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The Holiday Blues

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Selamat Natal! Feliz Navidad! 메리 크리스마스! The holiday season is typically full of joy, laughter, anticipation, and rest. …Except when it isn’t. If you notice feelings of unease or sadness creeping in, know you are NOT alone. Here are some ways to work through the “blues” and retain a sense of hope and resilience during this season (expanded from this Peardeck article):

Stay Active

Our bodies and minds are vitally connected! Staying physically active has been shown to reduce and relieve anxiety and depression. So take a couch/screen break and get moving for at least 30 minutes per day! (walk, dance, swim, run, do yoga, play sports, bike, bounce, climb a tree, chase a butterfly – anything active!)

Acknowledge your (and your child’s) feelings

It’s OK to feel what you feel! It’s helpful to acknowledge it through journaling, sharing with a trusted friend or family member, and giving yourself grace when things don’t feel as they “should.”

Protect your Peace

What are the things that seem to amplify sadness, anxiety, and stress? Is it social media? Your phone? Focusing on buying/receiving the perfect gift? Certain toxic relationships? In this season, try to “protect your peace” by putting aside these things as much as possible, and focus on the things that bring you life, such as your family, taking walks outside, reading, drinking tea with a friend, or whatever else fills your soul with joy and rest.

For to us a Child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Start a new tradition

With COVID taking away the possibility of many former “traditions”, or perhaps them being tainted by some pain or trauma, start something new this year! Maybe give your kids each a new book to read on Christmas eve. Build a fort and sleep in it on Christmas eve, and wake up and have a new special meal Christmas morning. Decorate a tree outside for the animals to enjoy. Hold a board game or cards tournament. Have each family member have a “yes day” where they get to choose all the activities for the day. Whatever it is, let it be something that brings you closer to each other and to the Lord.

Be Thankful

In addition to ample biblical calls to gratitude (i.e. 1 Thes. 5:16-18, Psalm 9:1, Phil. 4:6-7, Hebrews 12:28-29), we can also see in research the physical and emotional benefits of gratitude (see research by Dr. Robert Emmons). Keep a gratitude journal. Take intentional time at the end of every day to list one or two things that you are grateful for, either personally or together as a family while eating dinner.

Meditate on the gift of God’s presence

We are currently in the midst of the season of Advent, where we reflect upon and await in anticipation with fresh eyes the coming of the true King. “Advent is a season of waiting and wanting, looking and longing, inviting Christ to come once more into my life and into our world. So, I pause now and repeat this ancient prayer several times slowly: ‘Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus” (Lectio 365 app, November 29, 2021 devotion).

We hope and pray that your Christmas break is full of joy and rest, and if you have the “holiday blues,” that these suggestions may help (thank you Peardeck!). Ultimately may you find hope in the knowledge that we have a Savior who came to bring light, life, and joy. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn (O Holy Night)!”

Ms. Martin
School Counselor
hayleymartin@baisedu.org

Finance Department Info

Dear Parents,

Here are three quick announcements from the finance department:

  1. Please see your BAIS family email for an important announcement from our finance department regarding reenrollment.
  2. If you still have an outstanding balance from the first semester, please come to the BAIS finance office to settle your account. Failure to do this will result in your child’s report card being held.
  3. Starting this week, we will begin sending second semester tuition invoices via email. The due date for second semester tuition payment is Jan 7, 2022. Please remember that tuition must be received the BAIS account on or before the due date. A late fee will be applied to any outstanding account balances.

Thank you for your partnership,
BAIS Finance Office

From the Guidance Counselor

Summer Programs and the Upcoming Virtual Events

Are you interested in participating in a Summer Program to help bolster your college applications? Here are a few options among many which are available.

Don’t forget to check out the Upcoming Virtual Events for university presentations. King’s University is hosting one this weekend.

Congratulations to Odelyn Sinaga!

Odelyn has been accepted to the following schools in the United States of America:

When you see Odelyn around campus – make sure to give her a covid-high-five.

Please be praying for the rest of the seniors class as they are working or waiting on response to applications.

BAIS Annual Report 2020-2021

Here’s the link to BAIS’s Annual Report: bit.ly/baisAR2021

Christmas Concert

Pre-recording of the BAIS Christmas Concert Performance that was held live on December 10, 2021

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