My mother had a strict rule about opening gifts on Christmas morning: No random ripping allowed. Instead, each child opened one gift at a time while the rest of the siblings looked on, and my mom dutifully jotted down the name of the gift giver and the contents of the box. Then, as soon as the last present was unwrapped, my mother would distribute the lists and my brothers and I were given three days to complete handwritten thank-you notes to our generous benefactors. That was more than 20 years ago. Apparently, times have changed. At least in most families. … Continue reading →

You are looking at my daughter’s Christmas tree selection. And no, she is not a direct descendent of Charlie Brown. In fact, her choice in Tannenbaum proves that the apple can in fact fall far, far, far from the tree… Christmas or otherwise. Allow me to draw your attention to Exhibit B. This is a photo of the Christmas tree I selected for our family. You wouldn’t know it by looking at my daughter’s true blue love, but we are one of the 27 million American households that opt to buy a live tree for Christmas. For decades I’ve shunned … Continue reading →

I smile every time I see the sign that reads: “Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy.” You can usually catch the tongue-in-cheek threat hanging in stores, doctors’ offices and auto repair shops. I love kids to pieces and I firmly believe a baby is one of the best gifts a person can receive during the holiday season… or any time of the year. However, the cute creatures aren’t problem-free. They enter the world following the shedding of blood, sweat and tears, and the work that goes into raising them doesn’t miraculously dwindle when they reach … Continue reading →

As the days dwindle down to Christmas, kids can do more than just sit around and look cute. Since the countdown to Christmas is typically a chaotic period, why not channel your child’s creative energy to help lighten your load? The following hands-on activities are ideal for moms, dads and kids to bond. What’s more, the projects give youngsters the gift of inclusion. Kids love feeling like they are part of the hoopla surrounding this hectic time of the year, so get them started on these seasonal decorations: Popcorn Wreaths: Cut out a large circle from a piece of heavy … Continue reading →

I received my very first Christmas video card last week and bid adieu to my electronic holiday greeting virginity. The Hallmark e-card stripped me of my seasonal innocence and now I guess I should expect my mail carrier to travel a little lighter next Christmas. Apparently, holiday e-cards are the wave of the future and soon traditional Christmas greetings, like these, will go the way of the Walkman and typewriter. Say it ain’t so. How many paper holiday cards did you receive this year? I sent out nearly 90 and have received more than half that amount as we wrap … Continue reading →

“Wishing you a Merry Christmas,” those are the exact words splashed across the front of my family’s Christmas greeting card. Below it reads: “2010” and our names. Then, around the entire boldface greeting sits six lovely photos of my six-year-old. Thanks Minted.com. It would have taken me forever to sort through the hundreds of greeting card selections on the site. However, I found a way quick way to wade through the ocean of options. I clicked on “Christmas.” That one little click made a world of difference. I was not interested in sending out a card that said anything but … Continue reading →