Counselor’s Corner

December Counselor’s Corner

by Ellie Bucciarelli: High School Programs Student Counselor

December is upon us and many families and students are having a great time sharing their holiday traditions! From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, this is a special time to share, to bond, and to give to the community. The following suggestions may also help to alleviate the homesickness some of our participants experience this time of year.

We encourage you to share your family traditions, old and new, with your student, no matter what holiday you celebrate. As well, ask about how your student celebrates their holiday season in their culture! For example, many students want to make a special dish from back home, and some have their host siblings put out their shoes to be filled with candy on the 6th for St. Nicholas Day!

Be sure to let your student know what your expectations are for participating with your family, i.e. attending church services, attending family events, and gift exchanges.

If you and your student have not yet had the opportunity to give back to your community, this is always a good time when donations and extra assistance are appreciated. Some ideas could be helping with a toy drive, food/clothing/book donations, volunteering at church or your local school. If you could use some ideas for giving back this holiday season, ask your Local Coordinator! (And remember to have your student submit a photo for the Holiday Volunteer Photo Contest due by January 1st!)

Happy Holidays to All and Wishing You a Wonderful start to 2017!

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