Show Notes:

Summary:

Valerie reflects on the changes that occur during the holiday season, particularly when long-held traditions are disrupted. She discusses the emotions that can arise when family dynamics shift, such as when children get married and start spending holidays with their in-laws. Valerie encourages listeners to embrace these changes and turn them into opportunities for growth and new traditions. She offers tips on how to navigate these shifts with grace and positivity, including being open to new possibilities, focusing on the people rather than the place, expanding horizons by volunteering or inviting new friends, reflecting on past Thanksgivings, and compromising on alternating holidays between families. Valerie also emphasizes the importance of self-care during this time and encourages listeners to focus on nurturing new traditions and cherishing time together.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the podcast episode

00:39 Reflecting on changes in family dynamics during Thanksgiving

01:54 Tips for embracing change and creating new traditions

03:29 Managing expectations and acknowledging feelings

04:46 Being open to new possibilities and focusing on people

05:18 Expanding horizons and volunteering

0:07:03 Reflecting on past Thanksgivings and being thankful

08:53 Compromising on alternating holidays between families

09:55 Bonus tip: focusing on self-care

11:07 Embracing growth and change during the holiday season

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace change and be open to new possibilities for creating meaningful traditions.
• Focus on the people and connections rather than the physical location.
• Consider volunteering or inviting new friends to fill empty seats at the table.
• Reflect on past Thanksgivings and create digital photo albums to cherish memories.
• Alternate holidays between families to blend old and new traditions.

 Connect with Valerie:

* Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @iamvaleriehatcher.  

* Email at hello@agingwithgraceandstyle.com

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