Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is the eight-day Jewish celebration known for its nightly menorah lighting, delicious foods, and special prayers. A note to recognise that the writer does not have first-hand knowledge of this festival. Below is an abbreviated history and account of practices found through some online searches.  Chanukah is just one of the many […]

Its 2020 which means ANYTHING can happen, good or bad. The holiday’s this year, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas in the US, will likely be a little differently than normal for everyone.  This year for Thanksgiving, my family and I have decided to not do the big gathering like we typically do with extended family. Instead, […]

COVID-19 has changed the way we celebrate the holidays.  Read how a bunch of Occupational Therapy Students are adapting their usual holiday plans this year… Celebrating COVID-19 style In years past, my family has celebrated Thanksgiving in Texarkana at my parents’ house. We usually do a traditional Thanksgiving lunch with my family and dinner with […]

Skipping into the kitchen each morning, finding the day, and opening the advent calendar window is one of my favourite Christmas time memories. In years past, my advent calendars have had whimsical drawings of winter or nativity scenes or chocolates, and one year, my Godmother made me an advent calendar with a variety of trinkets […]

Statistics reveal that on average 3.8 billion people in the world use social media (Dean, 2020). Social media has become an outlet for individuals to start and maintain connections with others. At the tip of our fingers, we are able to be present with the world and all the people in it. Especially during COVID-19, […]

“I found another meditation that helps me relax: ‘Meditation for b*tches that don’t know how to meditate’- it has deep breathing and everything in it!” a client once told me victoriously.  We’re all human. Some of us are messy. Some of us are as clean and tidy as an Ikea showroom. We have our dark […]

I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and I currently work in the neurology department of a hospital in Houston, Texas, and I love my job.  During the pandemic, I have alternated shifts with a fellow COTA – about biweekly – in the areas designated for patients with COVID-19. On a normal “neuro” day […]

“How are you coping during this time?” This has been one of the most common questions asked in 2020. When the pandemic struck and our world was suddenly put on pause, everyone was trying to find ways to cope with the stressors COVID-19. One particular outlet which has shown to have a positive impact is […]

On the 10th October, we celebrated World Mental Health Day!  There has been a growing movement to recognise that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and both should be treated and recognised with parity of esteem.  How can we take care of our mental health?  Our solution may be found […]

If you wanted to buy a gift for a friend, visit a bookstore, go to a movie, grab a coffee, or meet friends for a physically-distanced patio dinner, where could you go? If you’re currently able-bodied, the world is your oyster and these things are relatively simple to arrange. And that’s part of the privilege […]