As parents, we naturally want our children to value giving and develop a sense of gratitude. We hope they’ll focus on simple joys over material things and appreciate the sentiment behind a gift rather than its price. Yet, when the holiday season arrives, we sometimes find ourselves frustrated, feeling our children aren’t “grateful enough.” But before we can encourage gratitude in them, it’s important to look within: are we actively cultivating that same mindset ourselves?

Our children learn best from what they see us do. If we want to inspire them to live with gratitude and kindness, we need to nurture these values in ourselves. Gratitude is a lifelong practice, a habit of seeing the positive and taking a few moments daily to recognize what’s good in our lives. As we become more mindful of our own gratitude, it naturally flows into the way we interact with our children.

The holiday season is an ideal time to deepen our own appreciation. By focusing on gratitude, we connect more deeply with what we truly value. Here are some ways to cultivate and model a spirit of gratefulness and generosity so that our children can see these values in action.

Practicing Gratitude and Giving Thanks in the Moment
Gratitude begins with an inward focus. Taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things we’re thankful for can gradually reshape our perspective. Start small by noting three things that bring you joy or comfort—a warm drink, a friendly smile, or time with loved ones. These reflections help us value experiences and relationships over things.

When we model this practice, our children witness a quiet, authentic gratitude—no lectures needed. They see us finding contentment in simple moments, understanding that gratitude is not a once-a-year event but a way of seeing the world.

Focusing on Our Own Giving
Engaging in thoughtful giving demonstrates the joy of generosity. Acts like volunteering or creating a homemade gift show children how giving can come from a place of thoughtfulness rather than obligation. Sharing why these acts are meaningful helps them understand the value of kindness.

Encouraging Simple Joys Over Material Gifts
The holidays often bring the temptation to buy and accumulate. Instead, we can choose to prioritize experiences and connection. Making gifts together, baking treats, or decorating as a family brings simplicity to the season and strengthens bonds. By celebrating small acts of togetherness, we remind ourselves—and our children—that it’s not the gifts under the tree that matter most.

Embracing Imperfection
While we aim to focus on gratitude, it’s also okay to get caught up in the holiday excitement now and then. The commercial side of Christmas is all around us, and it’s normal for kids—and us—to be swept up in it. Give yourself and your family some grace when things get hectic. The season is about kindness and joy, including being kind to ourselves.

Effective pain management for cracked heels, or heel fissures, is crucial for alleviating discomfort and promoting healing. Cracked heels often stem from dry skin, moisture deficiency, or underlying medical conditions. To address the pain linked to this condition, various strategies can be employed. Moisturization is paramount, keeping the skin hydrated to prevent further cracking. Gentle exfoliation aids in removing dead skin cells but should be done cautiously to avoid exacerbating the issue. Soaking feet in warm water softens the skin, offering relief. Well-fitting footwear with adequate cushioning helps manage pain and prevents worsening. Seeking timely treatment can prevent infections and further complications, ensuring swift recovery.

Pharmasave has lots of fabulous products to fill your whole family’s stockings. Consider setting a personalized theme for your stocking stuffers this year. For a bath enthusiast, you can include some Pharmasave brand bodywash, a body sponge (available in multiple colours) or exfoliating gloves, and some moisturizing lotion. For those who love to travel, gather some travel essentials like Pharmasave brand sunscreen, disposable razors, a travel dental kit, and hand sanitizer. For the nail artist, grab some nail clippers and files, hand cream, luxury cotton pads, and cotton gloves. The possibilities are endless with a bit of creativity!

Christmas is the season of giving and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to thank its many donors and volunteers who contributed to helping save lives at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. Thanks to donors and volunteers over the last 38 years the Foundation has raised more than $39 million dollars to help dedicated healthcare professionals save lives. Every donation makes a difference. In the spirit of the holidays, please consider making a donation to help us continue to save lives. Every donation stays in our community.

This season, give the transformative gift of Access Bars, available in any denomination or service. Running a person’s Access Bars is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps release limiting points of view that may be holding them back. During a session, outdated perspectives and emotional “baggage” are cleared, creating space for true self-expression and a fresh outlook. After an Access Bars session, recipients may experience better sleep, reduced stress, improved mental clarity, and a boost in energy. This thoughtful gift offers a pathway to personal growth and empowerment, helping loved ones manifest their goals with greater ease.

Embracing Boundaries and Consent

November 30th is National Personal Space Day, established by Carol Winner in 2019. Originally created to promote health by respecting personal space and preventing the spread of germs, this day highlights a deeper principle: the importance of boundaries and consent. It serves as a reminder that honoring personal space and practicing consent are essential for creating a society rooted in mutual respect.
Consent and boundaries are more than just buzzwords—they are the foundation of healthy interactions. They help protect our sense of self and ensure that our physical and emotional needs are met. While advocating for personal space and enforcing boundaries can sometimes feel awkward, it is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and healing. Understanding and respecting boundaries helps build trust and fosters more meaningful, respectful relationships.

Learning about consent starts early, and it’s our job as caregivers to guide children in recognizing and asserting their personal space. For instance, when greeting or saying goodbye to family members, let children decide if they want to hug, a kiss, or no physical contact at all. Respecting their choices in these moments sends a powerful message that their comfort and consent are important. If a child says “NO” to being tickled, even if they’re giggling, it’s essential to respect their “NO”. Modeling and reinforcing respect for boundaries is essential and, as caregivers, it is our responsibility to reinforce our children’s “NO” when someone else is not respecting it, including other adults. This practice helps reinforce that “NO” means “NO,” no matter the situation. By consistently supporting and advocating for their boundaries, we foster a culture of respect and consent, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued.

For adults, many of us didn’t grow up in environments where our personal boundaries were fully respected, and we may not have learned how to set them effectively. However, it’s never too late to learn about consent and how to honor our own needs. Just as we teach children the importance of respecting their boundaries, we must also learn to uphold our own; our “NO” should be respected, and we shouldn’t feel guilty for asserting our needs and wishes. Embracing our boundaries is a crucial part of self-care and maintaining personal integrity.

National Personal Space Day is a chance to reflect on how we handle boundaries in our daily lives. By making a conscious effort to respect and advocate for personal space, we contribute to a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. Whether through setting our own boundaries or teaching others to do the same, our actions on this day—and every day—show our commitment to respecting personal space and fostering a culture of consent.

Lung cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in Canada, with 85% of lung cancer cases being caused by smoking. It also has one of the lowest survival rates: just 17% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive for 5 years or more. And yet, despite the risks associated with smoking, it can be incredibly difficult to quit. In fact, quitting is one of the biggest challenges a smoker will face, but it is also one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Talk to your pharmacist about available options to help you finally kick the deadly habit.