Capturing the Essence of the Holidays
With so many things to navigate daily stemming from our personal and/or professional lives, often it feels as though the holidays are a time that creates enormous pressure for many. The thought of making travel plans, hosting a celebration, buying presents, decorating, visiting with family, friends, and others, coupled with numerous commitments, can be overwhelming. However, we mustn’t forget that holidays are a special time for so many people. Whether it’s Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or other holidays, while all may have different meanings, each has significance within their cultures where gift-giving to others, particularly children, is commonplace.
Holidays are a time to reflect on the past, the present, and the future, and enable us to move forward with a renewed sense of hope and faith that recovery from a gambling problem is possible. Unlike last year, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year presents a new opportunity to revisit things done before and make adjustments. This is the beauty of the holidays because it is a time to stop and think about what is important in life.
Make the most of this holiday season by changing a path you or others are on and remember this year for the rest of your life! Florida’s confidential and multilingual Problem Gambling HelpLine is an invaluable resource for residents in need to begin their recovery journey and best of all, services are free and available around the clock by calling 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848), texting (321-978-0555), emailing (fccg@gamblinghelp.org), starting a live chat (gamblinghelp.org), using the 888-ADMIT-IT App (https://landing.appypie.com/888-admit-it), or by connecting on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Embracing New Holiday Gift Ideas for Children
Sometimes we are unable to spend quality time with children, family, friends, and others. This can be the result of many things, including time spent away gambling versus attending child or family functions. A significant way to begin the healing process is to identify presents for our younger family and friends that they have an interest in and encourage them to spend time with you and others – versus on activities typically done in isolation.
• Buy a puzzle that generates interest and discussion, assemble and frame it, then hang it in a special place.
• Pick a great book or movie and discuss it together.
• Purchase a coloring tablecloth with a world map or another graphic on it, design it, and use it.
• Start a miniature garden to grow herbs and vegetables for cooking, aromatherapies, or to beautify a space.
• Select practical and creative projects youths and others can work on together (e.g., models, arts and crafts).
• Identify non-gambling games that children can play with others.
• Choose gifts that encourage involvement in sports and other healthy activities.
• Schedule day/overnight trips to someplace special (e.g., beach, museum, camping).
• Build upon artistic talents (e.g., music, art), and do something together in the related area.
• Find a small gadget youths can enjoy with others.
• Change the mood of a living space with lighting or paint.
• Gift clothing with purpose and positive messages.
Make room for new memories this year by contacting the 24-Hour 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine and taking the first step to free yourself or a loved one from problem gambling!
