How To Make Time With Family & Friends More Meaningful

While the holidays may herald angels singing, they also herald that one uncle who's asked to leave every year and your mom's cousin who doesn't seem to talk about anything but politics. Differences and family feuds aside, the holiday season is when most of us have the opportunity to spend more time with friends and extended family that the kids perhaps don't get to see as often or are maybe meeting for the first time.

With all the pressure to make it tolerable for all, many of us may forget to make it meaningful. 

"One of the most important (and often overlooked) keys to enjoying the time we spend with others is making sure we're present," says Maguire. With phones in every hand and FOMO on everyone's mind, it has never been easier to be in the room and still miss out. 

"With so much divisiveness around us, family gatherings can be precarious at best," says Maguire. In many cases, Peace on Earth and goodwill to all is easier said than done. To get past differences, Maguire suggests leaning into family traditions. "My family makes fudge," she says. 

Likewise, she encourages parents and families to dust off an old family recipe and get everyone involved. Whether it's your grandma's South African malva pudding or your abuela's tamale recipe, "everyone working toward a common goal is an excellent way to leave our differences at the door and nurture those connections," says Maguire.  

Whether it's tales of days gone by or something that happened last month, one of the best parts of visiting with family is the stories. Not only can they be learning experiences, but they are also a great way to bridge the gap between young and old. To make these interactions more meaningful, Maguire says, "Parents should encourage kids to ask from the perspective of learning, and adults should think about their legacy and impact on the next generation."