B and Town FAMILY SPOTLIGHT THOUGHTS FROM GIRLS AND BOYS TOWN The Original Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home You Can Create A Lifetime Of Holiday Memories Father Val J. Peter, JCD, STD Executive Director Emeritus (NAPSA)—WhenI wasseven, I had a Christmas every kid should have to remember, and you can do the same for your own children with very little effort. My mom, dad and three brothers didn’t have much, but the holidays were always special. I remember hearing my mom and dad say: “Let’s do a few extra holiday things with the boys.” That year wedid Val J. Peter several very memorable things. We went on a December picnic to a park because my dad loved picnics with the kids. We drove around to see Christmas lights because mom loved to do so and to have us kids with her. Dad made holiday breakfasts on December Sundays before Christmas. Mom made sugar cookies with us. To this day, I still love picnics and holiday breakfasts, making cookies and driving around to see Christmaslights. My point is a simple one. As children, our parents make memories for us so dear that manyof us repeat them as wego throughlife. Mom and dad, you get the opportunity right now,in this season, to make those kinds of memo- ries for your children. There are three lessons I have learned in making memories with the girls and boys here: Whatever you do, make it fun and exciting. Here are some suggestions: Prepare for Christmas din- ner with decorations, invitations, tablecloths, pies, dressing, and, of course, the turkey. * Because Secret Santas are lots of fun, choose one early in Advent. e Set one night aside for your kids to send Christmascards. Reserve a day for decorating the tree. Make Christmas cookies for shut-ins. Read a Christmas story every night and watch a Christmas movie on Saturdays. Do things the kids enjoy. Remember, your children already have little list in their hearts of things they like to do at Christmas. If you’re not sure, ask. Children are always willing to share their thoughts when asked. Here are someof the things our kids like to do to ring home the Christmasspirit: Wetake part in the Salvation Armybell ringing. We serve meals at a homeless shelter. We sing Christmas carols at a senior center. Each one of us shares his or her favorite holy Christmascarol. Each boy andgirl is asked to give something to mom and dad that doesn’t cost any money. We also have lot of fun in the first couple of days after Christmas, shopping for bargains, relaxing and making other special memories. To this day, I remember thinking how lucky we were to have a mom and dad like ours. The holiday season can be one of the best for you by making a lifetime of memories for your children. It is easy to do if you make Christmas in your house a season and not a day. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Father Steve Boes became and Boys Town’s fifth National Executive Director after Father Peter's retirement in July. The twowill share space in future Family Spotlights. Father Flanagan’s and Boys Townis a leaderin the treatment and care of abused, abandoned and neglected girls and boys, helping more than 43,000 children throughits youth care and health care programsacross the country. The and Boys Town National Hoiline (1-800-448-3000)also assists more than a half-million callers annually. @
