For many families, the focal point of Thanksgiving Day is a table laden with delicious food. As nice as it is to dive into these foods, getting them to the table often requires a lot of work and can be stressful. Last year, for example, we spent the entire day before Thanksgiving preparing various dishes. Then I was up and cooking again … [Read more...] about Simple Ways to Streamline Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation
Strengthening Family
10 Benefits of Engaging in Family Traditions
Yesterday, my daughters completed a gratitude activity that we complete each year before Thanksgiving. In the coming days, they will help me prepare traditional Thanksgiving foods. Then, I’ll recount stories of past Christmases as we hang ornaments on the Christmas tree. We’ll place our handprint tree skirt under the tree after adding this … [Read more...] about 10 Benefits of Engaging in Family Traditions
Printable List of Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Each year around Christmas, many of you stop by and check out a post I wrote several years ago about alternative gift exchanges. This post has inspired many of you to try out some non-traditional approaches to giving gifts! This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will be having non-traditional Christmas celebrations. Because of … [Read more...] about Printable List of Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
I’ve written one or two Christmas in July posts each year since I began blogging. For the most part, these posts address how to plan for Christmas early so the Christmas season isn’t busy and chaotic (see all of the posts here). This year we’re in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Though we don’t know for certain what things will look like … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
14 Fun Ways for Kids to Interact with Loved Ones Over Video Calls
We’ve used video calls to keep my kids in contact with their grandparents for years. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we’ve been using it more frequently and we’ve been using it to connect with additional family members and friends. In my experience, it is easier for little kids to engage with loved ones using video calls … [Read more...] about 14 Fun Ways for Kids to Interact with Loved Ones Over Video Calls
Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
My husband and I have reflected several times over the last few weeks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a magnifying glass over numerous issues we have in our society. The pandemic hasn’t caused these issues, but it certainly has highlighted them. Among these issues is the way Americans perceive and treat our elderly. COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
I can’t remember a single Easter in my life that didn’t include attending church. For many of us, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Easter will include a number of “firsts” in regards to how we celebrate. Thankfully, even for folks under the most stringent stay-at-home orders, there are ways to celebrate. Here are 8 ways to make … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
30 Questions to Ask Around the Christmas Dinner Table
Our everyday lives are so busy that I find it increasingly important that we use the time we have with our families strategically. Holidays are times that we can really slow down and enjoy being with each other. However, on Christmas, it’s not unusual for things like presents and baking to commandeer our focus away from family and … [Read more...] about 30 Questions to Ask Around the Christmas Dinner Table
