christmas: 3 Ways to Holiday Proof Your Sanity - 11/22/22 09:05 AM
Do you get excited for the holidays? Or do you feel a dull ache in the pit of your stomach?
Alas, I used to have a love-hate relationship with the holidays.
I love the family traditions and seeing my kids so excited.
And I hate all the extra work. Seriously, don't moms have enough to do?
What we want most for Christmas is to enjoy our families. That's hard to do when you're drowning in your to-do list.
But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, I've been working hard the last few years to change it in my own home.
So, try one of these ideas now … (5 comments)

christmas: Unique Ways to Cut Stress & Add Fun at Your Holiday Gatherings This Year - 10/25/22 09:07 AM
Are you hosting others this Christmas?
Take the anxiety out of hosting by setting up a simple, but meaningful event. How, you might ask? Try out these easy and fun ways to host a meaningful gathering around the holidays.
Great Food:In most homes, the best way to bring people together is through food. Instead of working all day to prepare dishes in the kitchen, invite everyone to bring their favorite holiday dish or appetizer to the celebration. Share!
You'll end up with a unique collection of delicious food, and you'll cut the stress considerably. Plus, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. End … (1 comments)

christmas: 4 Ways to Make Christmas More Meaningful This Year - 10/21/22 07:00 AM
November and December are busy and bustling with activities, gatherings, and preparation. For some of us, we get to the new year and breathe a sigh of relief. We may even feel like with the busyness of it all, we forgot to focus on what is most important - connecting with and building our relationships with family.
This holiday season, use these easy and fun ways to connect during the holidays.
Play easy games that are fun. Many families spend at least a little time in the car during the holiday season. This is a great place to pull out this Christmas trivia … (5 comments)

christmas: 5 Activities That Encourage Experiences This Christmas - 10/11/22 12:26 PM
If you’re like most of us, you are already thinking about the holidays with your family.
For me, I swear the holidays come faster every year when you have growing kids.
Unfortunately, I’ve also noticed behaviors with my kids the last few years that have left me feeling uncomfortable. I’m hoping to fix it this year.
For one, their “wish lists” have gotten ridiculously HUGE, PAGES long!
And it seems like they focus only on the stuff they are going to get and the food they are going to eat for the holidays. Those things aren’t necessarily bad. I just wish there were other (more meaningful) experiences … (0 comments)

christmas: 3 Types of Gifts to Get Kids (That Aren't Useless) - 10/03/22 11:35 AM
Most days I really want to stop the toy madness when it comes to my kids.
The other day, I cleaned out my kids’ rooms and was disgusted with myself. I let it get too far.
The truth is, I stopped trying to organize our toys long ago. They get far too many, and I sit paralyzed in overwhelm. Do you feel this way sometimes too?
So as I sat in a pile of discarded and unnecessary toys, I realized that we needed to make a change.
But, what do you get kids if it's not toys?This, dear friends, is the question I was immediately … (0 comments)

christmas: 5 Easy Holiday Games to Connect and Laugh - 12/16/21 12:02 PM
In the coming weeks, many of us have time off at home and plans with others. It's the BEST time to connect with those you love! In that spirit, try one of these festive games with your kids, your extended family, or even your friends!
​Christmas Charades -  Take your favorite Christmas characters and movies and act them out! Who will act out Rudolph? 🤣
​Christmas Trivia - Test your Christmas knowledge with fun trivia questions and answers! Do you know the four food groups Buddy the Elf sticks to?
​This and That Questions - Have family members choose between similar options and see … (3 comments)

christmas: 4 Tips to Enjoy & Savor the Holidays With Young Kids - 11/02/21 11:05 AM
Christmas with babies and toddlers is a magical time. Watching their eyes light up with excitement and wonder is one of my favorite things in the world.
But, with three kids, I've found that my hopes for the holiday season don't always meet reality. So, today I'm offering 4 tips to really get the most out of your family time with little ones this year.
1. Be Realistic About Activities
Instead of packing your December schedule with every event you can think of, put a little thought into your activities. Are they meaningful? Will you have enough time or energy to do them? Pick … (8 comments)

christmas: 10 Festive Christmas Traditions at Home - 11/23/20 12:39 PM
Like many, my family and I are re-evaluating travel and holidays this year. We're adjusting. And then adjusting again.
And we're realizing that a lot of time at home is in our near future.
 
For that reason, here are ten easy and festive Christmas traditions you can do from the comfort of your own home. They strengthen relationships and make Christmas special, no matter what your circumstances. I know we'll be using them!
 
1. Do a Large Christmas Puzzle
First, we're going a little old-school! In an effort to spend some time OFF of screens, a glorious holiday puzzle is just the cozy activity to … (0 comments)

christmas: Ways to Show Your Friend a Little Love This Holiday Season - 11/18/20 11:01 AM
It's been such a trying year for all of us.
 
And with our friends, we may feel more isolated or divided than ever before. So, today are ten quick ways to show a friend a little love this holiday season. 
 
May you brighten someone's day and brighten your own in the process!
 
10 Ways to Let a Friend Know You Care
 
Send a Christmas Card
But instead of just a simple picture, write something personalized to let your friend know how much they mean to you.
 
Send a Video Message
Wish your friend a Merry Christmas by video for a personalized way to say hi or thank you.
 
Facetime … (2 comments)

christmas: 3 Easy Ways to Make the Holidays Bright Without Lots of Stuff - 11/10/20 04:37 AM
This year has been difficult for many of us, and we are ready to turn to the holiday season with a sense of happiness and peace.
Yet, it will be easy to fill Christmas with tons of stuff this time around. Toys, knick-knacks, and online impulse purchases that feel great in the moment, but leave us in January feeling like the clutter has taken over our home (and left our wallets bare).
Now, by all means, buy the things that you really want, but consider these options too. They'll add magic to the season without overwhelming you with junk later on.
1. Try a … (2 comments)

christmas: A Unique Gift That Lifts Spirits in 2020 - 10/29/20 11:06 AM
This year has been one of the toughest years I can remember. And for those dealing with personal issues on top of national tensions and a global pandemic, it has no doubt taken a lot of grit to get through.
 
So, today, I'm introducing an easy way to brighten someone's 2020 holiday season.
It's the 12 Days of Christmas gift. And it was introduced to me eleven years ago.
 
Why This Gift Means So Much
In 2009, my husband battled Crohn's Disease. Except, at the time, we had no idea what it was. We simply knew that he was throwing up everything he ate, and … (1 comments)