Am I the only parent who waits until 11:55 p.m. on Christmas Eve to start wrapping a closet full of gifts? Let the festive cloaking of toys and books begin… before my kid wakes up. My gift wrapping marathon typically begins after my young daughter goes to bed… or, rather, to sleep. On Christmas Eve that can take up to three hours. She’s cajoled into bed, but fights fatigue with every fiber of her being. The kid is determined to catch a glimpse of Santa, and this year even set a “trap” to prove to her doubting classmates that this … Continue reading →

According to my 7-year-old, the Grinch could take lessons from me on how to ruin Christmas. So, without further ado, here are just some ways to have an un-Merry Christmas: Lesson #1: No one in the house gets to open presents on Christmas morning until he/she eats at least a few bites of the special holiday breakfast Mommy lovingly prepares. Lesson #2: All family members must pose for at least one photo in front of the tree while wearing Christmas pajamas prior to ripping into holiday loot. Lesson #3: One (and only one) gift can be opened on Christmas Eve. … Continue reading →

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 →

I once heard a child psychologist state that the best gift parents can give their kids is consistency. I think the shrink was on Oprah, and I’m pretty sure she wasn’t advocating consistent beatings, neglect or emotional distress. I get what the expert was trying to say; kids thrive when they don’t have to deal with chaos. They love routines, schedules, rituals and traditions. So, why not start a few as we countdown to Christmas? It’s never too late to begin a seasonal family tradition. Gather the kids and choose a holiday-themed activity everyone can have fun with. Then, make … 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 →

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the countdown to Christmas is officially underway, it’s time to fine-tune your list-making skills. This is especially important if you are a parent. The holidays can add even more stress to an already busy life juggling kids, career and a home. Still, no parent wants the season to slip by without making lasting memories with their children. Participating in Christmas-themed activities with your kids is a great way to bring the holiday to life and underscore the true reason for the season. The following are just a few of the many fun and meaningful … Continue reading →