The Whitsdom Press

Tag: Family

  • Celebrating Thanksgiving Your Way

    Thanksgiving has long been traditional with turkey dinners, family gatherings, and endless traditions passed down through generations. There’s beauty in those time-honored rituals. There’s also power in carving out your own path. This could mean celebrating with friends. It could also mean spending it solo or doing something entirely unconventional.

    In a world that is constantly evolving, so too should our holidays. Let’s be real: Some people just don’t like their family members or want to be around people…and that’s okay! Here’s a reminder: it’s okay to break from tradition and celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that truly brings you joy.

    Friendsgiving: The Modern Family Dinner

    For those whose friends feel more like family, Friendsgiving has become a beloved alternative to the traditional family-focused celebration. Gather your closest friends. Delegate cooking duties or order takeout—no judgment here. Create a space filled with laughter, love, and gratitude. Give thanks with people you love and love you back.

    Friendsgiving offers a low-pressure environment, free of those awkward family discussions or nosy relatives asking about your life plans. Instead, it’s about celebrating the family you have chosen.

    Pro Tip: Make it a potluck to share the load. Encourage everyone to bring a dish that reflects their culture or personal style. This is perfect for trying new flavors and honoring diversity. Maybe you have a theme for Thanksgiving; this gives everyone a chance to be creative.

    Celebrating Solo: Self-Care Thanksgiving

    Not everyone feels like being around others on Thanksgiving, and that’s perfectly valid. You could be far from family. Maybe you’re not in the mood for socializing. Or maybe you want a day to yourself. In any of these cases, a solo Thanksgiving can be an incredibly fulfilling experience.

    Spend the day indulging in your favorite activities. Cook a meal for one. Binge-watch your favorite Tubi movies. Take a long walk outside. Or dive into a good book. Use the time to reflect on what you’re grateful for, and let the quiet moments nourish your soul.

    Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a special meal or dessert. You deserve it. DoorDash and Uber Eats will still be in service!

    Family Redefined: No Turkey, No Problem

    If you’re celebrating with family but want to shake things up, ditch the “rules” and create your own traditions. Why not try:

    • Hosting a game night instead of a formal dinner.
    • Swapping turkey for a taco bar, pizza party, or seafood boil.
    • Watching your favorite movies together instead of football.
    • Volunteering as a family to serve meals at a shelter or food bank.

    Gratitude Beyond the Table

    No matter how you celebrate, the essence of Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It’s not about where you are. It’s not about who you’re with, or what’s on your plate. It’s about taking a moment to appreciate what you have, even in its simplest form.

    Write a gratitude list. Call someone who has impacted your life. Find small ways to give back to your community. These acts of appreciation and kindness embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving, whether or not it includes a turkey feast. Maybe you just landed a new job after months or years of being laid off and without work.

    The Bottom Line: Do It Your Way

    Thanksgiving doesn’t have to fit into a box of traditions. Whether you are surrounded by friends, family, or simply your own good company, remember that it’s your holiday to shape.

    Celebrate with joy, authenticity, gratitude, and your peace—whatever that looks like for you.

  • Liberation Station Bookstore: A Tale of Resilience and Resistance

    Disclaimer: The events described in this article are based on factual reports. The names of real individuals have been omitted to protect their privacy.

    In the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, a beacon of literary diversity once stood—a haven for young readers, a celebration of Black authors, and a testament to community resilience. Liberation Station Bookstore, the state’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, opened its doors on Juneteenth in 2023. Its mission was clear: to empower young minds, amplify marginalized voices, and create a safe space for imagination to flourish.

    But today, we mourn its imminent closure. Not due to financial struggles or lack of community support, but because of something far more insidious: threats—violent, chilling, and aimed at silencing a vital literary oasis.

    The Birth of Liberation Station
    Mrs. Scott-Miller, a passionate advocate for literacy and representation, envisioned Liberation Station as more than just a bookstore. It was a sanctuary—a place where children could see themselves reflected in the pages of books, where stories transcended boundaries, and where young minds could dream unapologetically.

    The grand opening was a triumph. Nearly 4,000 people flooded the store, their excitement palpable. Liberation Station became a hub of creativity, hosting book signings, storytelling sessions, and workshops. Families browsed shelves adorned with titles by Black and underrepresented authors, their children’s eyes wide with wonder.

    The Threats Begin
    Yet, beneath the joy and camaraderie, shadows loomed. From the outset, Liberation Station faced threats—veiled warnings, anonymous messages, and a sense of unease. Victoria Scott-Miller, a mother of two boys, felt the weight of responsibility. She knew that her store wasn’t merely a business; it was a lifeline for young readers seeking mirrors and windows into their own lives.

    The threats escalated. Some were dismissed, but others cut deeper. A chilling phone call described her eldest son’s attire while he was alone in the shop. Fear crept in, and the family took a two-week break to process the unthinkable: their haven was under siege.

    Strategizing Survival
    Scott-Miller and her family adjusted operating hours, hoping to avoid being targeted. They navigated the delicate balance between safety and service. But when threats persisted, they knew they couldn’t risk their children’s well-being. Liberation Station would relocate, leaving its downtown Raleigh space on April 13.

    Scott-Miller’s reluctance to share her concerns stemmed from a desire to protect her family and her vision. She didn’t want to become the face of another movement; she wanted peace. Yet, her courage in speaking out highlights the urgency of this issue. Threats against a children’s bookstore are an attack on hope, on the very essence of community.

    A New Chapter
    As Liberation Station prepares to close its doors, it won’t mark the end. Scott-Miller’s resolve remains unshaken. The bookstore will donate unsold inventory to literacy nonprofits, ensuring that the seeds planted continue to grow. And collectively, they’ll redefine their next chapter—a story of resilience, defiance, and unwavering commitment to the power of literature.

    So, let us remember Liberation Station not as a casualty but as a beacon that ignited imaginations, sparked conversations, and dared to exist. May its legacy inspire us to protect the spaces where dreams thrive, even in the face of adversity. You can check out their website at https://liberationstationbookstore.com.

    What can we learn from Liberation Station’s journey? How can we safeguard literary sanctuaries? Share your thoughts below.

  • Finding Your Spark: Rekindling Purpose and Fulfillment as a Mom

    Motherhood is a beautiful, all-encompassing journey. But sometimes, between the endless diaper changes, bedtime stories, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, we moms can lose sight of ourselves. The question of purpose and self-fulfillment can nag at us, especially for those who have recently experienced a career shift, like a layoff, or simply feel lost in the daily routine.

    The Spark Within

    The good news? That spark within you, the one that drove your passions before motherhood, is still there. It might be buried a little deeper, but it’s waiting to be reignited. Here’s how to find your way back:

    • Acknowledge Your Feelings: First things first, acknowledge your emotions. Feeling lost, frustrated, or even a little envious of your pre-mom self is perfectly normal. Let yourself feel it, but don’t dwell on it.
    • Reconnect with Your Passions: Take a trip down memory lane. What did you love doing before motherhood? Was it painting, writing, photography, or maybe even coding? Don’t discount seemingly “frivolous” hobbies. They can be a source of immense joy and purpose.
    • Start Small: You don’t need a complete life overhaul. Begin with small, achievable steps. Dedicate 15 minutes a day to your chosen activity. Take an online course, join a local group, or simply dust off those old paints and brushes.

    The Unexpected Spark: A New Chapter

    Maybe motherhood brought a whole new set of skills you didn’t know you had. Did you excel at organizing playdates or creating elaborate birthday decorations? Perhaps your budgeting skills are on point, or your endless patience with your little ones has unlocked a talent for teaching. These newfound strengths can be the seeds for a fulfilling side hustle, a volunteer opportunity, or even a career change.

    Embrace the Journey

    Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when that spark feels faint. That’s okay. Be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The key is to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

    The Power of Community

    Surround yourself with supportive women who understand the unique challenges of motherhood. Look for online forums, join a local moms’ group, or reach out to friends who share your interests. Sharing your journey with others can reignite your motivation and provide invaluable support.

    The Takeaway

    Motherhood is a gift, but it shouldn’t define you entirely. You are still an individual with dreams, talents, and a purpose beyond your children. Rekindling that spark is not selfish; it’s essential for your well-being and happiness. A fulfilled mom is a better mom, and by nurturing your passions, you set a powerful example for your children that they too can pursue their dreams. So, take that first step, mama. You’ve got this!