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We search high and low every year for that perfect gift for our Mom, Mother in Law, or Grandma. Here is a few of our favorites we have found! Here is to getting your favorite Mom the perfect gift!
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Mother’s Day is almost here, are you ready? We found the classics and a few surprises that we know your Mom or Wife will love! We have every thing from air fryers, to Lulu dupes, to the coolest Mom gadget, all edges brownie pan, and more! Get shopping and make the best lady around have the best day, with the perfect gift!
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Pictures with the Easter Bunny are the cutest thing since chocolate-covered marshmallow Peeps. Mom and Dad stood in line for pictures with Santa; why not for an Easter photoshoot, too?
I’ll tell you why: the Easter Bunny is scary. Don’t get me wrong -we had a neighborhood Easter egg hunt recently with Easter Bunny photo ops. All the kids lined up. My kids, meanwhile, did not. They were remembering a few photos I found online…
Yes, children, when the Easter Bunny comes, run away. Just run faster than your parents, who really want that touching Easter bunny picture for the family photo album.
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Yesterday as I picked up some (more) Easter candy and Easter egg fillers, I realized I didn’t have an Easter centerpiece. Oh, I have plenty of speckled eggs and Easter grass lying around the house as Easter decorations. They even look somewhat decorative.
Thanks to having kids and those kids having Spring Break, however, I’m short a centerpiece. I always have the kids, so I didn’t go looking for any old thing to slap in the middle of my table. I went looking for easy Easter centerpieces.
When there are dishes to wash, laundry to fold, -nevermind; that list could go on forever. Point is, Peter Cottontail’s coming down the bunny trail faster than I can eat a whole bag of Cadbury eggs. (And I can eat chocolate eggs faster than I want to fold socks.) When I want to make Easter crafts, it’s going to be easy or it’s not happening.
The first idea I came across is adorable AND easy. Did I mention I love easy? You may think you’re putting all your eggs in one basket with this idea, because you are. All you’re doing is finding a cute metal basket and filling it with Easter grass and Easter eggs. Choose whatever shade of grass and eggs fit your mood, budget, or decor.
I may spend most of my days in The Neverending Story of housework, but even I’ve noticed that cactuses and cacti are a hot decorating item right now. So, why not have an Easter cactus decoration? I’m totally for real, and I think this can be pulled off with a quick paint job. Either that, or you can buy some premade cactus’s and sprinkle them into Easter grass.
The next ideas I found center around a glass vase. I find glass vases and hurricane jars all over secondhand shops and Goodwill and they are an obviously quick and easy Easter decorations idea. Just look at these: they all involve dumping Easter stuff into a vase.
Did I mention apothecary jars? You bet I did! Those and glass goblets are even better than a vase if you want your home decorations to look fancier than they really are. They’re the best decorating secret I know besides buying crafts pre-made.
Second only to my jars and vases are cake plates and cake platters. Armed with Easter eggs, grass, an Easter Bunny, or maybe a nest; any crafter can make a centerpiece that looks like Joanna Gaines made it. All you need are materials and a glue gun.
Hopefully, there isn’t a best-dressed Easter centerpiece contest in my neighborhood. If there is, at least I’m sure to win a prize for most hot glue used. Now, on to that laundry and Easter candy…
Chelsea enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Looking for the best Easter basket ideas for girls, Easter basket ideas for boys, and even Easter basket ideas for teenagers? Never fear; we have them all! In fact, we even found a couple Easter basket ideas for guys.
Let’s start at the beginning. Do you know an expectant mother or do you have a newborn baby you simply must spoil? A Baby’s First Easter Basket sounds in order to me:
What about toddlers? Since you don’t want too many Easter treats for those hyperactive darlings, try this Easter basket without candy option. It has yogurt bites, veggie puffs, and Little People friends.
Perhaps you’re blessed with a little one who loves PJ Masks. Take a hint from this design and throw in some Gecko, Owlette, or Catboy candies and chocolates. Did you even know there were PJ Masks Easter candy?
Moving up in age and interests brings us to unicorns. What little girl doesn’t want a unicorn Easter basket? Throw in some rainbows, a unicorn figurine, and some magic and you’re good to go.
Of course, most kids have a variety of interests. I like how tasteful this assorted basket is with its doll, book, crayons, and fabric wand.
But let’s not forget how cool an Avengers Easter basket would be. Wait -not a basket; this epic collection of Avengers toys and gear is stuffed in a reusable bucket.
Personally, I’m fond of going outside the basket for Easter ideas. This basket-free Easter basket is one of the most clever ideas I’ve seen. Not only did they use kids rain boots, but they stuffed in a few outside toys like pinwheels, shovels, rakes, and seeds.
Okay, okay: this is my last non-basket Easter basket idea ...for kids, anyway. It’s an adorable wagon, complete with candy and a few plastic gardening tools.
Another option on our list of candy-free ideas is to go with a basket of art supplies: bathtub finger paint, paint by numbers, markers, clay, and bubbles.
Maybe you’ve entered the teenage years. Your young man may be too old for egg hunts, but you and he still want a basket of sorts. That’s why this Easter basket for teens is perfect. It’s a baseball cap stuffed with favorites like beef jerky and Pringles chips.
Need another Easter basket for teenagers? Go with a sports ball bag stuffed with accessories. He’s going to beg for XBox game upgrades and pizza anyway; why not gift them in the name of Easter?
Now, how ‘bout a little something for the husband or boyfriend? You’re not the first to want to show him some Easter lovin’ with an Easter basket for guys. This basket is even made of tools. Hey! It counts for Easter!
Last but best is an Easter basket for ladies. Personally, I’d like a basket with a coupon for a week off, but I’ll take a spa package from the Easter Bunny as well.
Easter baskets for the whole family seem like a big deal; but, with these ideas, you’ll have one for everyone faster than you can eat the ears off a chocolate bunny.
Chelsea enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Easter’s right around the corner, and Pinterest is hopping with cute craft ideas and easy Easter recipes. If you’re anything like me, though, you’re remembering the Pinterest fails of last year: the Bunny Peep meltdowns, marbled egg murders, and Easter cake mayhem.
Before you throw in the Easter-themed towel, take a look at all the others who share your Easter fail pain:
Thank goodness for stores with pre-made Easter cakes and Easter craft ideas. Someone’s got to have your back when you think you nailed it ...but didn’t.
Chelsea enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Easter craft ideas often raise stress-levels. I’m all for Easter decorations and Easter crafts for kids, but not when I have an Easter bunny-sized mess to clean up afterwards. Have any of those mommy bloggers actually put glitter all over an egg? It’s not as pretty as it looks in the end.
That’s why I skipped right over “Glitter Eggs in Minutes” and even “Bunny Ear Headbands.” Too. much. Work. Instead, I found ten ideas I guarantee to be quick, easy, and still adorable.
First are these bunny bum planters. They look fancy, but are the short work of a few pom-poms and a glue gun. You can finish up the feet with a fabric marker. The messiest part will be dirt and flowers; the best part will be the, “Oooh” and “Aaah,” and “Oh! How cute!” of all your friends.
Grab a stamp pad and a few fingers for this next one. It’s a fingerprint Easter bunny and spring chicks! Just add legs, whiskers, and facial features with a permanent marker and you’re done! These cute little critters would be perfect for a teacher present, birthday party invitation, or card for grandma.
Easter bunnies mean carrots, right? But who wants real carrots? This paper cone carrot craft produces cute candy containers.
Do you need an Easter garland to complete your Easter decorations? This easy craft idea hopped out to me for two reasons:
1. I can’t cut a circle with scissors, but I can do an egg.
2. My kids steal hundreds of these paint sample swatches from the hardware store.
Another Easter decoration idea is candy jars. Frankly, stencilling bunny outlines looked like too much work, so I went for a glue gun approach. If you want to make some, pop over to a cheap store and buy some tiny plastic or ceramic bunnies. After paint and glue, no one will know which fancy store you got them from.
Easter always means Easter eggs, but that doesn’t need to be plastic or hard-boiled. Straws can work, too; especially when they’re the cute patterned ones. Who doesn’t want a paper straw Easter egg?
Another thing we have a lot of is baking cups. If you make these muffin wrapper flowers with your kids, you can use them up without making messy cupcakes instead.
Are you looking for more Easter chick craft ideas? I like these finger puppets. They’ll need googly eyes, paper, feathers, holes, and fingers. They also work really well as an Easter craft for preschoolers.
I was all over this idea once I saw that it was a messless way to paint. Your kids can decorate their egg or other Easter cutout and you won’t find paint exactly where you don’t want to.
My last idea is another candy jar craft idea. The faces can come from stickers, glued pom-poms, or paint. What makes it work is which candy you choose for fill.
Easter decorating and Easter craft ideas can be pain-free. I promise. And, they can still be cute enough that no one will suspect how much hot glue you actually used.
Chelsea enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
Kids have been trying to get out of doing chores for almost as long as parents have. If you are a parent; you’ve probably tried job charts, incentives, allowance, computer time, threats, and ...consequences.
No matter what we parents try, our kids will always give us a surprised look. They will always try to get out of doing chores. They will always need a few reminders to get back on task. And, we will always find commiserating parents who post exactly what we feel:
We may not get the kids to do their chores, finish their homework, or earn that allowance; but we’ll keep trying. Teaching kids responsibility with chores is important for their future. If all else fails, at least we can try that Dobby sock trick and get some quality alone time.
Winter is finally melting away into spring, and that means Easter! Not only will there be Easter egg hunts and Easter Bunny photo ops, but there is sure to be plenty of Easter candy everywhere. Go dig out your baskets, bonnets, spring dresses, and plastic grass; we’re ready to hop into the Easter season!
I mean, just look at this festive sale:
8,705 Likes, 347 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "Are they combining April Fools, Easter, and womanhood? I'm so confused. 😂😭 @cynicalparent makes me..."
Speaking of eggs, aren’t your kids anxious to get cracking?
1,623টি লাইক, 148টি মন্তব্য - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) Instagram -এ রয়েছেন: ""I see that she is taking my picture, but maybe she won't notice if I grab this last egg..."..."
They look eggcited to me…
3,152 Likes, 108 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "Please swipe for a lovely and creepy treat. Happy Easter, friends. #HideYoEggsHideYoBaskets 📷:..."
Like I said, though, the best things at Easter come in wrapped packages. Am I right?
3,316 Likes, 49 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "They won't miss a few pieces of candy. #CoachellaWho? #kidsaretheworst"
Honestly, I’m not picky.
10.6k Likes, 652 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "All. Of. It. . Except celery. . #celeryistheworst #kidsaretheworst"
I keep to a strict diet.
3,820 Likes, 270 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "See, I eat eggs for breakfast. And peanut butter has protein so it's kinda the same thing... ish...."
For the kids.
6,166 Likes, 423 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "Must. Stop. Eating. Mini. Eggs. But seriously, I am like a moth to the Cadbury flame. I have this..."
No, I don’t have a problem.
1,619 Likes, 62 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "MAYBE. Don't tell my kids. They were getting all righteous while I was getting all hyped up on..."
I have a peanut butter friend.
3,533 Likes, 252 Comments - Anna Macfarlane (@kidsaretheworst) on Instagram: "I don't care what size you are, baby. Just as long as there is a good peanut butter to chocolate..."
Until, that is, we finally say, “Goodbye.”
Don’t worry; the only thing better than Easter egg hunts and Cadbury eggs on Easter is after holiday sales. Pick up a few egg-decorating kits and plush bunnies for the kiddos, plus a few cases of chocolate eggs for yourself. It’s worth the egg-stra effort.
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Nothing puts the icing on the parenting cake quite like a screaming child. Whether in the car, at the store, or anytime the child feels like it; The Scream is The Worst.
What’s a parent to do? Duct tape is tempting, but not feasible. You’d never get it off your ears without some pain, and it wouldn’t cancel out enough noise to make the hair loss worth it.
Instead, what about music? At our house we listen to so many different songs that I have a playlist for nearly every situation. That’s why I’ve got your back when the screams start. I not only included a few obligatory ‘calm the kids down’ tunes, but also threw in some that will harmonize with the screaming. And just ‘cause I’m nice, I finished with songs that are so awesome you won’t notice the screaming for a few ...seconds, at least.
Calm Songs (For the Kids)
First, I always start with my favorite Classical pieces. These range from Mozart to Chopin to Weezer. And, thanks to the heavenly blessing of YouTube, I can pop a ready-made playlist on as soon as it’s needed:
You may have noticed one of those things is not like the others in my first suggestion. This is because I never tie myself down to any style or genre of music. If you and yours like Weezer, The Piano Guys, or The Plain White T’s; my second suggestion is to play what works.
The recommended tune I include, here, is the playlist that consistently put my second child to sleep every time we got in the car: the soundtrack for the film Edward Scissorhands.
My last calm songs idea is a bit of a mashup of the two before. The artist calls himself Caspar Babypants. Trendy, hip parents may recognize him from the 90s band The President of the United States of America.
Caspar Babypants started composing songs for young children when he, himself, became a parent and saw what was out there. Thank goodness he did, too!
Screaming Songs (To Harmonize)
As funny as it sounds, I find stress relief in giving into the moment and becoming one with The Scream. Since my doctor suggested my headaches and sore throat might decrease if I avoid screaming myself, I instead turn to singers who do it for me.
For full-on screams (or yells), the most tolerable choice is “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin:
Another great classic rock option is one that became my favorite after Matthew Morrison and Neil Patrick Harris took it on during an episode of “Glee.” As gorgeous as those two are, they still can’t reach the screaminess that is Steven Tyler.
When the kids get high-pitched and I need a commiserating harmony, I skip to the end:
Last but not least is my oldest son’s go-to whenever I become the screamer. Not that it helps, but he always gets us laughing when he turns it on.
Because; really, can you not laugh when 10 hours of screaming goat is playing?
Awesome Distracting Songs (For Everybody)
This is the part of the list where you can insert your own ideas. Maybe your family swings to Christian Rock for inspiration. Maybe you’re more partial to electric grunge. Or, you could have a favorite based on what pitch your child screams at.
Our family enjoys everything from Beethoven to heavily-edited Eminem. I also recognize the effect that music has on people and houseplants, and therefore try to keep our awesome songs playlists limited to ones with positive messages and tones.
In light of that, the first of my three suggestions is “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” by Justin Timberlake. Even if you’re still sick of it, you can search for other songs like it.
Really, the best way to distract a screamer and his or her audience is to put on something you can dance to. Timberlake’s song is great for that, as are many others. When I asked around my mom’s group for their favorite, two of them also mentioned Fitz and the Tantrums’ “Hand Clap.”
In the end, the very best thing I can do for the child and myself is to distract with a funny video. After trying snacks, naps, and duct tape; my number one song choices for watching are OK Go’s amazing compilations. I don’t know how many times the band has to record them, but the end results are mesmerizing.
The songs aren’t half-bad, either.
Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart, but it also doesn’t need to make you dependent on ear plugs. Next time your little darling starts practicing angry opera, whip one of these songs out. You and everyone within earshot just might start dancing, instead.
After all, a dancing child is better than a screaming one any day.
Chelsea enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
March is finally here and we are all aching for some Vitamin D right about now! Do you remember that weird time in your life, after college but before school age children, when spring break didn’t exist! I felt empty and confused. I couldn’t be more thrilled that my life has made a full circle back into Spring Break Land. It is right around the corner for most of us and it is time to start pulling out all the essentials! Whether you are road tripping or heading straight to the beach, I (Camille, Anna’s assistant) have some items you will not want to forget.
Most of us haven’t seen the sun since summer so I have included some sun coverage swim for the whole fam! No one needs to get scorched the first day on vacation!
Have you smelled Sun Bum? It is heaven but whatever brand you choose, just make sure you have loads of sunscreen. You are going to need it!
Kid essentials that you will be super thankful to have!
After a day at the beach there are a few things that are essential.
Baby Powder: Have you tried the magic of baby powder to rid your body and kids feet of sand? It is magic. It soaks up the water and poof, the sand falls off! Don’t head to the beach with out a bottle.
Aloe Vera Gel: Just in case you missed a spot or decided to risk it in the sun, make sure to pack the Aloe. Someone is going to need it!
This chair is your beach best friend. Is is low that you can dig your feet into the sand and just the right slouch to lean back and read your favorite book!
I am always on the hunt for the next good book. I absolutely loved The Lost Letter and Before We Were Yours is next on my list.
I try to keep my vacation sunnies under the $20 range. Helps ease my mind that if something happens to them, they are left, broken, or scratched that they aren’t my special ones! A few cute contenders by Vans.
Cold water is all we want and this bottle delivers! Have you used a water bottle adapter for your car yet? Something that I didn’t even know I needed and now am so happy it is in my life. These things adjust to your car holder and the size of your bottle so you can actually put these monster bottles where they are supposed to go! Thank you clever people.
Holy Hannah, Snacks. My kids eat so much on vacation and road trips. I swear I cannot be alone here, right? Stock up before you head out that door!
Here are a few of our family favorites.
Lastly, I cannot sleep in new places very well. These will hopefully change your life like they have mine! Put on this eye mask and pop in some ear plugs and you will finally get a good nights rest and be ready to have the best spring break ever!
What items are your spring break must haves?
Have fun and stay safe!
This blog article may contain affiliate links!
By Chelsea Owens, Guest Writer
Whenever my kids are home for spring break, summer vacation, or winter break; I have a ton of ideas for quick, fun activities for kids to do at home. The problem is that I run through every one of them within an hour. By the first day, we all have cabin fever. “I’m bored,” each of them whines, as if the parent passed out on the couch has good ideas.
What’s a mom or dad to do when we need indoor play ideas; when all the kids are bored and scrabbling up the walls instead of turning to crafts, games, and educational activities?
Why, turn to Instagram, of course.
Unless you’re home for a snow day, you can always kick the kids outside. They’re sure to find something productive to do that won’t hamper your ability to see or anything.
Or… one of my fall-backs is a trip to the store. It’s like an indoor sports facility, but free. The kids can even practice human curling:
Then again, it might be time for a family vacation. Kids love that kind of thing.
If that won’t work because of money or money, staycations are popular. Make your home like the tiny airplane or hotel room you’d stay in, and the kids will love it.
All right, all right. We’ll do some crafts. Kids love crafts, like painting.
And markers.
And some of those fun activities you can do with food.
Maybe it’s time for a few games.
Something fun for everyone that doesn’t involve a lot of supplies.
It might be time for games that involve exercise.
For the kids.
That’s it. It’s time for the electronic babysitter to take over. But don’t worry; even movies can be educational.
Whether you choose a family staycation, easy craft, or cheap activity for kids; boredom doesn’t need to be the only option when cabin fever strikes. Keep things entertaining and fun for everyone this break, and you just might all survive and be happy.
Chelsea Owens enjoys writing, reading, eating, sleeping, and living vicariously through others' stories. Since she is a mother full time, sometimes she gets to do those things.
After the longest January ever, right?
I am so looking forward to fun, cheesy Valentine decor!
Gimme me all the hearts, candy, Valentine parties, and more! Whether you go all out or have a few decorations, this holiday always has been a favorite of mine. There has been a few years that I let it slide by without making sure I had something festive to wear or barely remembered to get my kids’ valentines sent to school. Those years were, admittedly, never as memorable or fun!
I always remember the fun years that we had a party, made cookies, or that really great year I went all out on my son’s Valentine box. He had the best Thomas the Train Valentine box ever. Man, I should have saved it! It took forever to make but I always think back on how fun it was.
So here’s to being fun and festive this year with these fun things we found to step up your festiveness:
(some photos may include affiliate links)
By Yaina Cantrell, guest writer
School is out for winter break.
You should be hearing the pitter patter of little feet, but… silence.
Where are the kids? Just follow the annoying sound effects and high-pitched cartoonish melodies of video games echoing through the house. They’re either stretched out on the couch glued to the TV playing video games or developing hunchbacks by leaning over their cell phones and tablets cruising social media, right?
You ask yourself, how can I lure the little munchkins away from their screens?
Well, I’ve got you covered!
Prepare to ignore the whining objections like “Awww, why do we have to do it now?” and “But I’m on level 6!” and get busy making fun happen!
Here’s a tip: Invite the friends that they play online games with, so they don’t feel like they’re missing anything. Not to mention, their parents will adore you for giving them a break. And be sure to ask them to return the favor with a play date at their house next time.
1. Time to dust off those board games! Check out some top rated games for families on Amazon, including Say Anything and The Awkward Family Photos Movie Line Game. My niece and nephews forget all about their video games and social media when we play their favorite games like Jumanji, Mousetrap, and Family Feud.
2. Go camping! Pitch a tent in the living room in front of the fireplace or (weather permitting) out in the backyard. Toast marshmallows to make s’mores, sing campfire songs, and tell spooky ghost stories all night long! You can find reasonably priced indoor/outdoor tents on Amazon.
3. Go on a scavenger hunt! Make it holiday themed by including items like a Christmas stocking, tree ornaments, and a snow globe. Offer prizes along the way such as candy, toys, free passes from chores, or a chance to open one Christmas gift. Find free printable colorful maps and lists of items online.
4. Recreate MasterChef Junior! Head to the kitchen and pass out the aprons! Demonstrate a simple dish and recipe for your tiny master chefs to create within an hour. Or have them decorate cupcakes. Then, judge which one is the best, awarding 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. prizes for everyone. Keep it simple with pre-made cookie dough, brownie mix, sandwiches, mini pizzas, mac & cheese, or tacos. (Worried about too many sweets or junk food? Secretly add pureed spinach to brownie mix and pureed cauliflower to mac & cheese. Don’t worry, they won’t be able to taste it. You could even award a bonus prize to the kid who can guess which veggie was added to the recipe. Hint: wait until after they eat it.)
5. Do people still make ice cream from snow? Well, they should! If snow is in the forecast, set out a clean bucket to collect fresh snow. All you need to add is vanilla and condensed milk!
6. Make holiday arts and crafts. The kids will love making their own wreaths to hang on their bedroom door. They can also make Christmas tree ornaments. These make lovely mementos to keep throughout the years. Bring out the markers and glitter to make holiday greeting cards too!
7. Strike a pose for a fun photo shoot! Use your imagination to come up with goofy costumes and props to create photos. Frame the best ones or stick them on greeting cards and tree ornaments.
8. Time to make memories! Break out the video camera and your director’s chair! Film a montage of the kids acting out their favorite movie scenes from classics like Home Alone or A Christmas Story or create your own short play. They could also make a music video singing holiday songs.
9. Science! Pick up a chemistry set or put together a homemade experiment.
10. Build a box fort! Kids go wild for boxes! Grab the biggest boxes you can find, and I promise you, this will provide hours of fun for the little ones. The older kids can play the invading monsters or sword-wielding giants!
11. Need to get out of the house? Plan a trip to your local children’s museum or zoo. They’re sure to have special exhibits and events for the holidays. You could also give back by donating old toys to a toy drive or by volunteering at your nearest family homeless shelter.
12. Zumba! Try to keep up with these kids! Lay out those yoga mats and have fun exercising together!
13. Make jewelry! Bejeweled trinkets make great gifts for the kids to give to family and friends.
14. Sing! Grab a mike and sing Karaoke style.
15. Nap time! Just kidding! Or am I?
I hope I have provided some inspiration to help you create a fun winter break for you and the kids in your life. Let us know how it’s going! Please feel free to share your ideas and photos. We’d love to see you in action!
By Maren A. Lam, guest contributor
"I have never had a Christmas like this before," my husband, Fred, told me while we spent our first Christmas together at my parents' place in Missouri.
The night before, my dad read the Nativity story from the Bible to us. Thanks to my mom, we always had homemade meals and sweets. All of my siblings were there and added with 4 of my nieces and nephews, a lot of energy was under one roof. Apart from my teenage brother gift wrapping empty cereal boxes to bulk up the loot under the Christmas tree, things seemed pretty normal to me.
Two years later, we spent the holidays with Fred's family in California. It was my first Christmas without my own family and I realized that each family has their own traditions even at Christmas time. We split our time between Fred’s dad and mom. His dad took us out to eat and then we spent the rest of the day with his mother's family at his grandma's house. People played games and socialized as we showed off our then-5-month-old baby boy. There was not a Christmas tree, we didn’t take turns unwrapping presents, and it wasn't a white Christmas. However, it still felt like Christmas. I believe the main reason it did is because we were spending time with family.
This will be our first Christmas on our own—that is Fred, two year old Calvin, baby Alex, and me. So I really want to do whatever I can to make the season feel special and start our own Lam family traditions. Here are my ideas for starting your own Christmas traditions:
1. Christmas traditions don't have to be Christmas-y
Take your family to do something really fun. Fred and I are children at heart so we plan to go to an indoor water park on Christmas Eve (I don’t think our toddler will mind!). Don’t have an indoor water park? Go bowling, rollerblading, or to the arcade.
Or if you are trying to do something with a bigger group, do a lip syncing competition. I know a family that does a lip sync battle at Christmas and they have a riot. Christmas songs are rarely done and everyone unleashes their inner pop star.
2. Yummy food
Food is a great way to start your own family traditions. For example, my sister feeds her family beans and rice every Christmas dinner. This started out of necessity when money was tight as a newlywed. She adds more substance to the dish these days, but it is a good way for her and her husband to reminisce. A lot of families I know do homemade cinnamon rolls. I don’t have much talent in the kitchen so I’m going to keep things simple, but still delicious, with German pancakes for breakfast.
3. Keep it local
There are so many festive activities to do for families in metropolitan areas this time of year. Many of these are free, which I love. Christmas lights, parades, sitting on Santa's lap, holiday parties, etc. I have made a calendar of events I want to go to this year and the ones I love will make the cut for next year. Even if you don’t live in a place with a lot of holiday events, taking a drive to see neighborhood Christmas lights is always fun.
4. Evaluate your Christmas list
Gifts are fun to give to your kids but it is really a hassle to buy everyone else something. Do we really need to buy every adult family member something that they may or may not like? Try to scale it back if you can. My siblings and I do a gift rotation and there is a twenty dollar cap. It has really made Christmas shopping easier.
5. Teach
While gifts are fun, I want to teach my children how wonderful it is to give. One year, an unknown angel knocked on our door and fled, leaving behind a $100 Walmart gift card. We still don’t know who did it but I have always remembered it. I hope to start paying it forward now with my family. If you need ideas, justserve.com is a great resource for finding ways to volunteer in your community.
I don’t know if all of these ideas will become our family traditions, but we are going to make memories trying. Whatever you decide to do for your family’s traditions is sure to be special because you will be doing it with the ones you love.
By Cumorah McOmber of simplycumorah.blogspot.com
My first year at summer camp, I was flummoxed by the white rose ceremony held at the last night’s fireside. I discovered after it was too late that the leaders awarded one girl from each cabin a white rose in recognition of their service towards others throughout the week. I didn’t know I could have been competing for such an honor!
The next year, I went in with a plan. I swept the cabin every night without being asked. I volunteered for extra chores. I finished my dish duty in the mess hall in lightning speed so I could help the girls who were on mopping…and I made sure to do all of these things within eyesight of a leader. I skipped to the rose ceremony, picking up litter on the way.
There, my leader held the most beautiful, snow white rose, and began describing her cabin’s winner:
This girl went above and beyond. Check.
This girl looked for ways to help without being asked. Check.
This girl made room by the campfire for a girl who had felt left out.
This girl comforted a crying, younger camper who was missing her mom.
This girl stayed up late talking with another girl who was struggling with her faith.
This girl lifted up those around her, unaware that she was being watched.
I was not this girl. I wasn’t even remotely close to being this girl. I couldn’t believe my rose had been snatched up by someone just because she was NICE, when I had voluntarily cleaned latrines! Luckily, I held back from demanding the recount I thought I deserved. I spent the next year thinking about how my plan had failed me. I didn’t just need to volunteer and do extra work, I also had to act like I cared about people.
Fortunately for that pre-teen, selfish soul of mine who craved recognition, I grew up. I learned from mishaps and life experience, but mostly, I met my husband. He would have taken home a camp rose. He is far from perfect—let’s just get that out of the way right this second—but he has a genuinely compassionate heart. He has taught me how to give freely, to be attentive to others, and to look for ways to love and lift someone every day.
The great news is, compassion can be taught. I do believe some people just have a gift to love and give and feel the need to relieve others’ suffering. To be honest, it wasn’t natural for me—but with a lot of practice, it has become a large of part of who I am, and who I want my children to be.
I have four kids who are involved in a million things. My husband and I both work full time. Like everyone else in the world, we are crazy busy, but also like everyone, we make time for the things that are most important to us. We make conscious choices daily to help our children learn how to be compassionate.
The most successful thing we do in this arena is free and easy: we talk. When the kids were younger and we weren’t pulled in four different directions each night, we would sit around the kitchen table at dinner and take turns telling about how we each were able to help someone that day. We heard stories of inviting the new girl in class to play four square at recess, or sharing a snack with someone who forgot theirs, or staying inside to color with sister instead of playing with friends since she couldn’t get out of bed with her broken femur.
Nowadays, we have these conversations, and still ask the same question, “How were you able to help someone today?” as we drive to volleyball practice, or during halftime as we sit at brother’s basketball game. The stories have changed a little as the kids have gotten older, but the moral is the same: Look. Be aware. Find a way to lift people around you.
The holiday season is a perfect time to focus on compassion with your children. While it’s easy for kids to get excited about all the things they may be getting for Christmas, with a little effort and planning, you can help shift their focus to what they can give this season. Children of every age can enjoy the gift of giving.
Young children love the magic of surprise service. Let your children randomly choose the name of a family member out of a hat (or paper bag, or vase, or whatever you have handy). From now until Christmas morning, they get to be that family member’s Service Elf. Their mission as a Service Elf is to look for ways to serve their person each day. They might unload the dishes when it’s their person’s night. They might leave a treat with a love note in their person’s lunch box. They might sneak to make their person’s bed in the morning. As they perform their daily act of service, they should leave a little “from your Service Elf” note. On Christmas morning, each family member can reveal who they were an elf for. We grow to love the people we serve. This tradition is one that will bring more unity, thoughtfulness and gratitude into your home during this hectic season.
Pre-teens often need a little encouragement to look outside themselves, and creating a Service Tree is a perfect nudge in that direction. A service tree is decorated, not with ornaments and tinsel, but with suggestions for service. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be a small, fake tree with printed slips of paper attached with clothespins, or it could be a hand drawn tree you tape to your wall, covered with sticky notes of service ideas. What it looks like is not nearly as important as the feeling that is put into the giving. Have your children choose one service item from the tree at a time. They can replace the item with an ornament once the service has been rendered. The goal is to have all the service slips replaced with ornaments by Christmas day, and to share then how serving brought light to both the giver and the receiver.
Some fun ideas to include on the tree:
leave a snack and note for the Amazon delivery person on the doorstep
sit down and read a book to a sibling
visit with a resident at an assisted living home
reach out to someone at school that might be lonely
match all the socks in the laundry bin (please , can someone please come to my house and do this for me!?)
brighten someone’s day with an act of kindness
write a note of gratitude to a teacher
create a handmade gift for Grandma
take a name off the giving tree in the school’s lobby and purchase the item to donate with your money earned from chores
do a secret service for a neighbor
help a sibling with their homework…the possibilities are endless!
Teenagers are capable of big giving. There are many organizations that provide help and service during the holidays that can utilize teen volunteers. Check these sites to find opportunities to serve in your area:
volunteermatch.org
justserve.org
allforgood.org
Alternatively, working with your teens to create their own service project might fit better into their busy school/extra-curricular/work schedules while still providing the mindset shift from getting to giving.
Last year, we decided to launch a local clothing drive & give away. Our teenage daughters were instrumental in the process. Together, we made and distributed fliers, talked to schools, and decorated donation bins. We marketed via social media. We emptied the bins of all the donated bags of clothes every day for two weeks. We got the neighbor kids involved with sorting all the clothes. We found an organization that let us have a free booth at their farmer’s market to give away the donated items. A few amazing friends came to serve shoulder to shoulder with us all day. We set up tables and racks and hung and folded clothes for hours. My daughters helped families sort through clothes to find sizes and styles that would work for them, and we cried with people who were overwhelmed with the generosity of our community.
One man came to the give-away looking for a pair of work shoes so he could get back to his construction job. His shoes had worn through, and he wasn’t welcome on the job site without proper footwear. There was, in our row of donated shoes, a nearly new pair of work shoes, in his exact size. He held the shoes tight to his chest, and whispering, asked, “For me? Free?” He took only the shoes and a pair of socks, and left before the tears in his eyes spilled onto his cheeks. To someone, those shoes were closet clutter. To him, they meant the ability to feed his family.
We got to be a part of several stories like his that day. It was eye opening for my children to see such need, right here in their own town, and it was a gift to be the hands that helped our community help each other. It took effort. It took planning. It took our attention away from the greed that can slip in to the season, and it filled our family with gratitude for the ability we have to work together and to lift others. My girls didn’t need a white rose. They earned so much more.
If planning a service project or starting a service tree or being a secret elf seems overwhelming this year, start by just beginning the conversation. Bring giving and mindfulness to your children by simply asking, “How were you able to help someone today?” and then listen. Chances are, their answers will inspire you.
by Guest Writer: Millicent Parsons
The holidays can be a minefield for family drama. Whether it’s overbearing in-laws, rude relatives, or too many people to visit, there can be a lot to navigate when the family gets together.
But you don’t have to let your family ruin the holidays for you. With some preparation and a touch of tact, you can survive—and enjoy!—the holidays with your extended family. Just follow these tips to prepare yourself and your next family get-together will be a piece of (fruit) cake!
Does everyone expect a visit from you and then get pouty when you can’t squeeze them in? Nothing hurts more than unmet expectations, whether it’s a child not getting that present they wanted or an in-law who missed you at their annual holiday party. So plan early with your spouse whom and when you can visit this year, and then share those plans with your family members ahead of time so they know what to expect.
If it’s impossible to visit every obligatory relative each year, start a rotation where you see certain people every other year. Or celebrate Christmas with some family on a—gasp!—different day than Christmas to fit them all in. The key is to be flexible and communicate your plans in advance so no one is taken by surprise when the holidays roll around.
Sometimes the biggest stress of visiting family for the holidays isn’t the extended family so much as your spouse’s and kids’ behavior around said family. If your spouse can’t get along with your relatives but always sides with his, or your kids suddenly become spoiled brats at Grandma’s house, it’s time to establish some ground rules.
First, address any tension between your spouse or you and family members. Agree to have each other’s backs and be a team rather than “picking sides” if an issue comes up. Also identify any private information or couples’ decisions that shouldn’t be discussed with relatives.
As for the kids, remind them that Santa can still see them when they’re out of town and that as guests in someone else’s home they need to be on their best behavior or there will be consequences.
Now that you’re at the big family get-together, how do you keep the inappropriate questions and heated debates at bay? Well, no guarantees, but there’s some things you can do to help.
Discreetly excuse yourself when undesirable conversations arise, or politely redirect the conversation. Avoid bringing up sensitive topics yourself, and steer clear of known instigators. If all else fails, go find something productive to do away from nosey relatives, like tidying the guest bathroom for the hundredth time or shoveling the nice relatives’ cars out of the snow.
Manners are cheap and always appreciated—unlike that gift you picked out for your in-laws last year.
If you can be polite and cheerful at family gatherings, your chances of surviving unscathed will increase. All but the prickliest of family members like the “nice” relative, after all. So offer sincere compliments, ask others neutral questions about themselves, or keep your mouth shut, as appropriate. Don’t gossip or complain. And look for ways to be helpful when you think you’re going to crack (see above).
Now, you don’t have to be a door mat if a family member does something truly offensive. The key is to be the bigger person and respond with maturity.
Nothing satisfies a Grinchy relative more than getting others worked up, so don’t react to rude behavior. Set boundaries and preserve the Christmas spirit by not participating in their drama. Respond with an even tone and brief statements when someone is rude, and let them know you can’t socialize with them if they continue to be offensive.
Remind yourself that their behavior is a reflection of them and you aren’t responsible for their feelings and actions.
No family gathering is ever going to be perfect, so cut yourself and your loved ones some slack. Focus on what’s important (hint: it’s family) and let everything else go.
And if things do start to go downhill, use these tips to redirect the drama and bring back the Christmas spirit, even if only for yourself. You don’t have to let your family’s baggage get you down. Prepare yourself to handle the crazy, and maybe be careful carrying your aunt’s heavy suitcase up the icy walk.
In other words, the kind of gifts I will be giving my friends and expecting in return.
Because, let’s be honest. Anything I really want, I will be telling my Mom and husband to get me, and everything else will probably end up at the thrift store by summer. Might as well be funny…
Books are something that you can never have enough of! Children love new books to dive into and they make the perfect addition to any Christmas list! This list may contain affiliate links.
Camille here, Anna’s assistant! Do you feel like your Mom is the hardest to buy for? It seems they already have everything you could ever want but you still want to find that perfect gift they will love. I have searched high and low and found a few gifts that I think your Mom or Yourself would love this Christmas! This may contain affiliate links.
