The attic door creaks loudly as it drops and the ladder squeaks at it extends out into the hallway. The smell of hot cider wafts into my childhood bedroom and Christmas music plays softly. Goosebumps prickle on my arm and a grin spreads across my face. It's the day after Thanksgiving and my Mother is up early to start the Christmas decorating. This is one memory that will be forever imprinted into my soul. This was my most favorite day of the entire year. Christmas was coming!! My Mother loved Christmas...and so did I. She … [Read more...]
Letting Go of The Christmas Rush
It's December, time for the holiday fun. I love this time of year, I really do. The music, the food, the cheer...it's intoxicating. But as I sit here writing this, my son's empty Advent Calendar sits next to me, mocking me. It's one small symbol to remind myself that I don't have it all together. I know I need to fill it up, but I just haven't yet. I know I should be buying presents, but haven't done that either. I should be deciding when we should bake cookies for out neighbors and teachers, but I haven't yet. I know I should be … [Read more...]
Parenting Tips: Helping Kids Through The Tough Holiday Season
The holidays are filled with such joy, such excitement, such wonder. It truly is an amazing time of year. But, it also has some parts that can be difficult for families. Some kids have to go from Mom's house to Dad's house. Which is stressful. Some kids are questioning the whole "Santa" thing. Which is stressful. Some kids get sensory overload with all the bright lights. music, and busy crowds. Which is stressful. Some kids don't like being touched or hugged by extended family members and friends. Which can be … [Read more...]
Candy Cane Hunt
My family has an advent calendar that I keep up with during the month of December. Every day we do some sort of holiday activity. Some are really simple, and others are a bit more complex. Candy Cane Christmas activities, like this candy cane hunt, have so far been our favorite activity. It was so much fun for both my three year old and me. While J was eating breakfast I hid 16 candy canes in our living room and playroom. Some were out in the open and others were a more cleverly hidden. I gave J a holiday themed gift … [Read more...]
How a Slacker Mom Does an Advent Calendar
I love our Advent Calendar. It’s so cute and looks fantastic on our mantel. But, most of those cute little boxes are empty. That’s right, I am a slacker. I’ve been totally overwhelmed by life and have hardly worked on our calendar. I have added a few things that I know we’ll be doing this month, like planned Christmas parties, but that’s about it. However, every morning J wakes up and finds a special activity in his box. Because every night I come up with something to do the next day or two. It actually works great because there’s less … [Read more...]