Santa not being real https://i.pinimg.com/736x/73/39/2a/73392a10d420aed79074da6511b131a7.jpg


11



If you want to know what a woman wants in a man, I have a simple answer for you: watch the movie Scent of a Woman starring Al Pacino. Specifically, the tango scene.


14, 17, 21



Robin Williams was one of the best examples of how to be a good human.


15, 19, 21



It’s okay to feel jealous. Totally normal, totally human. Just never act on jealousy.


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



Ask him for Christmas present: recite Andy Weir’s “The Egg.” Bonus points for memorization! Also great idea for audition tape. )I’m assuming you’ll be in theater!) xoxo


15



None of us should ever have to apologize for being who we are.


10, 14, 21



Trying to avoid the real work makes the task 100 times harder. Do the work.


9, 15, 21



Any thought about self-harm is like a “check engine” light going off for your brain. Seek professional help. You will recover.


12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21



Don’t waste your life’s purpose worrying about what other people think about you.


12, 15, 21



Quit trying to uncrazy the crazies


17, 21



Give people the benefit of the doubt. Unless someone gives you a reason not to trust them, assign the best possible motive to their actions.


14-18



Some books you loved when you were a toddler: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Horton Hatches an Egg, Room on the Broom, Gruffalo.


2-4



“Praise in public. Discipline in private.” This is good advice for when you’re a parent and for when you’re a boss.


20



Enroll in a CPR course. Re-certify every year.


13



Sex talk: “Forget about sex. Just play first.” Forget about making a move and just have fun. Dance, listen to music together, go somewhere exciting, look at something beautiful, read to each other, play sports, let yourself be seen and encourage them to do the same. Communicate in a hundred ways: talk/send texts/ post on social media, pass notes, whatever. “Sex isn’t the door to intimacy


15



There’s one thing I’ve noticed that makes the difference between an adult and someone who is over 18: That person’s proclivity for reading. Books make you smarter, yes but they also make you kinder, funnier, more empathetic and more tolerant of opposing viewpoints. Travel has a similar effect but is a lot more expensive! If you want to be a genuine grownup, read (or listen to) everything you can get your hands on.


10, 14, 16, 20



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



Practice staying calm under pressure. The pop-up game “Perfection” is a fun way.


10, 12, 15, 17, 21



It’s when the sh*t hits the fan that real discipleship begins.


21



Teach to use nail clippers


7



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



Grit.


14



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



1

Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4



Fashion philosophy: never mind the trends. Ask yourself “how do I want to be perceived today? How do I want to feel?” Go from there.


12, 17. 19



Google the “tea metaphor” for a discussion about consent.


17



Make a gift of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.


15