Connection and Fun This Christmas

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Connection and Fun This Christmas

The holiday season reminds us that connection and fun are at the heart of Christmas. For many of our customers, the holidays can feel isolating, but your efforts bring joy and togetherness into their lives. Whether it’s decorating cookies, singing carols, or simply sharing a smile, these moments of fun strengthen bonds and make everyone feel valued.  Together, we can create a holiday filled with connection, laughter, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

DECEMBER’S QUOTE
Theme: Connection and Fun

VALUES IN ACTION
Building Bonds Through Connection and Fun

The Importance of Social Connections

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a perfect time to focus on our value of “connection and fun.” The Christmas season, filled with gatherings and celebrations, can be both a time of joy and a reminder of the importance of social connections. For adults with intellectual disabilities, fostering these connections is essential to their emotional well-being. Social isolation can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Here are practical tips for DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers to create opportunities for connection and fun that bring warmth and joy to the season.

1. Plan Inclusive Holiday Activities

• Tip: Create opportunities for customers to participate in holiday-themed activities that encourage interaction and celebration.

• How-to: Organize group activities such as decorating cookies, making Christmas crafts, or participating in a holiday sing-along. Ensure that activities are tailored to different ability levels so that everyone can join in and feel included.

• Connection Focus: By involving customers in holiday activities, you build a sense of belonging and promote joy. These shared experiences strengthen social bonds and create cherished memories.

2. Facilitate Community Involvement

• Tip: Encourage participation in community events such as Christmas tree lightings, parades, or holiday markets.

• How-to: Coordinate outings where customers can safely attend community holiday events, ensuring any necessary accommodations are in place. Partner with local organizations or churches that host accessible events designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

• Connection Focus: Community outings help customers feel more connected to the world around them and remind them that they are part of a larger community that values and welcomes them.

3. Support Group Gatherings

• Tip: Host or facilitate small group gatherings where customers can engage in social activities and share in the spirit of the season.

• How-to: Organize holiday movie nights, potluck meals, or storytelling circles where everyone can contribute a favorite holiday memory or tradition. Include icebreaker games and small group discussions to encourage participation.

• Connection Focus: These gatherings provide a safe space for customers to socialize and build friendships, promoting emotional well-being through shared laughter and companionship.

4. Incorporate Social Skills Training Through Play

• Tip: Use holiday games and activities to teach and reinforce social skills in a fun, relaxed environment.

• How-to: Plan interactive games such as holiday bingo, charades, or simple board games that encourage taking turns, sharing, and teamwork. Offer gentle coaching on positive social interactions during these activities.

• Connection Focus: Teaching social skills through play not only makes learning enjoyable but also empowers customers to engage more confidently in future social settings.

5. Create Holiday Traditions Together

• Tip: Establish simple, inclusive holiday traditions that can be celebrated each year, providing customers with a sense of continuity and excitement.

• How-to: Start a tradition such as decorating a shared Christmas tree, baking holiday treats, or crafting personalized ornaments. Allow customers to contribute ideas for new traditions to make the experience more meaningful.

• Connection Focus: Shared traditions foster a collective identity and create lasting bonds among participants, making everyone feel like they’re part of something special.

Conclusion

The holiday season is an ideal time to focus on building connections through joy, shared experiences, and community involvement. For DSPs and case managers, creating these moments of fun and connection enriches the lives of the customers they serve. By incorporating these strategies into the December routine, you help combat social isolation, promote mental well-being, and bring a sense of warmth and togetherness that extends far beyond the Christmas season. Let’s celebrate the spirit of connection and fun this December, ensuring that everyone feels included, cherished, and part of the holiday magic.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Anonymous

December’s Sunshine Award recipient did not wish to include a photo or name, but they were happy to share a few thoughts with us:

What do you like about your DSP?
“I like that he is always willing to work on new skills and is respectful to me." 

What is your favorite dessert? 
“Cheesecake.”

DSP OF THE MONTH
Chelsie

Here are a few fun questions we asked Chelsie:

What I like about working as a DSP:
"He's not only my client, he's my best friend, and I love helping others."

What is your favorite comfort food?:
"Mom's potato soup."

If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be?
"I’d learn to skateboard like I could in my 20s."

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Andrea - DSP

What are you looking forward to about working with us?
“Forming close, trusting bonds with individuals and their families.”

If you could only eat one type of food for a month, what would it be?
"Lasagna."

Welcome, Andrea! We’re happy you joined us.

QUARTERLY CONTEST
You Can Still Have Time: Get Your Funny Hat Pic to Us!

Wake up, Rudolph! You might win the contest! 😄 

Email your favorite picture of yourself, your DSP, a family member, or even your pet…just make sure you have a funny hat on! Halloween hats are amazing, but Christmas or Thanksgiving hats are fantastic as well.

Email your pictures to: [email protected] by December 27th.

Katie, our Referral Specialist, loves crocheting or listening to audiobooks with her dog curled up on her lap. She’s going to have so much fun looking at your pics and choosing her favorite.

The winner will get a $50 Visa gift card prize, and the winning pic will be featured in our January newsletter!

^{*No purchase necessary to win.}

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We Want to Hear From You

GET PAID TO CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
We Are Hiring!

Get Paid to Care For Your Loved One
At Connections NW, we believe the best care comes from those who know and love your loved one best—family members or trusted friends who truly understand their needs and routines.

With our Bring Your Own Caregiver program, family members or trusted friends can be paid to provide care. Our DSPs (caregivers) start at $24 per hour, with annual raises up to $26, plus full benefits and overtime.

Join the Bring Your Own Caregiver program and start now!

Become a DSP Today
If you have a passion for serving your community, Connections NW is looking for Direct Support Professionals. All our DSPs start at $24 per hour with raises each year up to $26.

Go to: https://connections-nw.org/careers to apply.