Family Art Time
The Holiday season is here - a time to gather, give thanks, create family traditions and memories. But, if you’re a parent living with cancer, it may bring mixed emotions. You may feel the pressure “to do it all” even when your energy is low or time is limited. This time can also be a beautiful moment to pause and reflect and focus on the small and big moments you can control and create. Here are a few simple and meaningful family activities that center on family support and being together.
1. Paint a family tree
Materials: a canvas or card stock paper, paint, and your family’s handprints. Each family member can choose a different color and place the handprint around a tree trunk.
You can adapt this in many ways. The handprints can be the same color or choose your favorite.
You can layer everyone’s prints on top of one another and skip the tree trunk.
Here is a link to a printable tree https://pin.it/5AnBz8PWA
2. Create a family mantra: a saying or phrase that defines your family outlook, spirit, and what keeps you all going. Maybe it’s a favorite song lyric or book quote.
3. Make a family gratitude jar
Materials: use a clean jar, cup, or basket, paper, scissors and pen
Individually or as a family write on a slip of paper what you are thankful for that day and place it in the jar.
At the end of the month, read the gratitudes out loud and reflect together.
4. Make family bracelets
Materials: pony beads and string (or use pipe cleaners for younger kids to help with fine motor skills).
Every family member picks a color to represent themselves. Then string together a bracelet of each colored beads.
5. Host a Friendsgiving. Bring those together who have supported you during the hard days. If you don’t want to host at your home, gather and meet at a park and bring your own picnic. An alternative idea to a gathering is to make cards with your kids to send loved ones who have brought you a meal or a kind word.
6. Ask a friend or neighbor to do an at home photo shoot where you can capture fun, everyday moments.
7. Engage kids in a gratitude scavenger hunt
Use the link for ideas or make your own!
Adapt by making it a photo scavenger hunt of what you’re thankful for.
We hope you have a wonderful start to your holiday season by creating one that feels meaningful, joyful, and uniquely yours.