever you are located for work in a far-off country.. People are searching for better lives and the result and reality usually is that families are scattered all around the world. Christmas and the festive season is a time where families reunite and come together again to share their life experiences. The festive season is a perfect opportunity for belonging where love and warmth fill the air and create a loveable ambience. It should be a time for children to look forward to seeing family members and building relationships. This helps to establish a culture of togetherness at the end of a busy year where everyone can relax and enjoy each other’s company. It enfolds the value and character of the family and family bonds. The example is manifested time and again for children to learn the importance of family structures and their social role as part of belonging to the family group. Parents are not always motivated to attend family get-togethers at the end of a busy and exhausting year and to face the family and make small talk, but it is important to reunite with relatives and support each other. More important is the fact that the children can see their family again as well as enjoy the time while building lifelong memories. December 2013/ January 2014 • •27