Christmas events

Question - How do you deal with Christmas when a visiting relative is admitted to hospital?

Answer - Quickly adjust all previous plans encourage other visitors and family members to make the best of things.
The most important thing is to visit the 'poor' patient every visiting time (for the full length of time) to ensure they don't feel left out or a burden.
Next, ensure all celebrations and meals take place between visiting times - and encourage everyone to enjoy themselves.
Family time can be spent during the evenings, once visiting time is over and everyone can relax together for a few hours.

Christmas 2011 Posting Deadlines

It's that time again!
If you're sending cards/parcels overseas, these are the dates you need to know:

International Surface Mail
Fri 30th September Non-European destinations except Middle East, South Africa, Far East, USA and Canada
Tue 4th October Middle and Far East (except Hong Kong and Singapore)
Tue 18th October South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, the USA and Canada
Tue 8th November Eastern Europe, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland
Tue 22nd November Western Europe

International Airmail
Mon 5th December South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand
Fri 9th December Eastern Europe, USA and Canada
Mon 12th December Western Europe

Be sure to get to the Post Office in time to avoid disappointment.

The Best Gifts for Grandchildren

When The Beatles sang "Money can't buy me love", I think they were right. Personally, I'm always thrilled when someone is delighted with something I've bought or done for them, regardless of cost and effort.

For me, giving appropriate gifts can often be as rewarding for the giver as the receiver. For global grandparents, it is an opportunity to show how much you care, so consider your gifts carefully, as they can help or hinder your relationship with those special grandchildren in your life.

Younger children usually want toys so, if you're unsure, it's worth checking with parents what their current favourites are. Offer to send money so that an appropriate gift from you can be bought locally. This ensures it will be really welcome, arrive on time and be unbroken - plus it will save you postage costs.

For older children, money is always a good choice, but ensure you send a money order if the currency differs from home, to avoid those bank exchange charges. Alternatively, gift vouchers such as iTunes, Play.com, Amazon are universally welcome. All of these can be arranged online, so it's quick and easy.

Taking time to find out what your grandchildren like will encourage them to appreciate the thought you've put towards finding a suitable gift and perhaps, they'll even think you're "cool". Happy thinking!

Using Skype helps new grandparents

A couple of our closest friends excitedly reported the arrival of Amy, their first grand-daughter. Whilst they're fortunate enough to visit their grandsons every week, they're anxiously counting the minutes until they see little Amy in person.

Watching them use Skype to talk with their daughter, a first-time mum, whilst gazing at their grand-daughter (who didn't like the computer screen) reminded me of our many contributors who admitted finding long-distance grandparenting challenging and/or distressing.

It made me think that, whilst I hope our son and his eventual family will live close to our home, I mustn't assume our wish will come true, as our own parents will testify.

Congratulations to everyone who manages to make it work.
It is challenging? - yes...
heart-breaking? - sometimes...
a substitute for the personal visits? - never
and, if I end up being a long-distance grandparent, I think I'll probably agree!

Staying Sane when the Grandparents visit

Peter and I were approached by author Ellen Himelfarb, who was researching an article (title above) for the website Mommyish.com.

She was keen to learn what the outcome of our research was and whether we could share any tips with her readers. True to form, Peter and I shared our (often) differing versions of how to survive.

To read Ellen's article in detail, please click here.

Meeting with expat friends

Whenever anyone tells me that the world is "smaller than we think", I always laugh - because I know they're right! Here's why.

Sandra, my closest friend in Holland, has a lovely daughter who's now studying at Manchester University, not too far from my UK home. Another friend I met overseas lives only 2 miles away from my parent's house in Newcastle. And there are many similar instances that I shan't bother to explain here.

So, if anyone suggests that the world is small - I nod and agree because, in my experience, it's true!

"Round Robins"

At this time of year, we receive "Round Robins" from around the globe. If you don't keep in touch with old friends regularly, it's a fun way to let them know what you've been up to during the year.

This year's highlights include playing beach rugby in Dubai, whilst our own son played in 2 inches of snow here in the UK!

Whilst I love to hear news from friends, my own favourite Robin regularly visits my garden. His singing cheers me up as I try not to let him distract me when I'm supposed to be working...

Merry Christmas everyone.