The Importance of Family During the Holiday Season

No matter your cultural or religious background, for many Alaskans, the holiday season is about family. It’s when we can come together and celebrate the things that really matter in life, as well as relish in the joy of giving, gratitude and sharing.

For a lot of us, the idea of family isn’t limited to those who are blood relatives—we’ve gathered our own extended families, from friends and neighbors with whom we have at least one thing in common: many of our relatives live far away from us. No matter what your idea of family is or whether they are near or far, the holidays are an important time to focus on your family.

Why?

• It’s easy to get caught up in the stress that comes along with holidays, whether that stress is financial, from traveling or simply from the chaotic nature of the time in our culture. Ideally, your family provides you with a sense of stability and just being with members of your family can remind you of what is most important to you.
• Sadly, there are plenty of us who have experienced major losses during the holiday season and what should be a joyful time is often a time where we find ourselves fighting depression and grief. It’s especially important to seek out the support of family during this time—in order to not just make it through, but also make happier memories that provide balance to the sad.
• It’s a time for teaching. Gathering your family together around whatever traditions are important to you is a chance to teach your children or young family members about important values and help them to understand the culture from which they come.
• Families who play together stay together. We all get caught up in the grind of day-to-day living. Sometimes it seems as though there is no room for learning new things or creating deeper bonds. It’s healthy to share leisure time because it cracks the door open to new experiences and provides opportunities to see your family members in a different light.

So, this holiday season, make time for your family and celebrate who they are. Have the happiest of holidays!