Make the Most of the Holidays Ahead

Make the Most of the Holidays Ahead –

Give Your Cell Phone a Break

4 Reasons to Turn off Your Primary Source of 

Distraction from Quality Family Time
Is there a way to make more time with family? Yes, says jazz trombonist and music producer Delfeayo Marsalis, a member of the acclaimed Marsalis jazz family of New Orleans. And it’s much simpler than you might suppose.
As a touring musician whose travels take him far and wide, Delfeayo (Del-feo) wants his time at home to really count, so the constant stream of potential distraction delivered through cell phones is something to be avoided…well, sometimes.
“People are becoming more aware and concerned about technology replacing quality face time – that message is even showing up in Starbucks commercials,” says Delfeayo, author of a new award-winning children’s book, “No Cell Phone Day,” (www.KidsTownPress.com), about a tech-entrenched father who spends a happy birthday exploring New Orleans with his daughter – and no cell phones.
“Once a year, once a quarter, once a month or even once a week, families should decide to spend an entire day together without their cell phones,” he says. “Trust me, if your tell folks that you’re unavailable, they’ll either call back, text or leave a message. The key is to just try it for a day. If you fear withdrawal, start with eight hours cell phone-free!”
As we approach fall and winter holidays, find additional opportunities to unplug.

•  Chaperoning young children during Halloween? Don’t let a work call ruin it. Accompanying children while trick-or-treating is a parental treat that we get for only a few short years. Soon enough, they’re going to want to ditch parents and go out with their friends. Enjoy the walk, undisturbed, and rejoice in your son or daughter’s fun.
•  Thanksgiving is a family affair. Hopefully, everyone can make it home. This Nov. 27 is a perfect date for your first No Cell Phone Day. Thanksgiving is synonymous with family and hopefully everyone you care about most can gather in one place this year. From the kitchen to the table to the couch, consider mixing up the evening with additional activities, such as a family ball game in the yard, or board and card games in the living room. Make the most of your time in real-time, not via a Facebook newsfeed.
•  One of the best gifts you can give during the holidays is undivided attention. Given the ceaseless distractions today, one’s full attention is a valuable commodity. Don’t take anything for granted when it comes to the people you care about with a: “She knows I love her” or “He understands that I’m a busy person.” Give them the gift of your full attention. After all, it’s only for a few days or hours.
•  A new kind of New Year’s resolution: Less time distracted with unimportant pabulum. Exercise more, eat better, read more, learn a second language, donate time to charity…yes, these are all great resolutions. But, while technology offers unprecedented convenience and even safety, it’s clear that surfing the web can be about as productive as surfing channels on TV. Tweeting and posting on Instagram is cool, smelling the roses (or the red beans and rice) is even cooler!
•  Make a list of 10 great memories!None of these moments will involve a cell phone or computer. This holiday season is the perfect time to make 10 more great memories!

About Delfeayo Marsalis

While Delfeayo Marsalis (dmarsalis.com) is known primarily for his work as a jazz trombonist and music producer, he has been involved with youth education for many years. In 2000, he founded the Uptown Music Theatre to provide dramatic arts education to New Orleans youth. UMT has staged 16 of his original musicals. Inspired by his autistic younger brother, Mboya, Delfeayo has volunteered and presented shows at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, including the therapeutic, “Swinging with the Cool School.” “No Cell Phone Day” is his first children’s book.