Meal Planning: Finding Joy (or Stress) in the Holiday Kitchen 🍽️🎄
For some, holiday meal prep is pure joy—picking recipes, filling the kitchen with festive smells, and creating a meal to share with loved ones. For others? It’s stressful—juggling dietary restrictions, cooking for a crowd, and feeling the pressure to make everything perfect.
Overscheduled Days: When the Calendar Feels Like a Sprint 🗓️🏃♂️
Ever have one of those days where it feels like you’re sprinting from one event to the next? Breakfast meeting, work commitments, a school pickup, two evening gatherings… and somewhere in there, you’re supposed to eat, sleep, and maybe breathe. 😅
Loneliness During the Holidays: Missing Loved Ones or Feeling Isolated
The holidays aren’t always filled with joy and celebration for everyone. Sometimes, they can bring feelings of loneliness or a deep longing for loved ones who aren’t with us. Whether you’re missing someone far away, grieving a loss, or feeling isolated, know that you’re not alone.
Gift-Giving Stress: Worrying About Finding the "Perfect" Gift
The holidays can bring a lot of pressure to find the perfect gift. Ever find yourself overthinking: Will they love it? Is it thoughtful enough? It is easy to get caught up, but let's pause for a moment.
Holiday Movies: Watching a Nostalgic Favorite with Loved Ones
There’s nothing like curling up with loved ones, a cozy blanket, and your favorite holiday movie. Whether it’s It’s a Wonderful Life or Elf, these moments are all about joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.
Crisp Winter Air: Finding Stillness in the Cold
Have you paused to step outside on a chilly day and just breathe? The crisp air, the quiet stillness—it can be so refreshing. Or maybe the cold makes you want to stay inside, cozy with a warm drink.
Unrealistic Expectations: The Pressure to Make Everything "Perfect"
The holidays often come with pressure to make everything just right—the perfect dinner, the perfect gifts, the perfect decor. But is the quest for perfection adding joy or stress to your season?
Acts of Holiday Kindness: Spreading Joy and Giving Back to the Community
The holiday season is the perfect time to give back, whether through small gestures or big efforts. Kindness doesn’t just brighten someone else’s day—it brings warmth and joy to the giver too.
How do acts of kindness make you feel? What moments of giving have inspired you this season? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
Twinkling Lights: Noticing the Beauty of Holiday Decorations
Holiday lights are everywhere, bringing a magical glow to the season—but how do they make you feel?
💡 Do certain colors or patterns stand out to you? 💡 Do they bring back memories or spark emotions? 💡 Do they make you feel calm, happy, or even a bit anxious?
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around you. What are you noticing about the lights this year?
Spiritual Reflection: Connecting with the Deeper Meaning of the Season
The holiday season is about more than celebrations—it's a time to pause, connect, and reflect. For someone with FASD, spirituality might be found in simple moments: the sparkle of lights, a quiet walk, or the warmth of giving.
What does the deeper meaning of the season look like for you?
Seasonal Scents: A Journey Through Memories and Moments
Cinnamon, pine, baked goods fresh out of the oven... the smells of the season are magical, aren’t they? They have a way of wrapping us in nostalgia and taking us back to special moments.
Holiday Traditions: Old, New, and Delightfully Yours
Are your traditions filling you with holiday cheer? Maybe you’re baking Grandma’s cookies, trying something new, or adding your own creative spin!
Work Deadlines and Holiday Prep: Finding Balance in the Year-End Chaos
The holidays are here, and with them comes the juggling act of festive fun and year-end work deadlines. Are you thriving in the hustle, or is it feeling like too much?
Health Habits: Finding Balance During the Holidays
The holiday season is filled with joy and indulgence, but it can also bring challenges, especially for individuals with FASD. Overindulging in rich foods or skipping exercise can impact mood, energy, and focus.
At FFAS, we encourage you to pause and notice: How are you feeling? Energized or overwhelmed? By tuning in and making mindful choices, you can find balance this season.
Community Celebrations: Finding Joy and Navigating Stress
Parades, markets, and local events bring us together and celebrate creativity, but they can feel overwhelming for some, especially those with FASD. At Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, we’re here to remind you—it’s okay to feel however you feel.
Pause and notice: Are you excited? Overwhelmed? Grateful? Your feelings are valid. Let’s celebrate together in ways that feel right for you.
Finding Comfort In Shorter, Colder Days
As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, many of us feel the shift in our routines and emotions. For individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families, this time of year can bring unique challenges. But it’s also a season to find comfort in the little things—like the warmth of a cozy fire, a cup of hot cocoa, or the glow of twinkling lights.
We’d love to hear from you! What helps make these shorter, colder days easier for you and your loved ones? Share your tips, traditions, or favorite ways to find joy in the season. Your ideas might inspire someone else to embrace the warmth and wonder of winter.
What Are You Noticing This Holiday Season?
From twinkling lights and joyful laughter to overscheduled days and last-minute errands, the holidays bring a mix of emotions. We hope you’ll join us in pausing to reflect on the things that bring you joy—and acknowledging what might be causing stress.
Let’s make space to appreciate the magic and navigate the chaos with grace. What are you noticing today?