Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 17 novembre 2018
It's Time to Give Thanks For These 16 Sexy Romances Out in November
It's the month to be thankful for family, happiness, and anything that makes our lives a little better - though, let's be honest: we're thankful for those things every day, right? But after we've finished giving thanks for the important things in life, I'd like to give a lot of thanks for these amazing must reads that are coming to our e-readers this month. I've compiled a whole list of sexy cowboys, dashing and domineering millionaires, and straight-up swoon-worthy men that we should all take a minute to be eternally grateful for - I hope you enjoy!
How to Have the Ultimate Harry Potter Day at Universal Orlando
Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, there's something for everyone at Universal Orlando Resort's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are attractions like the Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which immerse you right into Harry's world. The dining options will make you feel like you've stepped right into the pages of J.K. Rowling's beloved books. Don't forget your wand and meet us at Platform 9 3/4 for the ultimate Harry Potter day at Universal Orlando.
I Just Sent Out All of These Holiday Cards, and I am Weeping They Are So Funny
Get ready to run to your nearest post office and buy out all of the holiday-themed stamps in the building, because you are going to want to send these greeting cards to everyone you know . . . trust us.
Whether you're into pop culture and celebs, naughty holiday references, or just funny puns in general, you will be living for these greeting cards.
Stamp 'em up and send them on their way. We promise your friends will love this holiday kind of humor.
50+ Target Finds Under 50 Bucks For Your Boyfriend - He's Gonna Love 'Em
So, what exactly do you get your boyfriend for the holidays without looking like you tried too hard, overthought it for months, or called his mother on the phone last week and asked what he wanted? Yeah, it's a question we have all asked ourselves at one point or another.
To keep your relationship casual, cool, and right where you want it this holiday season, get your guy some of these fun and thoughtful gifts from Target. Shop our picks for the best boyfriend gifts ahead!
20 Fun Under-$20 Gifts For Girlfriends
When you're hunting for the perfect gift for a girlfriend, it's all about the little luxuries. You want to find that special gift that makes your friend smile, something small that she wouldn't splurge on, or something she's never seen before. We've given you a helping hand on your shopping by scouring the web for small, affordable gifts that your girlfriends are sure to cherish. So check out these funny, fancy, and unique gifts - all $20 and under - now!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Thank You, Target, For Taking Ugly Christmas Sweaters to a Whole New "Dressy" Level
You've seen your fair share of ugly Christmas sweaters, but have you witnessed Target's twist on the ugly Christmas sweater trend? We are talking about ugly Christmas sweater dresses, people.
Target has blessed our holiday season with these "ugly" (and by ugly, we mean cute) holiday sweater dresses, and we will be wearing them to every festive event on our calendars for the rest of the year. They really are a Christmas miracle.
Disney Is Selling Boozy Cookie Shots, in Case You Need Another Reason to Be Jolly
There are already a million and one excuses to go to Disneyland during the holidays, but I'm about to give you one more: boozy. cookie. shots. Whether you've been naughty or nice this year, you're deserving of this tipsy treat - especially after a long day at the park.
Spotted in the Grand Californian Hotel, dedicated Disney fans can sip on a $14 cookie shot filled with RumChata, Baileys Irish Cream, or Peppermint Schnapps. The sweet shots have a chocolate dipped rim and are covered in candy cane sprinkles, in case you're looking for that added sugar rush. And don't worry: your little ones can fill their own cookie cup with plain ole milk and join in on the fun.
This Festive Game-of-Thrones-Themed Wedding Is a Medieval Fantasy Come to Life
Winter is coming . . . but so is wedding season, and this beautiful couple decided to celebrate their union Game of Thrones-style! You read that right: Claire and Chris tied the knot on the historic grounds of Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA, and their ceremony was filled with details from the iconic series amid a festive Christmas backdrop.
"Chris and Claire actually traveled down from Canada to celebrate in one of Washington's few celebrated castles," said photographer Jason Comerford. "They had their hearts set on a very authentic medieval-themed wedding due to their love of the Game of Thrones series. Their day was full of custom, handmade details, including their bridal party's beautiful outfits!"
If you take a close look at the pictures, the venue looks similar to the Red Keep, all decked out in holiday decor. Another fun detail is that Claire opted for a rustic metallic lantern with an elegant arrangement of pinkish-purple flowers instead of a traditional bouquet. Chris looked like 16th century royalty in a blue and gold jacket with ruffled sleeves. The ceremony was stunning; a string quartet played when Claire walked down the aisle, and later on, the couple drank from a chalice during their nuptials.
Check out the amazing pictures from the wedding!
20 LitRPG Books That Are Virtually Unputdownable
Never heard of LitRPG before? You're probably not the only one. Recently made popular by Ernest Cline's Ready Player One, LitRPG (Literary Role Playing Game) is a literary genre in which games or game-like challenges make up an essential part of the storyline. These books merge traditional book-style narration with quests, achievements, and other typical gaming elements, making them feel more like a journey than a reading experience.
If you're a reluctant reader who'd rather be playing video games (or if you're just looking for a little excitement in your next read), you should check out one of these 20 LitRPG books. Don't forget to bookmark this page to cross the "LitRPG" prompt off your 2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge list!
Related: Never Heard of Cli-Fi? Here Are 20 Books That'll Introduce You to the New Genre
10 New Fall Novels About Badass Women That Also Happen to Be Written by Badass Women
There's nothing better than reading a novel about a badass woman who takes control and shows those in her life just how brave she really is. If you're a fan of female characters who take the world by storm, these 10 new fiction picks of Fall will have you believing that women really are the future.
We're Taking These Beauty Trends to 2019 With Us
Between the Fashion Weeks around the globe, many red carpets, and an infinite scroll on Instagram and Pinterest, 2018 has brought us a plethora of beauty trends. We have seen swipes of bright colors and delicate hardware on unexpected places, elevated versions of past looks, and possibly every food or beverage attached to a new way to dye hair (think: toasted almond and even cold brew). Ahead are just a few of our favorite looks that we are definitely taking with us to 2019.
Justine Marjan and Kitsch Prove That Hair Pins Aren’t Just For Kids Anymore
This week, Justine Marjan dropped a line of rhinestone-encrusted hair accessories with Kitsch, and they have taken social media by storm. The crystals are arranged in the form of four words - "Feelings," "Damn," "Glam," and our personal favorite, "Drippin" - or as straight pins. They've been seen in the hair of celebrities and models, elevating top knots and styles, from classic to glam.
Justine Marjan has taken to Instagram to show us how to wear her pieces. On her page, you'll see "Drippin" and "Feelings" tucked into different textures and modern styles - proving that adults can totally wear hair accessories, too.
The Results Are In: These Are the Best Beauty Collaborations of 2018
Picture this: two icons walk into a room, and sparks fly immediately. That's kind of how we feel about a good beauty collaboration. This year, celebrities, fashion legends, influencers, and even Disney princesses have partnered with top cosmetics brands to make our dreams come true, with limited-edition sets of makeup, skin care, and hair care that perfectly meld the two's unique personas.
Some of 2018's best collabs (and there were many of them) had the ability to prompt our editors to do two things: first, scream; and second, try everything to get our hands on it. Read on to see the most exciting partnerships of the year.
If You're Obsessed With Foiled Eye Shadow, This Palette Will Blow Your Mind
My jaw nearly dropped to the floor the first time I saw the stunning metallic hues in Jouer's Making Magic Ulta Foil Eye Shadow Palette Gift Set ($52). It contains 12 richly pigmented foiled shadows that shine like tinsel and go on full of pigment in just one swipe.
Each color is as eye-catching as the next, and the high-shine finish makes them ideal for every party you go to this holiday season. You can apply them with an eye shadow brush, but I've found that it's easiest to apply the product with my fingers.
See swatches and photos of the palette (available Nov. 1) ahead.
See the Best Buys From Ulta's Cyber Fundays Sale Before It Ends
Black Friday may not be until next week, but there's no reason you can't get in on the money-saving fun now, too.
If you truly cannot wait until you're fueled up on turkey to shop major deals, Ulta's got you. The retailer has kicked off its Cyber Fundays a little early this year, giving you the chance to shop some of the most generous beauty deals. Among the discounted items are jam-packed gift sets, skincare bestsellers, 'grammable palettes, wondrous discovery kits, and even our own Beauty by POPSUGAR eye products. Keep reading ahead for some of our favorites.
I Finally Found the Secret to "Glass Skin" - and It's in Farsali’s New Serum
ICYMI, "glass skin," an Asia-born beauty trend of having blemish-free, reflective skin, swept Instagram feeds everywhere last year. Now, Farsali has come out with Liquid Glass Radiance Make-Skin Serum ($54), a liquid that promises to give you the same effect while simultaneously hydrating and priming the skin for makeup.
If that sounds like a tall order, that's because it is. Farsali has managed to pack the bottle with ingredients that make skin shine (like mica) and stay hydrated (like watermelon and sodium hyaluronate). Cosmetic chemist Ginger King noted that the one drawback you might face while trying this blend is that it might be sticky.
Knowing that, I washed my face before applying it. I figured that if I was going to live the clear, glossy skin life, I should probably start with the cleanest canvas possible. Then, I released a dropper-sized amount of the silver serum onto my cheeks and spread it across my cheeks. It looked super slick - the way it would if I had slathered on a face oil - but when it dried down, I was left with the coveted dewy look, with a slight hint of shimmer from the glitter.
At first, my skin did feel sticky, but then that tacky feeling slowly went away as the serum dried down. Within hours, the liquid completely absorbed into my skin. It has left my complexion feeling smooth, with a little bit of a reflective property. I haven't been wearing much face makeup lately - just BB creme and a little bronzer - and this product makes me comfortable enough to be completely bare-faced.
Nervous to Try Retinol? Bakuchiol Is the Skincare Ingredient You Need to Know
You might have to google the pronunciation of bakuchiol - it's OK, we did too - but this new skincare ingredient is more than just a mouthful. It's been making its way into more serums, creams, and skin tonics as of late, and for good reason.
"Bakuchiol is a botanical extract that works similarly to a topical retinol and for this reason, it is often referred to as a phyto-retinol," said dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. Like the vitamin A derivative, it also has the ability to significantly decrease the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology. (Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, says it's worth noting that the study compares bakuchiol to retinols, not prescription-strength retinoids, so if you need something stronger, you may have to stick to your prescription.)
Retinols have a history of being too harsh for skin because of how potent they are, making bakuchiol an effective alternative. "It has the advantage of being safe for sensitive, irritated skin, and can be used across a variety of skin types," Zeichner said. The cosmetic chemist also says it has one particular leg up on retinol: "Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are all ones that retinol is lacking. Bakuchiol has the same molecular targets as retinol, while being more stable."
Ahead, check out our favorite products containing the ingredient.
12 Beauty Moments That Pushed Major Boundaries in 2018
The turn of the new year tends to put us in this funny mental juxtaposition of past, present, and future. It causes us to look far into the months ahead of us as we contemplate goals, while also begging us to consider how the past 12 months have transformed our world in ways we may not even fully appreciate yet. This is true for everything ranging from important events to milestones to, yes, notable moments that happened in the beauty community. Today, we're focusing on exactly that, partially because it's fun to remember all those "she did what?" moments and also because it allows us to see how those very moments shaped the months that followed and are yet to come.
From Heaven to Earth - Lush's “God Is a Woman" Bath Bomb Has Arrived
Lush's Goddess Bath Bomb ($9), the brand's spin on the heavenly pools Ariana Grande bathed in during her "God Is a Woman" video, has finally touched down on earth.
This bath bomb, which Ariana Grande fans have been waiting for since July, explodes into celestial swirls of lilac, silver, and pink that smell of oudh and sandalwood. (It's funny because that's exactly what we thought the pool in Grande's video would smell like: tranquility.) The orb also contains cocoa butter, shea butter, and argan oil to leave skin moisturized.
The idea for a "God is a Woman"-inspired bath bomb traces back to when a fan tweeted at the brand, prompting a response from Grande saying, "I'd do anything." Lush's chief digital officer Jack Constantine heard the plea and immediately got to work on Goddess. The company tells POPSUGAR that it is set to arrive in the US on Nov. 22. Photos of the bath-time explosion, ahead.
These Were the 10 Most Dramatic Hair Transformations of 2018
If 2018 felt like a whirlwind of a year to you, you're not the only one. It went by so quickly - and was so jam-packed - that a number of beauty moments ended up lost in the shuffle. For that reason, we thought it'd be fun to comb through the last several months to highlight the most dramatic hair transformations. Naturally, we asked hairstylists, who study such moments as a part of their jobs, to chime in about who was worthy of making the list. From the red carpet to the runway to social media, these are the celebrity hair transformations that stood out most for them.
14 New Year's Beauty Resolutions That Are Easier Than You Think
New Year's Eve is quickly approaching, which means resolution season is upon us. I know I am more than guilty of being overly ambitious when it comes to setting goals for myself. I either try to do too many things or try to achieve a few very difficult things. But because they're usually not feasible, I end up disappointing myself pretty early in the new year. However, I think 2019 is going to be different. I've put together 14 beauty resolutions that are easily attainable - and sustainable throughout the rest of the year!
Hold Up - Bath & Body Works Shower Gels Are on Sale For $4 Today
It's not Black Friday yet, but just in case you're in need of a little warm-up before the biggest shopping day of the year descends upon us, Bath & Body Works has your back. The retailer is currently selling all of its shower gels and body washes for only $3.95 today, so if you haven't already filled your online shopping cart to oblivion with your favorite fragrances by now, I would highly advise you to do so ASAP.
Bath products and shower gels at Bath & Body Works normally retail for around $12.50 an item, so there's no questioning that this is a pretty good deal. The brand just released 40 new holiday fragrances earlier this week, which means that now is as good a time as any to take off with a handful of them. The promotion is only valid online and in stores on Nov. 16, and customers can use the code FAVESUDS at checkout to get the discount. Scroll ahead to get a look at a few of the new holiday fragrances that are included in the deal, and get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
Bye-Bye, Binary - These Gender-Neutral Beauty Gifts Are For Absolutely Everyone
This is not your average gift guide.
It's not exclusive to your mom, your brother, your boyfriend, your wife. You won't find vats of face cream tailored to one gender identity or expression, nor any "FOR MEN" or "FOR WOMEN" language slapped on the label of a fragrance.
Rather, the holiday beauty products herein aren't for one particular person - they are for everyone. Because it's the 21st f*cking century, and gender lines aren't so set in stone, which is exactly how it should be. So we'll keep it simple: if you know someone cool and want to give them a cool present to celebrate their coolness, the options ahead defy the divide.
This New Barbie Lipstick and Nail Polish Collection Is Oozing With '90s Nostalgia
Ladies and gentlemen, please prepare yourselves for nostalgia overload. Los Angeles-based cosmetics brand NCLA Beauty just teamed up with Mattel to launch an official Barbie-themed collection, and the products will transport you straight back to your childhood. The limited-edition line includes nail polishes, nail wraps, and lipsticks in various Barbie-approved shades of pink and purple - all sealed up in playfully retro packaging that mimics the boxes Barbies came in back in the day.
Just like the rest of NCLA Beauty's products, the new Barbie collection is 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, every item costs less than $20, so it's pretty much a win-win-win. Sit back, crank up that catchy "Barbie Girl" song from the '90s, and shop all the cute products ahead.
The Best-Kept Beauty Secrets Brazilian Women Swear By
Step foot anywhere on Brazil's 4,650 miles-long coastline and you'll be hit with white-sand beaches, bikinis riding up women's you-know-what, and yes, a lot of ridiculously good-looking people. But it's not just the Camila Coelhos and 98.9 percent of Victoria's Secret's model roster that make up for all the beauty in this country - it's also the long-standing skin care rituals, hair trends, and indigenous ingredients.
"Brazilian women like to feel beautiful," explained João Bosco, a Rio-based celebrity hairstylist and Pantene brand ambassador. "There are rich traditions of using natural treatments at home with plants or fruits native to here, like coconut and avocado. People want to look natural, but they also want to have 'power hair.'"
In the quest to balance the old-school beauty secrets with new social and political movements taking Brazil by storm, four Brazilian women share, in their own words, how they practice self-care. (We promise, they don't mention the new president once.)
Did Kate and Meghan Get Ready Together? After Seeing These Photos, You'll Think So
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, sisters-in-law, fellow duchesses, and best friends? That's what we like to think, and we particularly like to think they get ready together for special royal occasions. We're sure they've borrowed each others hairstylists, and they love the same fashion brands, and now, we think they might have shared the same makeup artist, too.
On Wednesday, the two arrived at Buckingham Palace for a reception in honor of Prince Charles's 70th birthday, and although they arrived in separate cars, their makeup was elegant and very alike.
Kate has taken a tip from Meghan and worn more bronzer than usual to warm up her complexion (in place of her usual rosy blush). She's also wearing a heavier swipe of highlighter to really give her a luminous glow. Meghan replicated Kate's signature smoky eye with a lot less bronzer than normal, mimicking her sister-in-law's signature beauty look. They both finished with a pinky nude lip color and even wore similar statement earrings. Ahead, get a peek at the matching makeup, as well as a look back at their most recent signature beauty looks.
10 High-Tech Beauty Gifts That Totally Live Up to the Buzz
Gifts are fun - that's a given. But throw in LED lights, cool vibrations, and updated hardware, and the fun increases tenfold. For beauty-lovers, an added plus of these high-tech gifts is that they have been thoroughly researched and have the potential to transform your skin, hair, and even teeth in ways you haven't seen before.
From a futuristic mask to one peculiar-looking hair dryer, here are some of the most exciting beauty gadgets of the year. Sticking one of these under the tree is bound to make your friends light up.
OMG, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner Just Teased a New Beauty Collab
Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are both in the midst of promoting limited-edition holiday collections for their respective cosmetics lines, but that doesn't mean that they didn't also make time to release another collaboration with each other. According to two recent Instagram posts from both siblings, Kardashian and Jenner are teaming up once more to release KKW x Kylie part two, which will be sold online via Kylie Cosmetics on Black Friday - so I hope you're ready to splurge something serious.
Last spring, Jenner revealed on Snapchat that she was releasing a KKW Beauty by Kylie Cosmetics set. The collection introduced four new liquid lipstick shades that were all, naturally, named after and inspired by her big sis. Neither sister has revealed much else about what to expect from KKW x Kylie part two, but it's possible that customers may be in for a lineup similar to last year's. Part one was a collection of all nude shades - Kim, a peachy nude, Kimberly, a "true" nude, Kiki, a nude with a pink hue, and Kimmie, a deep nude - so maybe part two will feature a collection of reds or pinks. Or, since the first installment only featured liquid lipsticks, it's possible that the follow-up might include cream lipsticks.
Guess we'll all have to wait and see. Scroll ahead to see some images from last year's launch.
Related: Kylie Jenner's New Lip Kit For Kris Jenner Just Screams, "It's Me, Todd Kraines!"
The Brilliant Makeup Trick Meghan Markle Always Does but No One Has Noticed
As we've watched her transition from TV actress to member of the royal family, one thing's become very clear: Meghan Markle has plenty of beauty tricks up her sleeve. Some she's borrowed from Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, and some she's established herself.
The Duchess of Sussex is known for her signature messy bun and a good dose of bronzer, but she also has a lip liner trick that you've probably never even noticed. Overlining the lips is nothing new, and the technique often gets a bad rap (thank you, the '90s), but recently the trick has been used in a far less obvious way, to make lips appear fuller without adding color. Markle has been doing this so subtly that it's barely noticeable, which makes all the difference in maintaining a natural finish. We asked celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff to share how to make lips look naturally fuller using liner at home, so keep reading to get all her top tips, and see all the photos of Markle making it look easy.
The Sweet Way 1 Woman Helped a Mom Struggling to Style Her Black Daughter's Hair
Stephanie Hollifield, a Georgia mom who adopted her adorable daughter Haley when she was 8 months old, is the first to admit that she knows little about what's involved in styling Black hair. But once Haley turned 2, Stephanie knew that she needed to step things up and style and nourish Haley's hair in a way that would ensure her daughter was happy and comfortable. Although Stephanie didn't have any first-hand experience styling Black hair, she asked for help via a Facebook post at the risk of sounding clueless:
Dear Black Friends of Social Media, This clueless white momma is humbly coming to you to ask your help with Haley's hair. I have asked my friends. I have asked strangers in Publix with kids with cute hair, and I'm still not getting it. We wash once a week. We do the water, leave in conditioner, oil, and hot towel every morning. We've tried more products, no products, less products. We are gentle as can be, but she still requires at least 6 minutes of cuddles after the trauma of her daily hair combing. I feel like it looks great for about an hour or two and then it is tangly and clumpy again. This picture is three hours into the day. What am I doing wrong? I have literally bought every product that has been recommended to us. I desperately want to get this right!
Fortunately, Monica Hunter - another mom from Georgia who happened to know a lot about styling hair - saw the plea and offered some assistance. "I applaud her for reaching out and asking for help, because that's not easy at all," Monica told Yahoo Lifestyle. "I told her about different products she could use on her baby's hair. Then I said, 'If you ever need help, I'll come over and help. I'm serious. We'll style Miss Haley's hair!'"
One thing led to another and soon enough, Monica was on the Hollifields' doorstep armed with combs, headbands, and hair products. "It was important to me to touch Haley's hair," Monica said. "Some hair is really soft, some is really kinky. With some, the coils are loose, with some, they're tight."
For Haley's hair, Monica sprung for a protective style that will encourage her hair to grow. She parted her hair and applied oil to it before sectioning it off into little ponytails and finishing the look with a headband.
In a follow-up post, Stephanie expressed her gratitude to Monica and said she feels more confident doing Haley's hair on her own now.
"This lady, Monica Hunter, who I had never met in person before today, offered to come to my house and walk me through exactly how to style my daughter's hair," she wrote. "She asked for nothing in return and wouldn't accept my money. By the time she left I had a little more confidence in fixing my daughter's hair, and most importantly I felt supported by my new friend. In a time of so much hate and division, our world needs more people like this."
This Swear Word Christmas Packaging Is the Wrapping Paper Version of a Lump of Coal
There's something about being able to be both aggressive and lazy with your holiday gift-giving that's particularly appealing - it just has a nice ring to it. If you feel like you're the type who needs someone to know that, yes, you bought them a gift but you're not about to go watch a YouTube video about how to optimize tape and make cutesy bows, then you need to send a message. And we can't think of a better message to send than slipping a present inside of an aggressive Personalised Merry F*cking Christmas Sack ($16). Yes, you can be as extra as you want and even print one with their name on it. That way there's absolutely no mistaking who you want to have a Merry F*cking Christmas.
I Say "Merry Christmas" Instead of "Happy Holidays" - Here's Why
The "Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays" debate has been a hot topic for a while now. What started as a dispute forged by religious preference became an argument of political malice. In 2017, President Trump vowed to bring back "Merry Christmas," sparking a national conversation that seems to divide the country every holiday season. I honestly don't care what others choose to do when greeting people from November until early January. I'll happily accept whatever holiday greeting you extend to me, and I'll always respond with "Merry Christmas."
I say it with sincerity, hoping it puts a smile on your face and leaves you feeling good. The last thing I want to do is offend anyone.
Why do I feel so strongly about this? Because Christmas is more than a religious holiday to me. It's a time when we get to enjoy a break from the everyday stresses of life. As holidays continue to be removed from the school calendar, like Columbus Day and Veterans Day, Christmas remains. It's a national holiday that awards us time with our families, but more importantly, time with our children.
When I was young, schools let out for Christmas vacation, neighborhood families had Christmas gatherings, and workplaces had Christmas parties. Whether you celebrated it or not, everyone could still come together during the happiest time of the year because of it. I spent Christmas Eve surrounded by family, friends, and even a few strangers, as my family hosted an annual Christmas Eve open house. We didn't care who you were or what you believed; we just wanted to make sure everyone had a place to go for Christmas.
Today, as I work hard to raise my son with the same values and traditions on which I grew up, it seems there's a Scrooge at every turn just waiting to judge. But I don't say "Merry Christmas" because of my strong religious beliefs in the holiday. I respect everyone and their own beliefs and religions. I say it because it's much more personal to me. It's a statement of positivity and joy, and when I say "Merry Christmas," I'm wishing you happiness and health. I'm wishing you a warmth that, in my experience, only Christmas can offer. When I say "Merry Christmas," it's my hope that you feel the positive impact of the spirit of the holiday. I say it with sincerity, hoping it puts a smile on your face and leaves you feeling good. The last thing I want to do is offend anyone.
I've never had someone react negatively to my use of "Merry Christmas." In fact, saying "Merry Christmas" has allowed me to learn more about people. It's a conversation starter that opens the door to learn who is Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim. If I say "Merry Christmas" to someone and they respond "I'm Jewish," I'll always say, "Happy Hanukkah." In the melting pot that is America, we're all entitled to express our respective beliefs. If someone said "Happy Hanukkah" to me, I wouldn't be offended. Instead, it would be the perfect opportunity to talk and connect with someone about how we may be different, but the purpose of our greetings are the same: to spread joy. So, I'll continue to say "Merry Christmas" because it's what I know and love, and I want to pass that on to you.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
My Family Had a Tragedy Happen Around the Holidays, and Now They'll Never Be the Same
Grief is a difficult emotion to navigate, especially when someone you love dies tragically. And when that tragedy takes place around the holidays, it only magnifies the loss. My husband and I lost our best friend right around New Year's nearly two years ago. That loss changed the holidays for us forever, because he was an integral part of our family. Not only was Dave closer to us than a brother, but he was our kid's favorite uncle - one that our youngest still doesn't even realize wasn't his dad's real brother.
Dec. 31, 2016. I spent three hours on our annual FaceTime call with him. He was born on New Year's Eve, so we called him just before midnight to sing "Happy Birthday," and I stayed on that call until after 3 a.m. Living in California, "Uncle Fitzy," as our kids lovingly called him, had a way of forgetting that we were three hours ahead of him. And after our final lighthearted goodbye, I hung up the phone and went to bed.
As we approach two years without him, I'm already overwhelmed with the stress of planning a holiday. I want to find a positive way to celebrate the new year, but my mind is clouded by the pain and guilt over Dave's death.
Sometime in the first few days of the new year, Dave took his own life. It's unclear exactly when he committed suicide, but the last time I heard from him was New Year's Day. He sent me a text that read: "You are my total inspiration for this year. Thank God you called, sis. Made all the difference. Kiss everyone then have them kiss you for me. Love you, girl!" I've read this message over and over, finding it hard to believe that the same person who wrote it was struggling with thoughts that would lead him to take his life.
When it comes to having a million-dollar smile and a personality that can light up a room, Dave went beyond both. He had an enthusiasm for life that was unparalleled. His charismatic personality could even make my husband melt, which is no easy feat. His 350-pound muscular stature was just a shell for who he was on the inside - a big teddy bear. Dave loved hard. And while my husband and I knew he loved us, it was his passionate, unwavering love for our children that we've grieved the most since his passing. He was a constant, supportive presence that showered them with love, encouragement, and words of wisdom only an uncle can offer.
I'll never forget his reaction when our son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Too emotional that he couldn't speak to us on the phone, he sent this note instead: "May this be the toughest battle our little man has to overcome in his life, so that the worst is already behind him. When the fight gets tough, turn to Matthew 7:7-11. 'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.'" I often go back to that note and wonder why he didn't take his own advice. I wonder why he didn't turn to us. To live with the guilt that we couldn't offer him the support he so selflessly offered us breaks my heart. To move so quickly from positive, heartfelt conversation about inspiring each other to be great in 2017, to suicide, is unfathomable.
When someone you love dies by choice, the guilt and anger you feel are consuming. You try to understand why or how it happened. You blame yourself for not recognizing the signs and doing something. The feelings that surround a tragedy of this magnitude are intense. Dave was hiding a deep pain so severe that he felt taking his own life was his only option. He carried that pain without anyone knowing. A pain that didn't even surface during a three-hour conversation with one of his closest friends.
Because of this, the holidays will never be the same for our family. It's the anticipation of this time of year that we dread the most. The pressure to make it a time of celebration, family, and togetherness feels impossible when such an influential participant is missing. It's hard enough without him; it's even harder that the holidays mark the anniversary of his tragic death.
As we approach two years without him, I'm already overwhelmed with the stress of planning a holiday. I want to find a positive way to celebrate New Year's, but my mind is clouded by the pain and guilt over Dave's death. I know there's a lot to enjoy during the holiday season, but it still feels wrong to participate. Maybe one day we'll be able to start a new tradition that makes the holiday less heartbreaking for our family. But even if we do, it will never have that innocent and comforting joy that it had before his death. Because without him, our family will always be a little less whole.
14 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
Walmart's $14 Mystery Harry Potter Wands Are Going to Be the Hot Stocking Stuffer of the Season
Hold onto your robes, Harry Potter fans, because we have some incredible news that falls just under finally getting your Hogwarts letter: Walmart is selling your favorite characters' wands in blind bags, and they look authentic as hell. The 12-inch wands come in nine styles - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Voldemort, Malfoy, Tonks, and a Death Eater - and according to reviewers, are very sturdy and of good quality. They'll only run you $14, which is significantly less than most other versions, especially the authentic ones you can get in Universal, and make perfect stocking stuffers.
The wand chooses the wizard, and right now, Walmart is our Ollivander.
The Best Smoke Masks to Protect You and Your Family
Right now, our thoughts are occupied with the deadly fires and poor air quality that continue to devastate our home state of California. If you are currently facing difficult breathing conditions or just want to be prepared in the event of an emergency, consider having some smoke masks on hand. According to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the California Department of Public Health, N95 respirators and P100 masks are what we need to truly be protected from smoke or other difficult air particles. Stay safe out there, and add these masks to your emergency preparedness kit ASAP. Plus, if you're in need of a mask now, all these options are available on Amazon Prime, so they can be yours in just two days.
Chrissy Teigen Schleps Luna's Training Toilet Around, and, Flush, That's the Sound of Her Not Giving a Sh*t
Mom of two and general all-around badass Chrissy Teigen rarely gets to put her feet up and rest, even when she's all glammed up in over-the-knee boots on tour with husband John Legend.
Just yesterday, Chrissy shared on Instagram Stories a photo of her dressed up for John's performance, with Luna in one arm and a shiny potty-training toilet in the other. Then, because she really wanted to send a clear message about how far she'll go to help teach her daughter about using the bathroom like the big girls, she shared a photo of the Summer Infant Toilet on the tour bus and again, leaving the tour bus.
What Happened When I Actually Followed Through With Disciplining My Kids For a Week
Confession: I'm the queen of making threats to my three kids when they don't behave, then never following through. "If you do that one more time . . . " But there's always another chance. I'll warn them, "No TV" or "No friends over" or "You're going to bed early!" I don't enforce any of it. Since I rarely carry out a punishment, their little minds are thinking, "Mom's never going to take away my toys, so why should I stop fighting with my sister?" Sigh. After a particularly bad weekend of whining, bickering, and talking back, I realized my empty threats have got to stop, or else the undesirable behavior never will.
For one whole week, I vowed to follow through on consequences. If I said to my 5-year-old, "Stop taunting your sister or I'm taking away your manatee stuffed animal," I was going to do it. Of course, radically changing my discipline style is a tall order. Especially since the truth is, I struggle with making my kids face repercussions for their actions because I hate seeing them upset or unhappy. But my happiness is important, too, and I can't take one more day of their constant squabbles without losing my mind. I was determined to start getting serious about discipline, and this is what happened when I did.
Day 2 - It was my 8-year-old's turn to get a bit too rowdy. She wasn't playing nicely with her sisters, nor was she being particularly nice to me. I told her she could go to bed early if her attitude didn't shape up. Then, hours later at bedtime, I totally forgot and put her to bed at the same time as her siblings. File this under parenting fails.
Day 3 - No one told me this was a national day of bickering, but my children seemed to know! I grew tired of asking them to stop fighting over every little thing and threatened to tell their dad, who was on a business trip. The threat was enough; their behavior improved, albeit temporarily. I did end up informing my husband that the kids were on my last nerve though, so I could feel good about the day's follow through.
Day 4 - More fighting over what to play, whose turn it was, and who looked at whom with a "mean face." Ugh! The girls had planned to have a sleepover in one of their rooms, and I told them that was so not happening unless they knocked it the heck off. The good news is that the threat alone seemed to curb the behavior for the rest of the night.
Day 5 - Today's scandalous behavior: the little one pushed the middle one, then denied it. I told her, "If you're lying about pushing your sister, I'll call a babysitter, and you can't go out on the boat with us this afternoon." She fessed up quickly.
Day 6 - Whining plus complaining equaled me warning another early bedtime. And I warned the kids 10 times. Honestly, I was enjoying watching a football game with my husband from the comfort of our couch and didn't feel like getting up to enforce lights out. I know, I suck. But the upside happened the next day, when I warned my youngest daughter about whining yet again, and without me having to ask, she sent herself to her room. "Maybe this was working after all," I thought.
Day 7 - I asked my kids to clean up the playroom and get ready for swim practice at least three times, and no one even moved. "I'm canceling Christmas if you don't listen to me!" I sputtered angrily and then felt guilty. Although the kids quickly got up and got busy putting away their puzzles and crayons, I knew immediately I'd gone too big with my threat.
Here's what I learned after the week: you can't necessarily change your parenting style in a week, or at least I can't. If I'm keeping it real, I wasn't as consistent with carrying out consequences as I'd hoped. I guess old habits die hard. But I realized what I really need to work on is the punishment I'm threatening for undesirable behavior. Saying I'm going to cancel Christmas doesn't fit the "crime" of the kids not listening, and they know I won't actually do something that drastic. If I use realistic consequences, like taking away a stuffed animal or sending a child to their room, I can more easily show the kids that I mean business.
Bottom line: I still want to be better about disciplining my children. I hope to do my best to follow through with my warnings when the girls are giving me grief beyond this week. Just maybe my efforts will inspire better behavior more often.
Mom Reveals a Rare Perspective on Husband Dying of Cancer: "We Have the Chance to Really Say Goodbye"
Cancer is a devastating disease - to say it ruins lives is an understatement. For one family, the illness will soon rip a beloved father from his wife and young child. But their perspective on life - and death - is one of hope and, surprisingly, appreciation.
Scott and Anne Sutton met as middle school students in Pennsylvania, but it wasn't until they reconnected at a mutual friend's wedding in 2011 that they fell in love. They were engaged two years later, they got married on Valentine's Day the next year, and it wasn't long before they welcomed their son, Alec, who is now 3 years old.
"It's really hard to find that balance of living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you."
All the while, Scott has had medical issues - he has a hereditary condition called Von hippel-Lindau, and in 2009, doctors found a neuroendocrine tumor in his lung. They removed the bottom two lobes of that lung, and as Scott told POPSUGAR, "we had hoped that would be the last time anyone ever told me I had cancer."
Unfortunately, in January 2016, after months of lower back pain, he received even more upsetting news: he had another tumor, this one inoperable. "More tests would soon show that I also had neuroendocrine tumors in my liver, brain, and other parts of my bones," he said. It was deemed Stage 4. His son was just 8 months old at the time.
Throughout the next few years - which involved traveling around the world, including a stay at a hospital in Switzerland, to find a solution - the Suttons still managed to live a life similar to those of any other new parents, with a remarkable exception: Scott, along with his best friend, Alec Traub, wrote and published a children's book called I Love You Like . . . The story - illustrated by a cartoonist for the Garfield franchise - follows a grasshopper father explaining how much he loves his son. It's a sweet concept on its own, but it takes on profoundly deeper meaning knowing that it will one day serve as a reminder to young Alec of his late father's love.
Last month, Scott returned home from a three-week hospital visit, and he was given hospice care. "The doctors have given us an estimated time frame, and my goal is to have as many normal days at home with Anne and Alec as I can," he said.
With an honest perspective that in many ways is a rarity to witness, Scott, Anne, and their friend Alec opened up to POPSUGAR about what this experience has been like for them.
On Life With Their Son
From the beginning, when Alec was born in May 2015, Scott was "our rock," Anne remembered.
"Alec had colic," she said. "Cried and cried and cried. When I was sad that Alec was sad, Scott would take a photo of Alec crying on his phone and make it into a meme to make me laugh. He would send me photos of the vomit Alec spewed all over him while I was running an errand, to show that, 'hey, he does it to me, too.' I know I'm a better mom because of having Scott as my teammate."
And as Alec got older, his personality truly came into its own.
"Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
"Alec is full of energy, always excited to see what's around the next corner," Scott recalled. "Incredibly empathic. Eats anything, including black olives. Seems to have a scary good memory - you can't pull anything past him you might have promised him a week ago. There's so much talent in there waiting to come out."
For Scott, Alec has been "the biggest joy of my life" and is "still excited" for all the amazing things to come in his future.
"My hope is that he'll do some of the things as a little boy that I did with my parents - I had a great childhood, so I'm excited he'll have one, too," Scott said.
On Writing a Book For His Son to Remember Him By
It's only a slight coincidence that Scott and Anne's son shares the same name as Scott's longtime friend, Alec. "It's sort of true we named our son after him," Scott said with a chuckle. "When Anne suggested the name as her number one choice, I immediately thought of Alec Traub and thought, 'would it be weird to name my son after a friend?' But he's a role model of a friend, and that's when I just knew it made sense."
In fact, for 15 years, the two had a silly tradition involving text messages that kept them close despite living in different states.
"Scott and I are two guys who never shied from telling one another how much we miss, love, and care for the other. One day, he randomly texted me, 'I miss you like the grasshopper misses grass . . . and hopping,'" Alec recalled. "I loved it, so then I texted him back, 'I miss you like the anteater misses ants . . . and eating.' It became our own fun, unique way to say I miss you."
When Alec visited Scott in Pittsburgh following his diagnosis in 2016, the two came up with the idea for a book.
"We were sitting all together talking about Scott's health and how much he wanted to be able to do something to leave behind for little Alec," Alec said. "We then immediately came to the idea of putting those text messages together and creating something for him. We had no idea where to go from there, but we knew it was something we couldn't afford to leave as just a cool idea. Time wasn't necessarily on our side."
So, they got to work. They watched YouTube videos about how to write a children's book, found a professional illustrator, and held Skype meetings until they were were ready to self-publish this past July. They've since sold more than 2,000 copies of I Love You Like . . ., and all of the profits go toward Alec's college fund. There's even a dedication to Scott's son, one of which any parent can relate: "For my son, Alec Sutton, who makes every day an adventure. Thank you for asking, 'Why?' each of the 1.4 million times. I love you buddy."
Selfishly, Alec is thankful for the book because, in their year working on it, the experience brought him and Scott even closer and taught him about taking something negative and flipping it.
"We turned that story into something so positive - for all of us," he said. "But if in the end, all it ended up being was something that I could create with Scott and that he could have for his son, then that was more than enough."
On Not Letting Cancer Change His Outlook
It's hard to imagine continuing on with the day-to-day once you receive a cancer diagnosis, but Scott was determined to keep a positive outlook.
"Even with everything that has been going on with me, there have been so many great things in my life worth living for," he said.
He and Anne share a few mottos - "always forward" and "worry when we must worry" to name a few - that, Scott said, "afforded us to live in the moment and truly just enjoy our time as a family."
"There are no bad memories. We did as much as we could together."
That time has included taking his son fishing for the first time, teaching him soccer, and even taking him to "Mickey's house," otherwise known as Disney World.
"There are no bad memories," he said. "We did as much as we could together, often packing the weekends full of activities with Alec and friends and family. We've built snowmen, we've gone minigolfing, I watched Alec ride a pony, we've seen the ocean . . ."
When asked what he hopes his son will remember most about him, he struggled to find words. "Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
Her response?
"I won't," she said. "And I know there are family and friends who will share stories, too. Over the recent weeks, we've had friends who have visited who have promised Scott they will take Alec hunting with them and their own sons some day; other friends who live in other states promising that our kids will grow up knowing each other and knowing their dads were good friends."
On What They Wish Others Really Knew
Like any other typical parent, Scott knows that familiar feeling that there's always something more important to do, that we should be doing something productive like "taking care of that email in your inbox that needs done right away." But, he said, "what's really important is right in front of you. You have to try to enjoy every day with your family."
For Anne, she doesn't yet feel ready to reflect on what she's learned through her experience with Scott. But she did note that she now understands that there are appropriate times to be sad and grieve and times where you simply shouldn't.
"It's really hard to find that balance of then living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you," she said. "We make a good team and worked through those feelings together, always making sure we were on the same page."
"We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either."
She even shared a rare upside to these years spent fighting cancer alongside her husband. Following the tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people, Anne realized her family was given an opportunity that they've made sure not to squander.
"We've obviously been very sad since coming home on hospice care, working through a host of emotions," she said. "But when I heard the news stories of those innocent people losing their lives so unexpectedly, I sat here that day feeling even more sad for them. Today, even though we know what is to come, we know what's coming."
She continued: "Scott and I have the opportunity to reminisce, to laugh with each other while watching Alec play, to make sure as many friends and family visit as possible. We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either. Maybe just that it's not lost on us - the magnitude that there are people who didn't have the same opportunity that we do right now. We owe it to them to make the most of it."
This Is What the Holidays Are Like When Your Partner Works Crazy Hours
When I was growing up, I was lucky enough that my whole family was together on holidays. We celebrated with my mom, dad, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. I always envisioned doing the same for my children when I became a mom. And while our growing family does partake in all kinds of fun holiday traditions every year, it's become our norm that one person is almost always absent.
My husband has a shift work job, so we rarely spend a lot of time together as a family during regular months, but during the holidays, the overtime shifts and extra jobs offer a very enticing paycheck he understandably has difficulty turning down. It's never easy for him to miss out on seeing our daughter's face light up when we have breakfast with Santa or miss our toddler's squeals of delight at a lit up Christmas tree, but we make the holidays work for us, whether that means celebrating without him or celebrating on a different day.
As difficult as it can be for me to explain to two little faces looking up at me and wondering why daddy's not there, it's just as hard for him to be at work knowing they're missing him.
I've continued the traditions we did when I was a child, like spending time with extended family on Thanksgiving, taking the kids to see Santa, picking the perfect Christmas tree, and baking cookies, but I've learned to just plan things as though my husband won't be around for them, then if he happens to be home for one or a few, it's that much better! I can't say I don't care when he's not there, but that's just life for us, and I make the best of it for myself and our kids. And when he is around for those moments, we put even more focus and appreciation on being together.
The biggest thing we had to get used to during the holidays was learning how to prioritize those traditions. Everyone's calendars fill up quickly, so we ask ourselves things like, "Which events does he really want to be a part of and which ones is he OK (and will the kids be OK with him) skipping?" At the top of our list is getting our Christmas tree with my brother and his family, which my husband and I have done since well before we were married with children. It's our favorite holiday tradition, so we always try to make it work. It's been really fun watching our families grow from two couples to two pair of moms and dads with four kids between us. It's memories like these where we can slow down and spend quality time together that make the holiday hustle worthwhile.
Then there's things like holiday crafts, breakfast with Santa, and cookie baking and decorating. While my husband would obviously enjoy seeing the kids dip their hands and feet in paint to create a holiday-themed work of art or watch them go nuts spreading far too much frosting on sugar cookies, he's content with pictures and videos. And the kids are usually focused enough to not really miss his presence. Sometimes we get our Christmas tree and it sits bare in the living room for days before we can all decorate together, and sometimes he sets it up and goes to sleep before his next shift and we decorate without him. When we go to church on Christmas Eve and have dinner with our extended family, there's an obvious hole at our table if he's working. We just try to take it one memory-making moment at a time.
One Christmas, he was working overnight and was scheduled to come home Christmas morning. He didn't want to miss seeing our daughter come down the stairs to her presents under the tree, but she wakes up before he gets home. So, I kept her in my room reading Christmas books and painting her nails until he came through the front door, and we all went downstairs together. This year, he'll come home Thanksgiving morning and need to go to sleep while our house fills with family and I entertain and prep our meal. But he'll wake up and enjoy turkey with us before heading back to work, so everybody wins.
It just takes a little tweaking and understanding on both our parts. As difficult as it can be for me to explain to two little faces looking up at me and wondering why daddy's not there, it's just as hard for him to be at work knowing they're missing him. We've become very good at working together to communicate our feelings. If there's an event I really want him to be at with us, I need to tell him it's important to me and not brush it off like it doesn't matter. Not being honest about my expectations or desires would leave me feeling resentful and him feeling confused about why I'm upset. And this is where our village comes in, too. We make plans with friends and other family members to ensure we're getting the most out of every moment with or without daddy. I have a network of friends whose husbands also work crazy hours, and it's extremely helpful and heartwarming knowing we are here for one another.
While I sit and go over dates and events for the holiday season wondering which my husband might be able to attend, it's not far from my mind that some parents do this alone all the time. Some children's parents are overseas, some have to split their time between two houses, and some may have lost a parent. So, during the holiday season especially, we make sure to count our blessings and remain thankful for what we do have. If we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Wednesday of the month or Christmas a few days late, who cares? We still have each other.
The 6 Movies Coming Out in Theaters This Fall That You Need to See With Your Kids
We know that the holiday season kind of has the trademark on "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," but we'd argue that as soon as Fall officially hits is when that time truly begins. From getting your freedom once the kids go back to school to Halloween fun and prepping for the holidays, Autumn is the time to get cozy, celebrate allllll of the best holidays, and settle into the seats at your local movie theater to see the newest flicks.
This Fall's movie lineup packs a serious punch, so pencil in the release dates for the following six movies on your calendars - and check out the trailers with your kids while you wait!
Related: Disney Just Dropped Its 2019 Release Schedule - to Say We're Amped Would Be an Understatement
Teacher Reveals to Deaf Students That People Can Hear Farts, and the Conversation That Followed Is So Amazing
There are certain facts most of us will go our whole lives knowing without ever realizing how monumental they really are. Anna Trupiano - a first-grade teacher at a school that serves deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students alike - discovered one such tidbit last month when, during her lesson, a 6-year-old child passed gas in the middle of the classroom.
According to Good, the child's, ahem, fart, was so loud that some classmates turned to look at the child, who was confused by the sudden attention. For the next 15 minutes, Trupiano found herself explaining to a group of deaf students - completely through American Sign Language - that people can actually hear farts.
She shared the conversation on Facebook, and all fart jokes aside, it's one of the most adorable, innocent conversations you'll ever experience.
Target's Selling Elf Costumes For the Entire Family - You Better Believe They Come With Absurd Shoes
If you've already stocked up on matching family pajamas (and maybe even some pet pajamas), the next best thing might be to figure out what to wear to your company holiday party or your family Christmas party. You can go the classic route and wear something festive but polished, like these ugly holiday blazers, or you can be totally over-the-top and pick up matching elf costumes for the entire family at Target. Check them out up ahead.
1 Teen Ate Lunch by Himself Every Day Until Some Kind Students Stepped In
Andrew Kirby, a 16-year-old high school sophomore who has a neurological disorder, had grown accustomed to eating lunch alone every day. But after a few students from the student council took him under their wing, the lunchroom became a lot less lonely. For Andrew's mom Kay Kirby, finding out that her son made friends at school was beyond reassuring.
"A lot of times at lunch I'll text Andrew," Kay told CBS. "I said, 'Are you eating with anyone? And he said 'No.' And I sat at my desk at work and I just prayed I said, 'Lord, please send somebody to eat with him.'"
As for the nice kids on student council who invited Andrew to pull up a chair? It was just second nature. "If we were sitting by ourselves we would want someone to sit with us, so we didn't want kids to have to sit by themselves," explained one student. Another chimed in saying, "Everyone needs to have someone and anyone can be a help with that."
Kay was thrilled to learn that the students at Andrew's school were so kind-hearted. Because as anyone who's attended high school knows, that's not always the case.
"It's very encouraging to know that there are teenagers out there that took their time. They weren't being in their own clique, they weren't being selfish, they took their time to reach out to somebody who might be different," said Kay. "And you know, you never know what a child is going through - maybe they've got a bad home life, maybe they're depressed, and there's a kid sitting by themselves and they noticed that. The peace I have now at lunch I don't feel like I need to text him and check on him."
The best part of this heartwarming story? Andrew's new friendships go beyond the cafeteria. Just recently, his new friends invited him to catch a movie. Isn't that sweet?
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