Just Because

Beth Davis — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:34:46 -0700

So, I have an Aunt that I adore very much, who lives in New York. She and I aren’t close at all, and we hardly ever see each other. In fact, I think the last time I saw her was over 13 years ago, I am sure. Talking over the phone is even a rare thing. Usually, I may get to talk to her once a year over the holidays when everyone is over we will call her and all get to talk to her.

Enjoy Every Last Bit of Your Hanukkah Celebration...Even the Messy Parts

Melissa Chapman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:08:40 -0700

I recently read an essay by a fifty-something mom who was nostalgic about longing for the days when her kids were still young enough that every holiday season was filled with their screaming voices, sibling rivalry and oodles of time spent carting them to holiday plays, tree lightings and menorah ceremonies.

Create Some New Traditions This Thanksgiving

Melissa Chapman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:50:51 -0700

Several months ago I was enraptured by Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch who, after having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, decided to give his last lecture titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Standing in front of slides of his CT scans Professor Pausch revealed to the audience that this devastating disease would ultimately claim his life in a matter of months.

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero

Caryn Bailey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:49:42 -0700

As an only child, I remember how much effort my parents put into ensuring that each holiday and special occasion were celebrated in a unique way. For example, I still associate the smell of rice pilaf with Thanksgiving. Now that my husband and I have a little boy and a baby girl on the way, we often think about how we can make holidays special and memorable for them.

Proper Hosting Etiquette

Jordan Reid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:43 -0700

My husband and I are hosting his best friend from high school for a few days, and while I am mildly put out at the idea of picking up after two boys for a week, I do believe that hosting etiquette is very important. Here are some tips on how to be the best possible host:

Proper House Guest Etiquette

Jordan Reid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:26:10 -0700

It can sometimes feel awkward to be a guest in someone else’s home – you want to do everything right, but it can be difficult to know exactly what your hosts expect of you. Some hosts will want to spend every waking moment showing you around, while others will be more comfortable if you take care of your own schedule.

Fall Family Fun

Shannon Steen-Larsen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:41:00 -0700

I love the Fall Season! I love the Fall Season, because it’s when the leaves start to change colors, there is a cool chill in the air, and it’s a time when my family and I do fun holiday activities and spend quality time together.

Celebrating Halloween in the Big City

Carol Cain — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:13:00 -0700

As Halloween approaches and the store fronts and streets start showing signs of the holidays, little ones start getting excited about participating in all the festivities. However, living in a major city makes the traditional celebrations a bit harder to follow. And, unlike in smaller towns, stopping at apartments chanting Trick or Treat is not always an option.