Tag Archives: Christmas

Doing the Christmas Wrap

Yesterday was wrapping day. We don’t give huge gifts, and we’re not getting anything that wriggles. Nonetheless, it was a bit of a project. If you’re into recycling and reusing like I am, Christmas wrapping is a mental stretch. I have a couple of rolls of old wrapping paper in my basement, and I do use them occasionally. However, the fact that they’ve lived with me since we arrived in our house over seven years ago tells me that I don’t tend to use a lot of wrapping paper. What do we do instead? Chocolate boxes, cookie containers, and old … Continue reading →

Christmas Gifts That Could Cause Insurance Problems

What is Santa bringing your children for Christmas this year? Certain types of gifts can actually be problematic for your homeowners insurance. Things like trampolines and certain breeds of puppies, can cause your insurer to raise your rates or to drop your plan. What could be more adorable than a Christmas puppy? It might be exactly what your kids are hoping that Santa will bring them this year. Unfortunately, certain breeds of puppies could result in problems with your homeowners insurance. The same could happen if you put a trampoline in your backyard. CNBC points out that there are certain … Continue reading →

The Story of the Empty Gift Card

Last year, I wrote a blog about a situation that occurred as a result of a gift card that had not been properly charged by the cashier. My brother, who received the gift card, has autism. He called me, all upset, when the gift card didn’t work as expected. I’m hoping I did better with his gift this year. One of the things that I have learned as the sibling of a brother who has autism is that consistency, pattern, and an expected outcome of events, are good things. When something unexpected happens, it can cause him great distress. Such … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Secret Santa Selections

Take the stress out of Secret Santa gift swapping by wrapping up these interactive holiday page-turners that won’t break the bank: Santa on the Loose!  A Seek and Solve Mystery It’s the Christmas version of Where’s Waldo.  Only, pint-sized bookworms are not hunting for a geeky-looking kid wearing a striped shirt.  Rather, youngsters must read clues, don their detective hats, and find Santa to solve the mystery of the missing Christmas toys. Is the toy thief Emo the unhappy elf, Loki the dissatisfied reindeer, Roz the ravenous polar bear, Softy the sneaky snowman or Arlo the deceivingly cute penguin? Kid … Continue reading →

A Toddler’s Perspective on Christmas

For parents of toddlers, the holidays can be a wonderful time as well as a hectic and stressful one. We all try to do so many things, and sometimes we forget to enjoy ourselves and our children amidst all of the busyness. I know that I have done that from time to time. This year, I am really focusing on how my little guys might perceive all that is going on around them. Dylan is full of questions, and I am sure that even though Blake cannot yet verbalize what he is thinking, he is filled with wonder. I would like … Continue reading →

Why Pets Aren’t Good Presents

This goes without saying, but you can never say it too often because it happens every year: don’t give pets as presents.  If you’re thinking about gifting a pet to someone you love this year, consider very carefully.  Pets are lifelong commitments and responsibilities, not fun presents. Now, I can think of one context in which it could be OK to give a pet for a present: if the person receiving asked for it, knew that’s what they were getting, and understood the responsibilities involved.  That means in most cases, it’s not appropriate to get pets as gifts for children: … Continue reading →

Saving Up Winter’s Bounty

We don’t often think of winter and bounty in the same thought, but there is plenty of winter bounty, if you know where to look. Make sure you gather and store your extra blessings now to help you get through the rest of the year. Gift Cards A bounty of gift cards may fall in your lap as presents from friends and family, as well as promotions and thank you gifts from local businesses. It is also true that gift cards are easy to misplace or forget about. Keep all of your gift cards together (I used a small box … Continue reading →

Creative Ways to Tip This Season: Free Gift Cards and More

How many people do you have in your life who are on your tipping list for the holidays? The hair stylist, school bus drivers, teachers, the trash man, the postal clerk or delivery person (there are rules on type and amount), the baby sitter or nanny, the coffee barista and anyone else who provides you a regular service, may all be expecting a holiday tip. At least one service provider of ours actually leaves an envelope just for the purpose. Most of us forget to add tipping expenses into our budgets and may be left with a surprise when we … 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 →

Last-Minute Teacher Gifts

It’s nearly Christmas. Are you looking for a homemade teacher gift for your child’s teacher? Teachers work very hard all year, and Christmas is a good time to show them how much they are appreciated. Whether you’re making something for a soccer coach, Girl Scout leader, or your child’s classroom teacher,here are some ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts. 1. A homemade card I volunteer in a number of ways in the community. I always appreciate the thought behind a homemade card. I don’t need a lot of things, but a message of love in a card is always appreciated. 2. … Continue reading →