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Merry Christmas from our family to yours
Dear
'Tis the season – right? The season for festivities galore; the ringing of laughter, arms wrapping us with love, food to fill us to the brim and presents to shower loved ones. But that dream is simply not true for far too many. Christmas for many is fraught with disappointment, loneliness and grief.
At KidsXpress we know all too well, that the images of a big family laughing around a dining table overflowing with delicious food and piles of presents under a tree is a far reality from their Christmas day. That image is true only for others; never them, never their children, never their family.
This year at KidsXpress we asked ourselves what is the greatest gift to give and receive? We decided it was perhaps the most thoughtful gift of all...presence. Presence – the gift that has the power to build a childhood of memories.
We all know children can receive the most amazing game ever … but if you are not present to play with them it will soon gather dust. To others, your presence may provide the strength to get through another day just by sitting with them in their disappointment. Perhaps your gentle hand and a knowing gaze may ease the feelings of loneliness. Your shoulder a haven, a safe place to land that suspends grief even just for a short while.
Presence – it costs nothing, it means the world in a moment and it is the gift that will keep on giving for a lifetime. My wish for all this Christmas is that we take a moment to be fully present to what is happening around us, who is there for us, perhaps who isn’t and be grateful for the gift of giving and receiving presence.
Wishing you a safe and Merry Christmas,
Presence not presents
It's no secret that children love new toys and gadgets. They love Christmas because of the multitude of gifts they receive. However, the most important gift any child could receive is the continual presence of their caregivers. This Christmas, give children your attention, your availability, your mindfulness and the biggest gift of all ... your time. Read more for 16 "presence" ideas. Print them out and tick them off as you go along. Or better yet, get the children to pick their favourite "presence"!
A Safe Harbour
When Sarah* found herself homeless with two young children following a domestic violence situation, she didn’t know where to turn to. Without any family living nearby for support, her immediate priority was finding a safe and stable place to live. Equally crucial however, was the need to address the impact this turmoil was having on her young children’s emotional health. So when the children’s school counsellor reached out to suggest that both children could benefit from our Expressive Therapy program, Sarah embraced the opportunity. "KidsXpress became a safe harbour for both children" says Sarah.
*Name and photo changed to protect children's identity
