After all the changes that we’ve experienced in 2020, it’s no surprise that the upcoming holiday season will also be different. While the usual holiday events, family gatherings, and parties will be limited, it allows for us to focus more on what is truly important, such as spending time with close family members and friends. You can also use this time to develop new traditions that can continue beyond the pandemic, such as:
- Baking sweet treats to send to neighbors and family. Almost everyone loves baked goods, and the extra dose of love will make these treats very appreciated.
- Having a family movie night. Pick a fun holiday movie and spend an evening inside. Whether it’s a Charlie Brown Christmas or Die Hard, your family will enjoy spending time together. You can also make treats that go with the theme of the movie.
- Sending cards to family and friends. In this virtual age, holiday cards have been seen as a thing of the past when you can text, email, or send virtual cards. However, it’s always exciting to receive something in the mail and you can display these lovely greetings from loved ones in your house. Do you have bored children? They can decorate and send their own Christmas cards, and family members will enjoy receiving these heartfelt wishes.
- Strolling or Driving through neighborhoods to view Christmas lights. Enjoy the beautiful displays in River Oaks, Prestonwood Forest, Shepherd Park Plaza, the Houston Zoo, or in your own neighborhood with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
- Creating a family scrapbook or photo album from the previous year. Facebook, Instagram, and your phone’s camera roll are fine for quick access to pictures, but when you want lasting pictures, you turn to physical copies in albums or scrapbooks. This way, you can ensure that your memories are preserved.
- Recording yourself telling family stories. As the years go on, some family traditions and memories will be forgotten. Take the time to record yourself or your family members recounting their favorite stories, memories, or passing on advice. These recordings will soon become a treasured keepsake for future generations.
This year may also be the perfect time to have some important conversations with your family. While the holiday season is usually full of distractions, limiting yourself to small gatherings of your loved ones gives you a more intimate setting to discuss important matters with your family. These matters can include your estate plan, your Will, your wishes for the future, and where your documents are kept. While these conversations may be uncomfortable at first, it will be valuable in the event of a future emergency. Giving your friends and loved one the gift of a listening ear is a simple, but priceless gift. Talking about your estate plan is also a good way to broach the subject with other family members to see if they have their affairs in order. It may be what motivates those family members to finally take care of their own estate, so that they will have peace of mind for their own future .
The Dean Law Firm, PLLC, wishes everyone a peaceful and safe holiday season.
Julia “Jules” Pullin is an associate attorney at The Dean Law Firm, PLLC, a boutique law firm practicing in estate planning, probate, guardianships, elder law, and civil appeals. Julia Dean is the managing attorney at The Dean Law Firm, PLLC and has been recognized as a Top Attorney and Leading Advisor by Acquisition International, Forbes, Newsweek, H Texas, Houstonia, and the Sugar Land Sun, and has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award. The Dean Law Firm, PLLC, has been named “Reader’s Choice for Attorneys in Fort Bend County by Living Magazine for the year 2020, “Texas’ Most Outstanding Estate Planning Boutique” by Acquisition International for the year 2019 and is also named “Best Law Firm of the Year” by Lawyer International Legal 100 for the year 2019. The Dean Law Firm is committed to bringing you peace of mind by providing thoughtful estate planning for your family.