To celebrate the holidays safely during the pandemic, we have been encouraged to gather virtually with family and friends. These ideas from our IPT therapists will help make your virtual holidays successful.

Our lives have been turned upside down during this pandemic in one way or another.  We have missed or adapted to life events such as Jewish holidays, weddings, graduations and funerals. Many of us are still trying to process our experiences. We are reflecting not only personally but as a nation, as a faith group, as a culture and as a Jewish community.

Though the holidays represent a time of fun, family time and tradition, they can also bring heightened stress. On top of everyday responsibilities, there are plenty of changes to your regular schedule including travel, hosting family dinners and possible financial burden. Integrated Pediatric Therapies director Jennie Marble recommends these tools to help your family thrive this holiday season.

“Next year, may we be free.”  - Passover Haggadah

The holiday of Passover, “the season of our liberation,” celebrates the departure of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. This is a central theme of the Passover Seder, a festive meal replete with symbolism and song.

As the holidays approach, we sometimes equate the value of a gift with the level of love and caring we have for a particular person, or as a symbol of the gifts of the Magi during Christmas or the gifts to commemorate the miracle of the oil lamps during Hanukah. In a larger context, it is important for parents and caregivers to understand the real meaning, cost and benefits of giving rewards to children and youth in care.

The holiday season coincides with the point in the year when companies often evaluate their performance and plan for the new year. Sometimes resulting in layoffs at a normally joyous time. It’s hard to imagine losing your job during the holidays, but if it happens there are plenty of ways to come out on the positive end.   Let’s look at some ways to set yourself up for positive future outcomes.

What is the significance of the fall Jewish holidays?  They are times for reflection, renewal, and celebration.

Winter is supposed to be a time filled with holidays, happiness, and the warmth of family gatherings. But what if you or a loved one, are feeling depressed, isolated and alone?

If you grew up in an environment where you received unhealthy messages around eating, body image, and weight, it can be difficult to break the cycle and avoid passing these ideas on to your own kids. But it’s not impossible! A good first step is to listen to the way you (intentionally or unintentionally) talk about eating and body image in your child’s presence. If you find yourself saying any of the things below, try to shift to healthier, happier talk. This will not only benefit your child, but it can lead to your own gradual internalization of more positive thoughts and beliefs.

Oh, the holidays. They can be filled with joy and excitement … or stress and frustration … or all of those things at once. For people with eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, this time of year can be particularly upsetting. Constant exposure to lots of food and lots of people can raise great fears and challenges.