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Home > BE A MENTOR > Support for Mentors > Holiday Ideas >

Celebrating the Season

Throughout the year, program staff and mentors strive to make every match the best it can be. With the holiday season, however, come unique challenges. The following suggestions and tips address some common concerns that matches face during the holiday season:

• Recognizing the Season – At this time of year, cultural differences between mentors and mentees may be more visible. Many mentors celebrate different holidays than their mentees, while others commemorate the same holidays but celebrate unique family or cultural traditions. Encourage mentors and mentees to discuss and share their traditions. It can bring matches closer while acknowledging the importance of their individual beliefs.



• Keeping in Touch – Since the holidays can be a busy time with travel and family commitments, many mentor/mentee matches may be unable to meet during this time. It is important for matches to discuss the impact of holiday plans on their meetings before issues arise. Suggest other ways for matches to connect during the holidays, such as phone calls, cards or emails.



• Getting Together – The holidays offer a wealth of experiences mentors and mentees can share. Provide mentors with a list of possible activities or create a local holiday events calendar as a resource for mentors and mentees. To find out what’s going on in your community, visit your local library, contact your local news agency or visit Web sites such as www.digitalcity.com or www.citysearch.com. For example, matches might enjoy:



• Attending holiday-themed events such as concerts, parades, Christmas tree or menorah lighting, Kwanza celebrations;
• Participating in holiday-related community service activities (e.g. community meals; clothing, food or toy drives, etc.); or
• Making holiday decorations, cards or hand-made gifts or baking holiday treats.



• Giving Gifts – Many mentors like to celebrate the holidays by giving gifts to their mentees. Clarify your program’s policies regarding gifts so that everyone understands what is permitted.