We have some fun Christmas traditions. Some years, we head to the mountains to cut down our tree. The kids have Christmas concerts and recitals. We decorate. We try to fit in some baking (though I don’t think it’s happening this year). I’ve started making my older kids watch cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies with me, which […]
Embroidered Handmade Christmas Cards
I’m not a scrapbooker. I’m a knitter and a mediocre sewer and a baker and I love doing Christmas crafts with kids young and old, but I have no imagination for scrapbooking. I have great admiration for people who do, and I wish I had lovely scrapbooks full of my pictures…and handmade cards I could […]
The Outdoor Christmas Tree
One of our favorite winter nature activities is birdwatching. Maybe it’s because you don’t see as many wild animals out and about in the winter. Maybe it’s because, even when we’re stuck inside on a below-zero day, we can still see them out there, flying about, living their little birdy lives. Whatever the reason, we’re […]
10 Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Tweens, Teens, and Adults
I think I have everyone’s Christmas presents figured out…but stocking stuffers can be a challenge! I want them to be amusing and maybe a bit silly, but also still useful and not something everyone’s just going to throw out. Stocking stuffers have to be interesting, but not the focal point of all the Christmas presents. […]
Santa’s Toy Factory is Coming!
Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with Bloggin’ Mamas. All opinions are my own. My local mall is getting ready for the holidays! Southwest Plaza, has partnered with Mattel to introduce a new holiday adventure that will be memorable for the entire family. Santa’s Toy Factory will open on November 18 in the center […]
How to Knit An Adorable Snowman Dishcloth
These were a fun, fast knitting project that ended up being wildly useful. We can always use dishcloths around here and we never seem to have enough. And the snowman dishcloth is festive for this time of year. I will say — the pattern is subtle. But it’s also very simple, and a good way […]
9 Superstar Gifts for Kids Who Are Doers and Makers
We’re not a family that does the “something to read…something to wear…something to…” whatever those last two gift ideas are. I only remember that I read this idea on Pinterest, and that it totaled four gifts per kid and with four kids that’s sixteen gifts which I think might be getting a little out of hand. […]
The 9 Best Family Christmas Movies of All Time
I love my cheesy Christmas movies. I just finished watching one that’s still sticking with me…because every house in it had snow on the ground, but their lawns were perfectly green and the snow didn’t land anywhere that snow normally does. Is it weird to fixate on those things? I’m not the only one, right? The […]
Beautiful Snow Crystal Votives to Make With Your Kids
I love this time of year. I love all things sparkly and twinkly and glittery, and now, as it gets dark earlier and as we light fires and candles and (soon!) Christmas trees there are a lot of beautiful moments. Snow crystal votives are a simple, inexpensive way to spread some glitter and sparkle around […]
Make Your Kids Smile With These 9 Rhyming Christmas Books
So as you know, we love our Christmas books. I started playing the music already…the books are probably coming out this weekend. And, of course, I’ve found more to add to our list. Since there are so many great ones out there, I’ve narrowed down this list to some of our favorite rhyming Christmas books. […]