The Family that Plays Together Stays Together

article by Cindy G. Foust

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, because it’s still 50 degrees and un-delightful, I wish we had a place to go, where it would snow, and snow, please Mother Nature let it snow!” That’s it. That’s all I got. We have in fact, had a temperature “dip” and are enjoying some cooler temperatures, but gosh, I wish we would have a white Christmas. Just once in my life. But who are we kidding? By the time Christmas actually gets here (magazine production is a month ahead so it’s still November for this writer), we will likely be shopping for bikinis (an item of clothing that hasn’t been in my closet in, like, well, never) and Hawaiian Tropic suntan oil.

With the promise of rain on this middle of November day, however, I am optimistic that the pending rainstorm will bring some cooler weather, because let’s face it, cooler weather does spark the Christmas spirit, right? Instead of singing “Let it Snow,” I should be more like Cindy Lou-Who and sing “Where are you Christmas?” and maybe that would help. But, like the many other holidays I have written about, I look forward to this time of year in my columns because I get to advocate for families spending time together.

You know the saying “the family that plays together, stays together.” I am a huge proponent of this parenting philosophy, because, well, my family has always played together, we are a family that has stayed together. I have to admit, I overshot myself last month when I said I was going to go to the trenches and interview some of our Bayou kids about what they wanted for Christmas. Well, yeah, so, you know how my son’s getting married next weekend and I’m very busy at work and well, I ran out of time. That very point, “running out of time,” really got me to thinking about the whole Christmas season and how valuable our “time” actually is.

I have written in columns past about the importance of “allocating” time (that sounds like we are meeting with our CPA to divide our assets) that you spend with your family, quality time that is. It’s no secret that families today operate their homes and their lives at breakneck speed. From work, to school, to extra-curricular activities, we spend our lives racing from one obligation to the next, present company guilty as charged. So often, and I don’t know about you, but I just get tired of the race, which is where I find myself on this Saturday morning, and on the cusp of the holiday season. 

Sometimes, I just want to stop the mania and pull my family in close, and soak up that time together (I honestly think I’m on the verge of writing another Hallmark card.) Perhaps it’s because my son is about to get married (have I mentioned that, did y’all know he was getting married?) and that’s why I’m feeling more overly nostalgic this Christmas, because I know my family dynamic is about to change, in a way that will never be the same. And even though that creates an ache in my chest and a lump in my throat that feels like I have swallowed a Buick, it will never be the same, but in a good way… because I’m getting a lovely, wonderful daughter-in-law. With that new dynamic, I want to savor every moment, every day and do some things together this holiday season, as a new #foustfamilyof6.

The trick, as in most families, is that allocation of time I referred to already. As most families know, making the time is the absolute hardest part of this initiative (I swear I sound like I work at the White House and I’m promoting a tax credit.) But, as I said, there are fewer things more important than putting your family first. 

So where do we start? I can tell you where I’m starting this season. First, we are having a movie night, and not the kind at home, that is too easy. I’m putting the five of us in the car and head to Tinseltown. I’ve noticed a few Christmas movies that will be out this season, so our family will be like the Griswalds (minus ugly Christmas sweater and white SAS loafers) and hit the theater together.

Next, and dare I mention, Christmas card night? Does anyone else out there ever feel like the single hardest accomplishment during the holidays is getting your Christmas cards made and then mailed? Sometimes I think it would be easier to qualify for the Olympics! So this year, I am starting a little earlier, making it a little easier on myself and we are going to sit down one night with a bowl of chili, around the breakfast table (I feel another Hallmark card coming) and we are all going to sign our cards. I’m thinking it will be really easy for the picture, we can just use one of the beautiful wedding ones we will have. Did I mention we were having a wedding in our family? That way, everyone is involved and they can even help me get them addressed.

On to our next Walton’s Mountain moment, we are baking cookies. Last year we did gingerbread houses and it was a lot of fun, but this year, we are going all out and dusting the flour off our aprons and breaking out the cookie cutters. When my son was a little boy, he and I used to make gingerbread cookies and hang them on the tree. I will be happy to remind him that these were some of the best of times, with a good Christmas movie playing and his family all gathered around the island decorating cookies.

Our next family outing will include visiting the “Holiday Light” display in downtown Monroe and West Monroe. My good friend, Alana Cooper, and her team, do a brilliant job of organizing the Christmas on the River and it truly makes you think you’ve gone back in time. There’s something for everyone from the parades, the lights, the fireworks, and the live entertainment, and it’s right here in our backyard.

And finally, and this one is easy, we are all decorating the Christmas tree. In years past, we did this as a family, but as time marched on, and everyone got so busy (and older and perhaps outgrow the tradition a little), I ended up being the one who decorated it. Well folks, the tradition is about to be back at our house, and again, this is such an easy night to plan for your family. We might even make a few homemade ornaments, but what fun, especially when you have younger children, to make family ornaments that you will cherish for the rest of your tree decorating lives. Some of my favorites are the homemade ones my kids made when they were in grade school, and their little toothless faces are on plastered on a Christmas tree ornament. Makes me smile just typing this. 

So, there you have the Foust Family Christmas 2022… as we gear up to let our first chicken leave the nest, like many of you have already had to do. And if you are those grandparents, like my children’s grandparents, who have already had your children leave home to start their own families, some of these traditions can even be started and enjoyed with your grandchildren.  The simple truth is that these precious days pass so fast. Savor them, readers. Stop and make time to “play together.” It’s a little work. It takes a little time to organize activities. It especially takes effort to carve out the time to do it, but you won’t ever look back and regret the memories you made (It’s official, I’m applying to Hallmark to write their cards for them.) 

And thank you readers, for allowing us in your homes this season, and all the seasons of the year. It is a privilege to write for you, to encourage you and to parent with you. May your holiday season be filled with love, thanksgiving, family and friends. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life,  parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.