Santa Looks Like Me

A Santa Like Me

During the holiday season snapping a photo with Santa Claus is a holiday tradition. But for families of color, it is often difficult to find a Santa that is representative of their family. Change, however, is on the horizon. For the first time in its 66-year history, Disney is incorporating a Black Santa in its Christmas celebration. Despite Megan Kelly’s assertion otherwise, it is not a universal truth that “Santa is white.” Retailers including Macy’s, Old Navy and malls across the country have finally awoken to something that that People of Color have always known, representation matters! It was out of this truth that Santas Just Like Me was born. Founded in Durham, North Carolina in 2013, the company and its Black Santas has been bringing joy to children and parents alike.

On December 11, 2021, Black Santa came to town, or more specifically the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Warren Keys, the original Santas Just Like Me, Black Santa, came to spread good cheer and hear the Christmas wishes of the attendees of the 10th Annual Grey’s Holiday Party. wishes of the attendees of the 10th Annual Grey’s Holiday Party. Keys epitomizes Santa. From the real the sparkle in his eyes to the wonder in his voice when he talks about the magic of Santa and look in the eyes children when they see him.

Keys has been with Santas Just Like Me since the company formed. One of his first outings as Santa was the Gray’s Holiday Party, in Charlotte, NC. When asked when he became Santa, he responded, “In my heart I have always been Santa.” He tells the story of walking through a mall and noticing little children, in particular, staring at him. His wife noticed it also and remarked, “I think they think you are Santa!” It was soon after that he formally took on the role and has been Santa ever since. It is more than just the white beard that makes Keys Santa. There is a vibrancy that that surrounds him and a joyous spirt that shines through. Black children and parents alike have a deep appreciation for Keys and other like him because through them, they can see that Santas just like me.

Give The Gift Of Time This Holiday Season

he gift-giving season of T the year has begun, and while many of us would prefer to give material presents to our loved ones, we can perhaps do things a little differently this time. You could devote some of your time to those in need through one or more of the various opportunities for volunteering in Charlotte, NC. There are so many people who don’t get to enjoy this season due to challenging circumstances, so just a little time and effort from us can help change things for the better. One act of kindness really can make a difference. With that said, here are volunteering opportunities to consider.

Charlotte Rescue Mission

This organization helps people affected by addiction to enable them to recover and become active members of their respective communities. The organization does not discriminate on genders or ages, allowing anyone to help turn their lives around. You could participate by helping prepare and serve meals, assist at events, tutor people, help in the store, or be part of the organizing team for the life skills training programs. Address: Rebound: 907 W. 1st St.; Dove’s Nest: 2855 West Blvd.

Classroom Charlotte

Classroom Central provides free school supplies to teachers in almost 200 schools in which more than half of the children qualify for reduced or free lunch. You could volunteer at a free teacher shopping event. If you can’t make it to an event, you could donate to the cause or start a fundraiser for donations. Address: 2116 Wilkinson Blvd.

Friendship Trays

Every day, this organization takes a maximum of 120 volunteers to help prepare and distribute nutritious meals to infirmed

and elderly individuals in Charlotte. While the meals in themselves are essential, the organization also helps combat loneliness and a lack of socialization among infirmed and elderly individuals by offering consistent help. Address: 2401 Distribution St. # A

Overcoming the Holiday Blues

By Corinna M. Costello, Ph.D., LCMHCS, LCPC, ATR-BC

The holiday seasons are synonymous with families uniting for cheer and merriment, sparkling light shows and seasonal music of unity, hope, and magical acts of kindness. These are some of the hallmark concepts related to the holiday season. But the reality is often in stark contrast to this idyllic holiday image. For many, the holiday season is marred by struggles related to feelings of sadness, lack of joy and loss of hope. We may call it the “holiday blues” but for many, this time of year brings on difficulties related to emotions and mental health concerns. Some causes for the “holiday blues” connect back to unrealistic beliefs and expectations that set us up for failure. The natural end of the year brings on reflections of the past and past failures, challenges and struggles leading to feelings of sadness and/or loneliness. The nature of the holidays, gift giving, and commercialization may lead to increased financial concerns and uncertainty about the future. Strained family relationships and get togethers may increase feelings of stress and exhaustion. Poor eating habits, a reduction in exercise, and an increase in substance use all reinforce those feelings. Reduced sunlight and inclement weather limits outdoor activities; these factors may impact our ability to manage some of the holiday emotions, thus leading feeling melancholy. If you are experiencing the holiday blues, there is good news! These emotions do not have to be permanent. How do we manage the emotions related to the holiday blues? The impact of the holiday emotions includes an understanding that being kind to oneself matters. Self-care and grace are critical to reducing feelings of being overwhelmed. Creating a day-to-day schedule and setting boundaries are key components to your overall emotional health. Saying no to events that do not fit into your schedule is important. Mindfulness and relaxation are vital to the process of managing your emotions. Taking a break, daily exercise, or a meditative moment are important methods for selfcare and control in a moment of stress. These approaches increase stress-relieving hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin to improve your overall health. Incorporating intentional, self-care activities can increase your mood and help you decrease the holiday blues. If you know that you struggle emotionally during the holidays, be proactive, take care of yourself, do something that will be of help to others and express gratitude for the areas in your life that are going well. The holiday season is a moment in time, but these tools and techniques for wellness can be used to help you on your emotional wellness journey all year long.

If you are in need of emotional support, now, or at anytime, we encourage you to reach out to our offices. We would be more than happy to assist.

Contact us: Personal Enrichment Counseling & Consulting Services Phone: 704-709-5575 Web: PersonallyEnriched.com

5 Tips To Avoid Holiday Overspending

December can be the costliest month of the year for most people. Americans spend 9x the amount of money retail shopping in December than they do at any other time of the year. The joy and euphoria experienced from the giving and receiving of gifts is often followed by a January full of regret and stress when credit card bills come due, or finances are tighter than anticipated.

1 Set a Budget Know exactly how much money you feel comfortable spending. Buying gifts has a major impact on your budget, but so do other activities including entertaining and traveling. Be sure you budget is realistic and encompasses all expenses. Be sure to track you spending to ensure you stay within budget.

2 Make a List Instead of just wandering the mall looking for inspiration, work out how you want to spend your budget. Determine your gift recipients and what you would like to get each person. This way, you avoid browsing in the stores, which can lead to temptation and impulse buys that can derail your budget in a single transaction.

Avoid Impulse Buys Because it’s on sale, does not mean it’s a bargain for you. Unless that doorbuster helps you save on an item that was on your list (for real), avoid the lure of the red tag. Avoid impulse spending and add-ons.

4 Go Cash Only. It might be easier to swipe and go as you shop, but if going into debt over the holidays is a repeat pattern for you, consider committing to going all-cash, at least for the holiday season, when shopping in person.

5 Give the Gift of Time Not all gifts have to be purchased, so don’t be afraid to get creative and consider gifting experiences and activities. This could be a good time to take your mind off of spending money and refocus it on spending time with your loved ones, instead.

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