I don't know about you, but the moment I see a long weekend coming up on my calendar, I get excited about checking extra things off my to-do list. And if you are like me, many of these hopes are never realized (for one reason or another) and you head back to work feeling no farther ahead. In some cases, you've thought so much about what didn't get done that you didn't even enjoy the weekend.
What if this weekend could be different?
What if you used this Family Day weekend to further your family and not your to-do list?
Imagine what could happen in the life of your family if you choose to intentionally spend this Family Day together, as a family.
When you pause and connect relationally, you have the potential to laugh together, to make new memories that can last into the future, to form deeper bonds and connections to your kids, and to continue to set the tone for what you want the culture in your home to be.
Sure you may have to referee the odd fight or two, and might even have to issue a few time outs. But at the end of the day, when you choose to be intentional and invest your time positively with your family, you never lose.
Spending a whole entire day together as a family sounding a little daunting?
We're here to help.
FAMILY DAY EVENTS IN SIMCOE COUNTY
- The Simcoe Muskoka YMCA opens its doors with free programs and activities all Monday. You can check them out here.
- How awesome does Snowmania sound? These are just some of the events happening around Simcoe County.
- Lace up your skates at one of the many outdoor rinks, or maybe you want to head north to Arrowhead Provincial Park for the day and skate there. Have you seen their outdoor skating trail?
- While you're up north anyhow, why not check out Camp Mini Yo We. They have a variety of Family Day activities for all ages.
- Now's the perfect time to get in a family ski or tubing session at Snow Valley or Horseshoe Resort, or try Blue Mountain or Mount St. Louis for some different scenery.
- Like the outdoors, but aren't great on the slopes? Try geocaching - the closest you'll get to treasure hunting without commandeering a ship!
LOOKING TO STAY CLOSER TO HOME?
- Make a special meal as a family! Pizza is a great option for this. Head to the grocery store together and let everyone pick an ingredient that they love. Work together to build your family pizza (or pizzas).
- Plan meals ahead to take the stress out dinner while you're out adventuring. The crockpot is your friend in situations like this!
- Decide to go tech-free for the day. This may be tough but the results can be monumental when you are truly present.
- Try things like building a blanket fort and watching a movie, or building a snow fort and eating a picnic outside.
- Use this as a chance to be for the people in your life, teaching your kids to care for those around you. Make cookies or muffins and deliver them as a family.
- Take the time to FaceTime or Skype a family member who is far away and catch up. Just because you're not physically in the same space, doesn't mean you can't spend the day together!
No matter what you decide to do this weekend, I hope you decide to use your Family Day to further your family and not your to-do list.