How to Recycle After Christmas is Over

Many families enjoy decorating for Christmas. This includes both indoor and outdoor decorations. After Christmas, families begin storing their Christmas decorations. What can you do with items that cannot be re-used? It might be possible to recycle them! Real Christmas trees can be recycled. The first thing to do is call your local recycling center, or your local waste management authority. Ask if they will recycle Christmas trees before bringing your tree to the facility. Your local zoo may be collecting recycled Christmas trees to be used as treats for their animals. Before you go – be sure to remove … Continue reading →

Celebrate Christmas Safely During COVID-19

Christmas celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic will be somewhat different than in previous years. You can still celebrate with your favorite traditions if you take steps to keep everyone as safe as possible. No one wants COVID-19 for Christmas. Tour Outdoor Light Displays It has become tradition for people to decorate the outside of their homes with festive lights and stand-up decorations. There may be a street near you where the entire block created elaborate scenes, complete with lights, music, and large stand-up decorations. The safest way for your family to enjoy these displays is from the warmth and safety … Continue reading →

Red, White and Ready for Santa

The countdown to Santa’s visit is officially on in my home. My 8-year-old has already plumped up the pillows on the recliner, so St. Nick will have a comfy spot to sit before he unloads his sack and piles her gifts under the tree. My daughter also penned a short note to Mr. Claus welcoming him to our home and inviting him to nosh on the cupcakes she is leaving out for him. Yes, cupcakes. This year we are deviating from the traditional sugar cookies because my child has deduced that it would be barbaric for Santa to chomp on … Continue reading →

Go Green to Avoid Seeing Red

Are you seeing red after calculating the amount of money you’ve shelled out this holiday season? Christmas is still a week away and some parents are already dealing with a mountain of debt accrued since Black Friday. As devoted moms and dads we feel obligated to make all of our children’s holiday wishes come true: Big tree featuring gorgeous ornaments, life-sized animated decorations, elaborately wrapped gifts and miles of twinkling lights that would blind a buzzard. Unfortunately, all that holiday bling can put a real dent in your household budget. One way to reduce the sting of big bills racked … Continue reading →

Keep It Simple

In the wake of the senseless shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many parents are reevaluating their priorities. With Christmas just a few days away, there’s been a shift from chaotic to calm. Whereas a week ago many parents were rushing around like decapitated chickens trying to hunt down a mountain of material items to place under the tree, today, those same parents are realizing that life’s greatest gift isn’t something that can be wrapped in pretty paper. Rather, moms and dads around the world are slowing down and savoring every minute with their kids. If the incomprehensible loss of … Continue reading →

Christmas Break Boredom Busters

Today is the last day of school for many kids in our area. Their Christmas break begins this afternoon and I’m sure they couldn’t be happier. Their parents, on the other hand, may not share the same feeling. A week from now those same kids may be climbing the walls looking for ways to keep busy. If you fear boredom will get the best of your brood before Santa flies into town, consider putting your kids to work making these simple and inexpensive holiday decorations that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts: Pretty Presents: … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Ways to Countdown to Christmas

My 8-year-old adores her Snoopy countdown to Christmas calendar… and her wooden Advent calendar… and her chocolate-filled Advent calendar… and well, you get the idea. My kid is obsessed with counting down to December 25th. While I enjoy seeing her excitement as she tears open the doors to her various candy-filled chronicles, Advent calendars don’t come cheap. Neither do secular versions featuring syndicated cartoon characters. Fortunately, there are ways you can celebrate the coming of Christmas without going broke. For example: Paper Chains: Kids can craft a countdown to Christmas chain to help them visualize how many days until Santa’s … Continue reading →

Upcycle Your Holidays

If your home is already crammed to the gills with “stuff,” the prospect of adding even more items during the holiday season can make your skin crawl. One way to alleviate this uncomfortable feeling and save money at the same time is to learn the fine art of upcycling. Pinterest has made a fortune from the fad, so there’s no reason you can’t benefit as well. Before heading to the mall to drain your wallet on expensive Christmas-themed paraphernalia, gather your kids and take a tour of your home. Look for items that can transformed into amazing holiday presents and … Continue reading →

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas

My 8-year-old has a severe case of the Christmas gimmies. Unfortunately, I have myself to blame for her very unmerry malady. Whereas I am by no means showering the kid with pre-holiday presents, I haven’t been doing a very good job focusing on the “reason for the season” either. I’ve been swept into the chaotic tsunami that is the month of December. Gifts to buy, wrap and mail; cookies to bake, decorate and distribute; cards to take photos for, write and stamp; and the list goes on and on. As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the … Continue reading →

Embrace Your Mistakes + Snow Globe Sugar Cookie Recipe

Many parents feel uncomfortable appearing less than perfect around their children. Ironically, childhood experts maintain that moms and dads, who unabashedly show their children that making mistakes is part of life, give their kids a priceless gift and a leg up in the real world. Well, Hallelujah! I’ve finally done something right in the eyes of so-called parenting experts. My kid sees me mess up all the time. Okay, maybe not all.the.time. Still, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes… and then some. However, in making my litany of blunders, I’ve learned another important lesson. By embracing your imperfections you … Continue reading →