Following are holiday story ideas that focus on the work of
University of Virginia faculty or students.



CAN HOLIDAY HO-HUM BECOME HAPPY HO-HO-HOS?

	Norman Rockwell-type portrayals of happy families gathered
together at the holidays may spur feelings of loneliness, guilt or
depression in people, causing them to suffer from "holiday blues,"
says clinical psychologist Peter Sheras.  Two effective ways to
overcome such feelings are setting realistic expectations and doing
things for or with other people.  He recommends volunteering at
social service programs, visiting nursing homes or serving meals to
homeless people.  

	An associate professor of education who researches family
stress, Sheras also cautions against overindulging in food, drink
and late nights because they can contribute to a heightened
emotional state.  In addition, he recommends against overdoing it
financially during the holidays.  

	"Those who spend more than they should, economically or
emotionally, often hope to be paid back for their efforts with a
similar amount of love or appreciation.  Such unrealistic
expectations often lead to disappointment," Sheras noted.  For
details, he can be reached at (804) 924-0795, office, or (804)
973-3536, home.


GOAL:  ADOPTING 100 HOLIDAY FAMILIES 

	Madison House, which coordinates U.Va. student volunteer
efforts, "adopted" 104 families with the Salvation Army's help this
holiday season.  The annual Holiday Sharing Program, organized by
student program directors Leslie Gillum and Taylor Cates, gives
families enough food for three days, including ingredients for a
holiday meal, clothing for adults and toys for children.  Each year
Madison House's rooms are filled with hundreds of gift-wrapped
packages, stacked from floor to ceiling.  For more information,
contact Gillum or Cates or Cindy Fredrick, executive director,
Madison House, at (804) 977-7051.






FOR A LASTING GIFT FOR CHILDREN, HOW ABOUT MUSIC LESSONS?

	Children do not have to begin playing musical instruments
when they are very young in order to become proficient, according to
studies being conducted by Jacqueline S. Johnson, an assistant
professor of psychology.  She has found no direct link between age
of learning and long-term musical proficiency. "What this means is
it's not too late for a 10-year-old to start a musical instrument.
The 10-year-old's potential for becoming musically proficient
appears to be no different than someone who began learning at five,"
Johnson said.  For more information, contact her at (804) 924-0654.


DOES DIVORCE SPELL T-R-0-U-B-L-E AT THE HOLIDAYS?	

	It doesn't have to, says Robert Emery, author of the newly
published "Renegotiating Family Relationships, Divorce, Child
Custody and Mediation."  He says the secret to having a trouble-free
holiday is to make plans well in advance.  Determine early which
parent will be with the children on what holidays, so both the
adults and children accept the idea.  A professor of psychology and
researcher of family conflict and the effects of divorce on
children, Emery also suggests that divorced or separated parents
start their own new celebrations so that each will build special
holiday traditions.  For more information, he can be reached at
(804) 924-0671.


GIFTS THAT ARE NEVER THE WRONG SIZE

	One can never go wrong by giving children books for holiday
gifts.  So believes Patricia Crook, associate professor of
education, who serves on the Children's Literature Assembly of the
National Council of Teachers of English.  She has developed a list
of 20 of her top favorites.  For specific gift suggestions on
age-appropriate books for children, call Crook at (804) 924-0849.  


December 8, 1994