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HFFA MSR Annct. 120113.indd 1
h, the holidays. Many people
both look forward to them
and dread them at the same
time – and usually for the same reasons:
family meals.
Despite all cultural changes since
Norman Rockwell’s famous “Freedom
from Want” Thanksgiving picture was
published in 1943, many people still have
that image of the perfect holiday meal
in their minds. Trouble is, that image of
three generations sitting happily around
a perfectly set table is unattainable – and
probably was then, too.
A poll by the American Psychological
Association reported eight out of 10
Americans anticipate stress during the
holidays, and 40 percent of female
respondents pointed to holiday meals as
the primary factor.
So, the first step to enjoying holiday
meals is for everyone to let go of that
perfect image. Face it: Babies are going
to get cranky. Toddlers are going to spill
things. Tweens and teens are going to
give an eye roll at least once during the
meal. However, accepting imperfection
does not mean not having an enjoyable
time around the holiday table.
Here are four ideas to help parents or
guardians not only survive those meals,
but also help an extended family thrive.
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Talk with kids about what is
expected of them.
If home table rules are lax, parents
can’t expect kids to be able to follow
a different set of rules at holiday time
without some prepping. Let’s say
the kids are used to getting up from
the table when they are finished, but
Grandma has a stay-seated rule. Parents
should discuss the difference and explain
11/14/13 1:45 PM
how kids can be respectful of Grandma’s
rules. Maybe a mom or dad could ask
Grandma if the kids could color at the
table when they are done or if the kids
could get their wiggles out by helping to
clear away dirty dishes.
Instead of bombarding kids with a bunch
of don’ts, parents should also go over
some basic do’s when it comes to table
manners. These four can serve the whole
family well in many situations:
• Yes, please: “Would you like to have
some green bean casserole, Jamie?”
“Yes, please, Grandma.”
• No, thank you: “How about some
more stuffing, young lady? “No, thank
you, Uncle Ben, but it was very good.”
• Excuse me: “Excuse me, Grandpa, I
didn’t mean to spill my soup. I will
clean that up.”
MEN’S SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY, DEC. 1 VS. UNC ASHEVILLE - 6PM
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4 VS. DAVIDSON - 7PM
SATURDAY, DEC. 21 VS. USC UPSTATE - 7PM
SUNDAY, DEC. 29 VS. GEORGIA TECH - 7PM
SATURDAY, JAN. 4 VS. NC A&T - 7PM
WOMEN’S SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY, DEC. 8 VS. SOUTH CAROLINA - 7PM
SUNDAY, DEC. 29 VS. FURMAN - 4PM
FRIDAY, JAN. 3 VS. UNC WILMINGTON - 12PM
*EDUCATION DAY*
ALL GAMES PLAYED IN HAL
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20 – My School Rocks! | December 2013
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