Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami’s Post

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and sometimes stress) of Christmas spending. Whether you’re buying gifts, decorating your home, or planning a feast for the family, it’s easy to get carried away. Remember the spirit of Christmas doesn’t have to come with a financial hangover! If you’re worried about finances, be open with your family about setting limits or agreeing to alternatives like Secret Santa or homemade gifts. It’s the love and connection that truly counts. What are your favourite ways to celebrate Christmas without overspending? Share your tips below! #Christmas #GiftGiving #stressfree #WednesdayWisdom #FestiveSeason #spiritofchristmas

It's all very well working your bum off to make an experience and to turn Christmas into the best day of the year but do we really need to spend all the money to do it? How about changing the rules. How about putting the effort into making memories with your family instead of more fodder for the land fill. Make up some games, get the kids to design a board game even. Play those throughout the day and have fun prizes rather than presents. Parents and families all over the country are feeling so much more pressure than ever this year and many are "cancelling Christmas" because of the financial strain. We need to cut it back. Stop being pulled into the commercialism of the day and start remembering the peace on earth and goodwill towards men part of it. Maybe get the family involved with a local community Christmas dinner or get everyone you know together who is doing it tough, everyone bring one dish and share it all out as a pot luck style meal. That way no one person or family is putting on all the effort and stress. No gifts just spending time and making memories together. Teaching children that it's not about who got what and how many, but it's about what they will remember in years to come. Christmas and the other holidays don't have to be cancelled but maybe the day and what happens and the activities need to change. #christmasonabudget #handmadechristmas #costoflivingcrisis

Christmas is nearly here, and it’s a great time to let your customers and team members know how much you appreciate them. But after another unsettled year – it’s not easy to know how much to spend or whether to throw a party. Wondering what to do for your team? Not sure what you can afford to budget for Christmas gifts? We can help.

The Spirit of Giving: Like, Want, Need Today, I shared with a friend my perspective on how we, as human beings, navigate the concepts of like, want, and need. We often gravitate toward things we like—luxuries such as Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, or Teslas. These high-end items are often about status, showing others what we have. Then, there’s want—more practical but still rooted in desire. A “want” might be something we think about and say, “I’d like that,” but it’s not essential. And then there’s need, where I choose to stand. Practicing need means focusing on life’s essentials: food, shelter, clothing, paying bills, and keeping the lights on. Too often, people get caught up in the rush of buying things they like or want, especially during the holidays. But what about addressing needs—our own and those of others? This holiday season, let’s shift the focus. Look around your home and identify: 1. Things you like but no longer use. 2. Things you wanted but no longer need. 3. Things that could serve someone else better than they serve you. Clean them up, wrap them up, and give them to someone in need. A coat that kept you warm for ten years, a gadget you rarely use, or even a toy that once brought joy to your children—these can all make a difference in someone else’s life. Let this be your way of saying, Merry Christmas. This served me well; I hope it serves you, too. In the spirit of giving, let’s focus less on likes and wants and more on the needs of others. Let’s bring light into someone else’s life this season. God bless, Dr. Bryan K. Hickman All Rights Reserved, 2024 #Want #Need #Christmas #Family #Friends #Giving #MerryChristmas

Veery would like to extend a Happy Mother's Day to all! We hope your weekend was filled with love, happiness, and many cherished moments! Spending a day/weekend celebrating all our dedicated, caring, and exceptional mothers is never enough time! Here are some of the memories made from our team's weekend festivities!   #MothersDay #VeeryCapital #FinancialServices #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #RetirementPlans

Congratulations Kinsome and Eben on your launch! If you don’t know about the Kinsome app and you want to help bridge the gap between your children and their grandparents, check out Kinsome! #grandparentsday #sandwhichgeneration

Gift That Child The Power of choice. As the holiday season approaches, excitement fills the air. Families line up at malls, eager to capture that perfect moment with Santa. But amidst the joy, there’s a crucial conversation waiting to happen. Years ago, as a young mother, I was guilty of this myself. My son was terrified and frozen in fear, yet I pushed him to take a picture with Santa. Looking back, I realize that I missed an important lesson about consent and respecting his feelings. What if we paused for a moment? Instead of forcing our children into uncomfortable situations, let’s ask them how they feel about meeting Santa. Imagine the impact, by honoring their choice, whether they want to engage or not. You’re teaching them about boundaries and body autonomy. This holiday season, let’s create a new tradition. If your child wants to sit on Santa’s lap, be there with them. If they don’t, respect their decision wholeheartedly. Let’s celebrate the magic of choice and ensure our children feel safe and empowered during this festive time. After all, it’s not just about capturing a moment; it’s about fostering confidence in their own voices. How do you encourage your child to express their feelings during holiday traditions? Share your thoughts below Please repost this post to spread the message of empowerment and choice! #EmpoweredKids #HolidayTradition #EmpowerToPrevent #PhoenixGates #100DaysShowUpWithZuria

This is the busiest time of year for Thrivent Action Teams. The spirit of giving is in the air. Loving our neighbors, sharing our resources and doing the good works are just a few things that make this time of year a little extra special. You still have time to apply for your Thrivent Action team! Here are 5 Great Ways to use them: 1. For an angel/giving tree. If you don't know where to find one, use your Action Team to start one at your church, school or office. 2. Help supply a family or two in need with a meal and Christmas gifts. 3. Bring Christmas cheer with Christmas treats, decorations and company to shut-ins or nursing homes. 4. Make your own "Secret Santa" gifts and hand out in your community to spread cheer. 5. Host a Christmas breakfast or treat table for your church, school or favorite organization. If you need more ideas, feel free to call our office 507-637-8139 and ask for Amber. Reminder, you just have to apply for your Action Team by the end of the year not to lose it, you don't have to use it by the end of the year! Hope this is helpful. Looking forward to seeing you Thrivent Action Team in use. www.Thrivent.com/Redwood #livegenerously #ThriventActionTeam See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Bring a Little Holiday Magic to Someone in Need The holidays are near and here, and for many of us, it’s a time filled with joy and giving. But for some families, it can be a tough season. That’s why I’m so inspired by the United States Postal Service Operation Santa program, which has been spreading holiday cheer for over 100 years. Here’s how it works: kids and families in need write letters to Santa, sharing their wishes. These letters are then made available for anyone to adopt. You can choose a letter, fulfill the request, and make someone’s holiday brighter. It’s such a simple but powerful way to give back! Visit the website: uspsoperationsanta.com Read through letters sent to Santa and find one that speaks to you. Send your gift and make someone’s holiday wishes come true. It doesn’t take much to make a big impact. A warm coat, a favorite toy, or even just knowing someone cares can mean the world to a child or family this time of year. This program is a reminder of how much good we can do when we show up for each other. If you’re able, I encourage you to check it out—and share with anyone else who might want to join in. Let’s make this season a little brighter for those who need it most. 💫 #OperationSanta #HolidayGiving #SpreadJoy #CommunityKindness

🎁🎉 This Safe Toys, Gifts, and Celebrations Month, choose age-appropriate, safe toys to ensure every moment is filled with happiness. Celebrate responsibly. Caring for one another is the greatest gift of all. 🌟 There are steps you can take to be safe, read those tips: https://buff.ly/3CxB9Q0