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Good news, bad news, silly news: you can find it all online these days. Social media sites like Facebook give people the opportunity to show pictures of their latest island vacation, tell about their appendectomy, or just share a joke with friends. What did we ever do before Facebook?
Read the newspaper. Very early American city newspapers had social columns, where correspondents from smaller communities could report on the latest parties or crop successes. The weight of a baby, the gifts received by bride and groom, even the details of deaths were shared. Wrote round-robins. When a stamp cost a penny or two, people wrote letters, and some used the system of a "round-robin." The first writer would share his news and send it to the next person, who would add what was happening in her life and send it on to another one. In this way, a larger group could be informed of all the news. At the end of the line, the last person sent it back to the first, and the communicating started all over again. Talked over coffee. Homemakers (primarily women) could feel isolated, so many started Coffee Klatches to share news and refreshments. At the office, workers gathered around the water cooler or in the break room to tell what was happening at home or during business hours. Listened on the phone. Beginning in 1878, subscribers to telephone service could save money by sharing a line with other households. (During the world wars, all lines were "party lines.") By listening on their home phone, people could eavesdrop on other conversations and learn things they might not otherwise know. Internet, email, cell phones, smart phones, Twitter. People communicate in new and amazing ways in each generation. Times and technology change, but the news still gets around. Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264 Here is an up to date resource to help protect the elderly from online scams.
You can see it here: https://www.ireviews.com/online-scams/  "Every good conversation starts with good listening." Sometimes talking to a loved one is effortless and time runs out before all of the news is shared. But at other times, conversing is difficult, with long pauses or inattention. What can we do to have great conversations with the people we love?
Give them our full attention. Put away the cell phone, don't check your watch, sit where you can see and hear well. Choose a quiet place to be together. Don't interrupt, even if someone seems to be searching for a word. Interruptions often change the subject entirely, leaving the speaker feeling unfinished or unheard. Don't jump around. Keep your topics as still as your body and mind. Jumping from one subject to another can be confusing. Important details can get lost in a tangle of subjects. Accept differences of opinion. Even people who love one another will not agree on everything. If an opinion is expressed that riles you, it's still good practice to keep listening. Everyone might learn something. You can add relevant information, but there is no need to "win" an argument. Choose interesting topics. Ask people about their past, their achievements and what they think about the present. Talk about changes during their lifetime, such as technology or manners. Share your thoughts and memories when appropriate, but encourage your loved one to do the talking. Many seniors spend a great deal of time alone or watching television. A shared conversation can be great medicine and brighten days. The memory of the conversation will enrich later hours, as well. Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264 There are traditional times to give gifts, at holidays or on birthdays, but who doesn't love a surprise gift? What better time is there to treat your loved one to special attention than in the cold months of winter, after the holiday spirit is packed away?
Giving things to people in health facilities or small apartments does require extra thought and care. Keep these things in mind when choosing a gift for your special person.
Most people, if asked, will say, "I don't need a thing," but who doesn't like getting a new puzzle book or deck of cards, seasonal-flavored lip balm, or fresh pens to write a quick thank you note? A warm afghan or stocking cap can provide comfort and color. If chosen with love and some forethought, a gift delivered personally by you will be the best gift of all. Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264  Many people, in many languages, exchange this greeting. We wish each other good fortune and good health. In some countries or religions, the "new year" doesn't start on January first, but whenever it starts, a fresh year can be a new beginning.
It's a tradition for many in the United States to watch a certain holiday movie, a parade or a televised special with fireworks to start out the New Year. The giant shining ball has dropped at midnight in New York City's Times Square since 1907. People all over the world can witness the drop on their televisions or smart phones. A kiss at midnight, a special toast, and singing "Auld Lang Syne" are other traditions frequently observed in our country. But how do other countries and cultures celebrate this important time? In some cultures, round or circle-shaped foods, like oranges and small cakes, are eaten to symbolize long life and good health in the new year. Spanish people try to eat twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight. Other "lucky food" includes rice for prosperity in India and Pakistan, apples dipped in honey for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and black-eyed peas in the American south. Latin Americans who want to travel in the next year, will walk around the block on New Year's Eve with a suitcase. Others clean the house on New Year's Eve. The Greeks have special carols, and Danish people jump over the threshold into the new year. The Chinese have fireworks, lanterns and dragon parades. In Brazil, wearing white for the new year is thought to bring good fortune. The Dutch plunge into the freezing North Sea. No matter what the tradition, every one seems to look ahead with optimism, hoping that the troubles of the old year will be washed or rung or swept away, while the future will bring something better. Here's to a good new year! Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264 What to Do about the Holiday Blues?
Cheerful holiday commercials and the movies shown from November through January depict unbroken families with expensive, in beautifully-decorated homes. No rent due, no health problems, no cranky uncles or unappreciative grandchildren. Reality can be very different, and the "holiday blues" may make some feel sad, anxious and over-stressed. Some of the causes of holiday blues are:
Some of the symptoms to watch for:
What can be done about holiday blues?
The "holiday blues" can lead to greater depression, so there is no shame in talking to a professional or medical caregiver, even if symptoms seem mild now. Isolation contributes to seasonal depression, so seek out a friend, a group, or a free community activity that will keep you in touch with others during the holiday season. Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264 Little Holiday Celebrations
Whether you sit down at an abundant table together with all of your family or not this season, the winter months are a wonderful time to be thankful and to share things with others. No matter what your circumstances, there are simple activities that you can do to make the holiday season special.
Prairie Homestead yvonne@prairiehomestead.org prairiehomestead.org 1605 W. May Street Wichita KS 67213 (316) 263-8264 |
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