Weekly Connections with Brian Lafontaine July 27, 2025
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The holidays can be a time of great joy, but they can also bring their share of stress. How you navigate the season—whether by acting thoughtfully or reacting calmly to the events around you—often reveals true character. As we grow older, build families, and create our own traditions, we face the same challenges that many men have dealt with for generations. Approaching the holidays with a clear plan, genuinely listening to the needs of others, and making space for your own well-being are key steps to ensuring the season is filled with joy rather than overwhelm.
Certainly, each of us has different beliefs, nostalgia, traditions and so on. Whether you are all about the lights, a real tree, a house full of family and friends or just a quiet night with a loved one or spouse, do what makes you happy. That said, taking your spouse or significant others holiday needs into consideration is an important factor as well. While we need to be understanding and flexible, let’s not let it drive us to drink!
Here are a few ideas on how to make the holidays enjoyable and memorable.
2. Start some new traditions with your new family but don’t forget the old ones. As we shared earlier, traditions are so important. Starting new ones is exciting and presumably fun. Establishing holiday traditions with your family while still incorporating some old ones keeps history alive. Never forget where you came from but it’s always ok to add new and wonderful memories. Our family makes cookies every year together. One of my favorite traditions for sure!
3. Do your shopping early. It’s stereotypical of us men to wait until the last minute to buy gifts everyyear. This year, don’t be that guy! With all the options we have to order online, you should beable to knock out your list in a few hours. I don’t have any magic ideas about what to get here,you’ll have to figure that out for yourself! The secret there is to ‘listen’ all year and take notes.
4. Make time with your significant other. If you are fortunate to have someone special in your lifemake time for them and only them. Yes, there will be plenty of family and friend get togethers,but she will appreciate the time alone. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Just a quietnight at home with some takeout and a movie. Trust me on this one.
5. Let the kids know how important family is. If you have a growing family, let your kids know how important the holidays and family are. At the end of the day, that’s all we have to show for our lives. It’s what we leave the next generation. Making it a happy time for them will absolutelyimpact them going forward.
6. It’s ok to say no. With everything going on with the list above, it’s perfectly ok to say no.Stretching yourself too thin will make the holidays more stressful and that’s all you will rememberit by. Pick your activities, prioritize them and graciously decline the rest. You can’t always beeverything to everyone
At the end of the day, we choose how we handle the holidays. If you love them, then this is easy. If you struggle with them, you always will. Make a conscious decision to embrace this time of year. Make the best of it. Surround yourself with good, fun, positive people. Regardless of what your past has brought you around the holiday, make the effort to make it special to those who are important in your life. Watch that Hallmark movie, bring toys to those in need and maybe, just maybe invite someone you know that is struggling to join you for a meal. Not every one of your brothers has family nearby. Make sure you check on those that don’t…
Merry Christmas and don’t forget the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade this year! December 21st at Blythe Landing. It starts at 5:30pm. You can find all the details on the LKNConnect website!
Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO/Live Music Promoter
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author,
