Nurturing Joy and Connection This Holiday Season
Hello friends,
I hope this newsletter finds you eagerly anticipating moments of connection and celebration in the weeks to come. At Firm Foundation Family Services, we consider this time of year the perfect opportunity to count our blessings and gear up for growth in the new year
You can now find 3FS on social media!
We take a cautious approach to social platforms. We appreciate these tools as a way to communicate to those who may benefit; we are also concerned for the ways social media so easily causes division and isolation in the guise of fostering dialogue and building connection.
We plan to use these tools to share our message of hope, connection, and support in the name of Christ, while continuing to encourage those who want to engage with us to reach out via our website or schedule an in-person visit.
Please pray for us as we venture into this area of communication, and if you use social media, check out our pages on Facebook (@FirmFoundationFamilyServices), Instagram (@firm.foundation.fs), and LinkedIn (Firm Foundation Family Services).
FEATURED BLOG
When to Speak and When to Stay Silent
Your spouse is your ally, not your enemy...He or she has a vested interest in your good, and is a vessel the Lord uses to enact His sanctifying work in you.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
The Joy of Family Traditions
by Jennifer Trainer Thompson
“Traditions do so much more than commemorate a milestone; they can serve as guideposts along the way, helping us to shape our daily lives and foster values–indeed, they can be an oasis in an increasingly hectic and busy world.” (p. 15)
Holidays are not the only time to partake in family traditions, but this is a time of year when people tend to be especially open to engaging in meaningful traditions as well as considering how new traditions bloom and old traditions may be let go. Thompson’s book is full of history and ideas for traditions new and classic that fill the entire calendar year. Pick up this book if you’re eager to find ways to connect and find meaning with your loved ones through every season of 2026.
MONTHLY PICKS
CARRINGTON'S CORNER
Just a few things I’m loving right now
PODCAST
M is for Mama Hosted by Abbie Halberstadt, mother of ten, this podcast tackles all things related to motherhood from a Biblical perspective, including practical tips, discussion of cultural issues, and encouragement for moms in the trenches.
RESOURCE
Common Sense Media is an organization focused on education and advocacy related to helping parents and teachers protect and educate kids in the realm of entertainment, digital media, and now AI. Their ratings of books and movies provide useful insights to help families determine appropriate entertainment choices.
INSIGHT
Practicing Gratitude: While Thanksgiving is the in the rear view, the entire holiday season is an opportune time to be intentional about cultivating a grateful heart. Gratitude is linked to strong mental health, high cognitive and executive function, relational satisfaction, healthy sleep habits, and even longevity.
Gratitude acts as an antidote to troubling emotions like envy and regret and increases optimism. Our gratitude pleases the Lord and is designed for our own good. Keeping a gratitude journal or making a habit of daily thanks will help keep the holiday season bright.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
More impactful than any book, app, website, cultural trend, digital tool, or expert opinion is your own personal investment in your marriage and family. During this season of hectic demands, remember there is no better gift you can offer your loved ones than your presence. Thank you for being a treasured member of the 3FS community. May your Christmas and New Years be full of joy.
Walking with you,
Carrington