A G uide to the P erfect R eading P aradise KEYS TO A COZY BOOK NOOK
PERK UP YOUR PAGE-TURNING. Although the sight of someone going cover to cover in a dingy dungeon may work in a horror film, it’s the wrong way to keep your eyes open and your senses alert. A book nook should be a place for rejuvenation, so keep your space illuminated and lively. Natural light will always work best, but a strategically placed lamp will also do the trick. The goal is to give your eyes a break — not another way to strain them. SHAPE WHERE YOU SIT. Remember those tiny — and hard — wooden seats we endured most of the day when we were kids at school? Well, there’s a good chance your kids still spend plenty of time on them in school! To build the perfect book nook for younger readers, furnish it with softness: a cozy chair with an ottoman or couch with lots of pillows and a blanket nearby. Naturally, adults shouldn’t skimp on comfort, either — your body deserves a break after all those hours in the car, behind a desk, or on your feet.
LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLAG FLY! In addition to providing children with a place to read for pleasure, book nooks can open the door to their creative sides. Encourage them to be little art directors and personalize their spaces with their favorite colors and images. Who knows? Maybe the walls could be the perfect gallery for their drawings! Helping to make your child’s nook a pleasant destination will help them find joy in reading. Of course, the same philosophy should also apply to adults who need a good nook. Like the act of reading itself, creating a literary safe space presents endless possibilities for fun and fulfillment.
Is your home where the hectic is? Crave a place in your house where you or your loved one can find peace with a great paperback and a comfy couch? Well, it may be time to build a book nook! Book nooks can range from cozy, modest spots to mini in-house libraries complete with shelving and large furniture. Whichever direction you take to create your special place for reading and relaxation, a few tried-and- true tips will help transform your corner into a tranquil sanctuary.
H ow to C o -P arent with G race and F lexibility REIMAGINING THE HOLIDAYS Navigating the holidays when you co-parent can be incredibly stressful and challenging, especially when it’s the first time you’re celebrating without your kids. I won’t tell you that you shouldn’t feel any sadness about the situation because it’s than a date on the calendar. It’s a time to celebrate, recognize, and appreciate the memories and love you’ve fostered and developed with your children.
As a Christian, I remind clients of the same faith that Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25. The Roman emperor Constantine chose that date three centuries after Jesus died. If you’re celebrating the holiday for spiritual reasons, it’s perfectly okay to celebrate on a day when your kids are with you. The same goes for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or any other holiday. The actions you take on the day of your celebration will matter more than anything else, regardless of when it falls on the calendar. Your kids won’t remember the day they celebrated Christmas with you, but they’ll remember the moments you shared. The first holiday season away from your kids can feel like Santa didn’t come, but this is an opportunity to shift your traditions or establish brand-new ones. You can still create magical moments they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. If your kids are worried about Santa’s visit, you can always tell them Santa knows things are different this year and has made a special trip just for them. Co-parenting during the holidays requires flexibility and, sometimes, a shift in perspective. Don’t focus on the box with a little number on your calendar. Instead, focus on the love and memories you share with your kids. You can still celebrate, even if it’s on a different day or in a new way. Remember, the new space you’re in doesn’t mean the holidays are going to be any less special. It’s the love you give your children that truly makes the season bright and merry. - Andrea Johnson
completely natural! However, I think it’s important to remember the holiday season is about more
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