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Tips for De-Stressing During the Holidays

As much fun as the holiday season is, there is no denying it can also be stressful. Crowded stores, heavy traffic, and attempting to make plans that fit the whole family’s schedule can be a bit of a headache, so this week Nick wanted to share what he has been doing to help him unwind and de-stress.

One of Nick’s favorite ways to relax and take his mind off of his long holiday to-do list is to get some fresh air and see some friends. Last weekend, Nick met up with his friends Taylor, Peyton, and Peyton’s son, Graham, who Nick affectionately calls “Baby Graham Cracker.” Colorado has been blessed with some lovely weather this season, and spending time outdoors laughing with friends is always a good way to warm the heart.

Nick and Taylor enjoying a beautiful day outside while Baby Graham Cracker wonders why they stopped playing to take a picture!

Another one of Nick’s favorite ways to clear his head is to watch one of his favorite funny movies!

Decisions, decisions!

Nick has quite the movie collection to choose from, and this week he chose a classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His favorite part is the creepy child catcher with the big nose. It always makes him laugh! Nick still uses VHS tapes because he is able to grip them in his hands, as well as work the controls by himself on his TV without having to rely on anyone else.

A tried and true way to let go of your worries and have a little fun is to listen to your favorite music! Nick spends most of his evenings at home listening to music or sermons in his room, and he likes using tapes because he is able to change them and fast forward them without needing any help. This lets Nick have some much needed alone time to decompress after a long day.

If you’re looking for a good anxiety relieving activity for the whole family, try making some slime! Kids love playing with slime, and it is a good sensory tool for adults as well. Making slime engages all your senses, and helps you focus on what you’re doing instead of focusing on your worries. And, its just plain fun to mess with!

Nick made some sparkly purple slime with Liz earlier this week, and squishing and squeezing the slime helps Nick calm down whenever he feels overwhelmed. Nick bought a kit with all the supplies he needed, but you can also look online for some homemade slime recipes.

Step 1: Gather supplies
Step 2: Add ingredients to the bowl
Step 3: Mix
Step 4: Squish and stretch and enjoy!

Nick hopes this post gives you some ideas for decompressing this season. Taking care of your mental health during the holiday season is extremely important, and it is much easier to have fun when you don’t feel overwhelmed.

What do you usually do to relax during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

The most wonderful time of the year has begun! It’s Nick’s favorite season, and he loves it so much he usually starts listening to Christmas music as early as July. So, of course, as soon as the leftover turkey was in the fridge, Nick wanted to get started right away on spreading some holiday cheer.

Nick spent the past week getting into the spirit with a few of his favorite holiday activities, including putting up all of his favorite Christmas decorations.

Nick helping set up the tree!
Showing off his stocking and nativity scene!

Nick also enjoys cooking up some tasty holiday treats with his family and care providers. Last week Nick helped Liz make a super yummy pumpkin roll!

Nick helping spread the topping on the pumpkin roll
Time to roll it up!
Nick was very pleased with the finished product

Another essential part of the festive season: shopping! This time last year, Nick was still isolating due to COVID-19, so he had to do the majority of his Christmas shopping online. Thankfully this season he is able to get back out and catch all the great sales in person. Nick loves shopping for his family and friends at any time of year, and puts a lot of thought into getting the perfect gifts for everyone.

Nick caught a glimpse of his favorite actor while scoping out the post-Thanksgiving sales

Nick’s all time favorite part of this season is spending time with family. Nick was able to go to Winter Wonderlights at the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Loveland with his mom. He thought the lights were so pretty, and he always treasures the time he gets to spend with his mom. He has plans to go check out a few other light displays later this month, and is very excited!

Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra

Nick is excited to share more holiday activities with you throughout the month, as well as some ideas for things to do when the holidays get a little too stressful, so be sure to subscribe for blog updates!

Do you have any special holiday traditions? What do you enjoy most about the season? Let us know in the comments!

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