Family – Hub of love, security, stability, and memories

A family is a group of people who have each other's back and unconditionally love one another. Family members provide one with security and a sense of belonging. They are compassionate, loyal, selfless, and caring members of a community. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. There are nuclear families, adoptive families, extended families, and chosen families. All that matters is that you are surrounded by supportive people who better your life. Family will shape one’s identity and determine who you become as a person. This is why it is crucial to have positive people that you can lean on.

"Families are the compass that guides us.

They are the inspiration to reach great heights,

And our comfort when we occasionally falter.” - Brad Henry

Family Day is a joyful holiday that is typically celebrated on the third monday of every February. On this day the general population of 5 Canadian provinces have the day of school and work off. Family Day began in Alberta when Helen Hunley, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, passed the Family Day Act in 1990.  It was introduced to Saskatchewan in 2007, to Ontario in 2008, to British Columbia in 2013, and finally to New Brunswick in 2018. Its purpose was to reflect the values of family that were important to the pioneers who founded Alberta. This day gives workers the opportunity to spend quality time with their families.

Celebrating Family Day in 2021 is necessary and extremely beneficial to mental health. The lockdown has caused emotional distress and feelings of loneliness in everyone’s lives. Spending time with your household is a great way to relieve stress and safely socialize. They are there to support you and make you feel loved and valued. This day is also a great opportunity to reach out to the extended side of the family through phone calls or video chat. Check in on eachother and catch up on what is new and how you are all feeling. Making others feel appreciated and valued sends out positive energy that will brighten their day.

Ways to spend Family Day in 2021

1. Get active: Enjoying the outdoors and      obtaining vitamin C is crucial for mental health. There are many family      friendly outdoors activities that are Covid safe. Tobogganing, skating on      a local pond, nature walks, and building snowmen are just a few of the      many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
2. Family game night: Family game night is the      perfect way to engage the whole family. Every member can pick a game which      will create a fun night full of laughs. This can even be done virtually to      connect with extended family members.
3. Family cooking challenge: Create teams that will cook      different parts of the family meal. You can include appetizers, entrees      and desserts! This is a fun and creative way to introduce children to      cooking.
4. Arts and crafts: Painting and colouring is a fun      activity for kids and stress relieving for adults. Play some music and      unwind while creating your very own masterpiece.

February is a cold yet beautiful month that deserves to be appreciated. Live this family day to the fullest by appreciating all the good in your life and the beauty around us. It is easy to get caught up in the negativity, however having a positive mindset is the key to happiness and success. Focus on bettering yourself and checking in one your loved ones. Spend time outdoors and take some time to relax by reading a book or watching a family movie. Wishing you all a wonderful and safe family day!