Prepare now to enjoy the holiday season

The calendar keeps reminding us that we are getting into the holiday season. Over the next several weeks, most of us will be busier than usual. And when the holidays are over, we'll breathe a sigh of relief that schedules can get back to normal. But, in our busyness, it is easy to miss some of the real joys of the season.

Media depicts the holiday season as a time when everything is perfect and everyone is happy. Those images might cause us to try to make this "the best holiday ever." It's the season when people tend to overdo to make others happy. This attitude drains time, energy and finances. We worry about selecting the ideal gift, yet can't remember what we received, or gave, last year. Consequently, we end up tired, stressed and with added financial burden to deal with in the new year.

Real "happy holidays" come from the enjoyable times spent with family and friends. Happy holidays are best achieved by making wise use of time, money and energy.

In our Extension district, holiday programs are traditionally provided to help attendees prepare for the upcoming season. Family and Community Education (FCE) units and Southwind Extension District offer the programs free to the public.

This week I will be presenting programs in Fort Scott, Chanute and Humboldt. A second program topic will also be given at two of the locations.

You are invited to attend a "gift giving" program at any of the locations below. I'll be discussing the history of giving gifts, how generosity benefits the giver and how giving gifts can help strengthen intergenerational relationships. Attendees will also learn some "green" gift ideas, tips for safely shopping online, and ways to make a gift presentation special. Those attending are encouraged to bring a pair of scissors and a few used Christmas cards or other occasion cards to recycle into gift tags.

Details of each of the program locations are:

Fort Scott -- Thursday, Nov. 15, 5:15 p.m., First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main. Teri Campbell and Lori Nelsen, FCE members, will present "Making the Old New."

They will demonstrate ways to turn "trash" into "treasures." Creative ideas for decorating will be shown. Holidays are a good time to bring out keepsakes which have been passed down from previous generations and to share stories and family legacy with younger generations and extended family.

Chanute -- Friday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m., Alliance Room of Memorial Auditorium. Lois Carlson, FCE member, will discuss "Hidden Treasures in Eastern Kansas."

Learn about interesting places to visit in our corner of the state. Points of interest in the local area would make fun day trips or short outings to enjoy with family over the extended holiday season.

Humboldt -- Monday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Humboldt Public Library.

All the programs are open to the public and no pre-registration is necessary.

For more information contact me at aludlum@ksu.edu or (620) 223-3720. Or call your local Southwind Extension District office in Erie, (620) 244-3826; Fort Scott, (620) 223-3720; or Iola, (620) 365-2242.

May you and your family have a happy holiday season.

Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Southwind District -- Fort Scott office. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu.