Hi,
It’s the time of year that is simply beautiful— upgraded seudas in a decorated Sukkah under star-filled nights, and fun-filled Chol Hamoed trips with the entire clan.
As a parent, though, Yomim Tovim is tough, too.
You want to ‘‘make memories” and share the beauty of the season, but there is so much to do. You want to serve festive meals in a beautiful Sukkah, invite guests (and have them marvel at how
beautiful everything is ), and have your kids on their best behavior despite the laaate nights. You want to visit fun places that everyone will enjoy during Chol Hamoed, grandparents’ visits to work out, and a home that is at least decently clean on all days of Yom Tov.
You’re not alone. This is normal. (And you, I thought I was the only one! )
On September 11, I reflected on the Twin Towers tragedy and imagined, just for a moment, a world where grace made room for peace.
In my imagination, the Twin Towers bend flexibly, allowing the plane to pass by, leaving only peace, wonder, and whole hearts.
It made me think about how flexibility can change moments of terror and overwhelm to one of calmness and content.
Adaptability and open-mindedness play crucial roles in shaping our perception, leading to a different experience when facing challenging situations. Flexibility involves a willingness to rapidly adjust one’s mindset, expectations, and actions in response to changing circumstances.
It made me question: What will I remember of the holiday season 5786 in 30 years from now?
As mothers, we need to plan ahead for an organized holiday season. (think: menus, decorations, attire… 🙈). But what about planning in other, more important ways? We are here to make this the most uplifting, memorable experience for us and our family.
Questions we should be asking ourselves:
- What deserves more of my attention?
- What do I want my family to remember?
- What do I choose to put on the back burner while focusing on creating memories worth remembering?
I assume here is what the 70-year-old Rachel would tell me:
It’s perfectly OK if the children’s Yom Tov clothing is not precisely ironed; their smiles count more. Simplify the additional dessert and sit down at the table to be present and join your kids’ conversation. Stop the menu planning and set up a board game- and actually play for more than 5 minutes. Don’t worry that all neighbors can hear Rivka whining, Chaim yelling, and the lousy zemiros singing; we love each one and they all grow up IyH. Grandparents’ visits are about making them happy, not me. Count your blessings, not your struggles.
Because one day, this season, too, will join all others on Memory Lane.
And when that happens, I want to make sure it is one rich, full, and brimming with joy. As I plan ahead, I prepare to embrace challenges, adapt flexibly, and create memorable moments together.
Chag Samayach! 🎶
Enjoy every moment,
Rachel Gluck
P.S. — We have so much planned for our SMARTIE Study and updated package launches that I’ve been working on all summer long, and I can’t wait to GET. THINGS. DONE. This email serves as a reminder to myself to remain calm, be flexible, and stay present, focusing on the season. I can do it, together with all of us. 🙂