Pretty much every year of my adult life I’ve attended at least one holiday gathering where there was a white elephant gift exchange. Though the specific details vary, most of these have involved the exchange of silly, strange, or humorous gifts. I often scramble around the house a day or two before a white elephant gift exchange in an … [Read more...] about 26 White Elephant Gifts from Around the House
holidays
7 Ways to Keep Babies and Toddlers Out of Christmas Trees
Young kids love the bright lights and shiny ornaments on Christmas trees as much as we do. Unfortunately, they don’t want to appreciate these by gazing at them like we do—they want to touch and perhaps even taste them! This is first and foremost a safety issue, but it’s also a frustration for parents who want to decorate for … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Keep Babies and Toddlers Out of Christmas Trees
4 Things to Remember When It’s Hard to Give Thanks
Though I really try to be grateful throughout the year, I benefit from the heightened focus we place on gratitude during the weeks preceding Thanksgiving. I find it easy to be grateful during most Novembers, but there are years when it is exceedingly difficult because of the events that have taken place that year. What should we do … [Read more...] about 4 Things to Remember When It’s Hard to Give Thanks
10 Wonderful Children’s Books About Gratitude
In my household, we all love reading. It should come as no surprise that I enjoy using books to introduce new concepts to my kids and to reinforce the concepts we’ve been discussing. It is November, so we’ve been talking a lot about gratitude and giving thanks to God for all He has given us. These are really difficult concepts for young … [Read more...] about 10 Wonderful Children’s Books About Gratitude
12 Bible Verses to Encourage Grandparents
Grandparents play an invaluable role in the lives of their grandkids. However, parents and grandchildren rarely take the time to honor and encourage the grandparents in their lives. Though we should do this throughout the year, we have a specific reminder to do so every September on Grandparents Day (this holiday is held annually on the first … [Read more...] about 12 Bible Verses to Encourage Grandparents
Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
It’s no secret that I enjoy Christmas music. In fact, I enjoy it so much that sometimes I’ll listen to it in the middle of the summer. I haven’t done that yet this year, but when I was listening to it last winter I noticed that there are a number of Christmas songs that aren’t all that Christmassy. What I mean by this is that the lyrics aren’t … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
16 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms
All moms need encouragement. It doesn’t matter if her kids are young or grown and it doesn’t matter if she has one kid or a dozen. Each and every mom you know could use a few words of encouragement! One powerful way to provide encouragement is to share words from Scripture. The Bible has many encouraging things to say to moms. I’ve … [Read more...] about 16 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms
20 Questions to Ask Around the Easter Table
Family dinners are such a great time to have meaningful conversations with one another. This may be particularly true on holidays. Whether you are having a formal or casual dinner this Easter, why not use some thought-provoking questions to get the conversation started and help you get to know your loved ones better? Thought-provoking … [Read more...] about 20 Questions to Ask Around the Easter Table