Where has the first half of this year gone? Somehow July has crept up on me! I imagine that December—and Christmas—will do the same. Thankfully, I take time each July to plan and prepare for Christmas. As I’ve explained previously, this is not an attempt to usher in the Christmas season prematurely; it is one way my family avoids a chaotic … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Celebrating Christmas with Family Members Who Live Far Away
Strengthening Family
The Importance of Grandparents
My husband and I live far from both of our families. This isn’t ideal for a number of reasons, especially now that we have a child. We’re having to come up with creative ways to help our daughter get to know her relatives, especially her grandparents. Caring, attentive grandparents are incredibly valuable to children. In fact, they can … [Read more...] about The Importance of Grandparents
Gift Ideas for Teens
My husband and I have a couple of teenagers on our Christmas gift list. The more I try to brainstorm gifts for them, the more I realize how little I remember about being a teenager! After thinking on it for some time, I’ve come up with a number of fun and/or beneficial gifts for the teens in our lives. Perhaps they’ll be useful for … [Read more...] about Gift Ideas for Teens
Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
With Thanksgiving over, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts to exchange with loved ones. If the increase in views of my Christmas in July: Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas post is any indication, then many of you are also looking for gift exchange ideas. That post is pretty brief, but I’ve identified several additional ideas … [Read more...] about Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
We have several family members coming to spend the week of Thanksgiving with us. As much as I love cooking, I’d rather spend time visiting with my loved ones than in the kitchen preparing meals. We’re also on a tight budget, so I don’t want to break the bank when purchasing foods for us to eat. I’ve been brainstorming and have come up … [Read more...] about Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Zero-technology road trip games used to be the only entertainment during long family road trips. In many families, these games have taken a backseat to onboard DVD players and handheld electronic devices like tablets and portable video game players. Classic road trip games offer some benefits over these new technologies. The games … [Read more...] about 19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Writing Supportive Messages in Sympathy Cards
Have you ever been at a loss for words when trying to write a supportive message in a sympathy card? Perhaps you’ve wondered if it’s even beneficial to send one? Cards can be a significant source of encouragement and support when you’re grieving. There’s no one message that is suitable for every grieving individual, but here are some … [Read more...] about Writing Supportive Messages in Sympathy Cards
The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
We’ve already discussed how the sounds and scents in a home contribute to its aura—the overall quality or feeling it emits. Today let’s consider how the sights in a home, especially the way in which it is decorated, can positively influence its aura. Though I don’t believe there is one “right” way to decorate a home, I’ve always felt … [Read more...] about The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
