Christmas with Yaya: How to Show Her the Family’s Gratitude and Appreciation

It is often said that Christmas can usher in an extreme range of emotions – from sheer joy of being around family and friends to real depression. Now that Christmas is just around the corner, it would be a good idea to figure out where in the spectrum your yaya’s emotions belong. Christmas, should as much as possible, be a time of celebration – make sure that yaya, as a member of your family, feels the same way.

How can we show our appreciation for someone who is constantly working for our well-being and peace of mind? Here are some suggestions:

1.    Find out what yaya needs:
Every good gift giver understands the importance of proper research. Try to assess what yaya’s concerns are and how you can help address them. Is she worried about sending a nephew to school? Is she thinking of aging parents? Would a generous bonus work better for her than perhaps a health or educational plan for her child? Assess the situation before trying to figure out how to solve it.

2.    Find out what yaya wants:
Knowing that what yaya may want may not be something that she needs --- seeing as how there are other priorities. It may be an option to treat yaya to something special for herself. An attractive bag maybe? A new pair of shoes?A digital camera? Either way, always have yaya’s happiness in mind knowing that this season should be a joyful time.

3.    Possible Choices:
a.    Further studies: Constant learning is always important. Perhaps yaya would like to take a short course on dressmaking or even flower arrangement. It is important that she learn a new skill and gain confidence on her own.

b.    Additional Days off or an extended vacation: Sometimes, after such a long and busy year --- nothing can be more attractive that just resting. Having said this, maybe yaya will be happy to spend a little more time with her family over the holidays. If you can afford to let her go home to be with her loved ones, it will truly be an invaluable gift.

 

Click here to learn more about how to reward yaya this Christmas.

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Read on to learn more about how to reward yaya this Christmas.

 

c.    Include yaya in festivities / Noche Buena / Simbang Gabi: Traditions and rituals are always important in any family. It is what solidifies memories and brings people closer together. Make sure that yaya is part of those memories. Thoughtfulness is always key --- for example, you can give yaya her own Christmas stocking and fill it up with her favorite snacks.

d.    If yaya goes home for her Christmas, it would be a good idea to get her a “Noche Buena” basket filled with food items that can be shared with the entire family.

In as much as Christmas can be a truly hectic and harassing time, it is equally important to remember those closest to us. Take time out to show them and tell them that you care and that they matter. Yaya should be no exception. It can be a lonely time away from her own family --- make sure she feels that she is part of yours.

 

Photo from sxc.hu