Lecture Helps Families Communicate During the Stressful Holiday Season

From the Hudson Valley Hospital Center – (December 2, 2011) – The holiday season brings times of joy, food and stress. Whether it’s hosting the holiday dinner, or giving the perfect gift, this highly anticipated season can cause unnecessary aggravation.
 
Hudson Valley Hospital Center and Bethel Homes invites all families to attend “Improving Family Communication During the Stress-Filled Holidays” with Christine Sotmary on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at The Springvale Inn, 62 Springvale Road, Croton-on-Hudson.
 
Sotmary will lead the conversation with tips on making the holiday season stress free and enjoyable, including:
·         Listening to what's between the lines;
·         Learning from body language;
·         Saying what we mean and meaning what we say;
·         Taking the frantic out and putting the quality back in;
·         How sadness and upset can sometimes help bring everyone closer;
·         Giving the gift of time, sharing old traditions and creating new ones;
 
“As a caregiver for more than eight years, I know how important a program like this is in the community, especially during the holiday season,” said Sotmary. “Sometimes families need to take a step back, re-evaluate the situation and understand where each person is coming from. This seminar will encourage families to talk about any unresolved stress they are facing at that time, eliminating animosity and gaining support.”
 
Sotmary is a Professional Caregiver Advocate and the founder of Caregiver Access, a support organization guiding family caregivers in Westchester. For nearly three years, with the help of Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Sotmary has expanded the program with multiple support groups and lecture series, including this seminar.  For more information or to register for the event, please call (914) 739-4404.