Could Santa be a Professional Organizer?

Santa and His Big Red Bag

How to Store and Organize Toys

by Lorraine Brock

It has always amazed me how Santa maximizes the space in his red velveteen bag for the many toys he delivers on Christmas Eve. He has to have some great organizational skills (that I must be missing) to get enough toys for children all over the world in one red bag. Since what he leaves under our tree each year takes up more space in my home then in his red bag, I wonder if I should hire Santa to organize toys when the Christmas season is over?!

Scrapbooking for a Positive Family-Image

Scrapbooking with Family

As the Holidays Approach, Start a New Family Tradition with Scrapbooking

By Dr. Caron Goode

We are all aware of what a positive self-image can do for a person. It gives him the confidence to achieve more. It picks him up when he is down. It makes it possible for him to enjoy life to the fullest. The same holds true for families. Like individuals, every family has its ups and downs. Situations such as illness, separation, divorce, and parent-child power struggles can dent a positive family-image. One way to offset the effects of these situations is to involve the family in a group project.

See Cirque Dreams: Holidaze on Opening Night!

Win Tickets to See Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

Presented by AT&T Performing Arts

An international cast of more than 30 multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists come to life and perform astonishing feats of disbelief. Experience gingerbread men flipping midair, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen powerfully sculpting, penguins spinning, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.

Encouraging Children to Participate in Community Service

Community Service Ideas for Kids

by Mina Frannea

The holidays are a time of the year when people are often inspired to volunteer their time to those in need. As parents, my husband and I hope to instill in our children the importance of community service and the concept of “giving back”. Children learn a lot by watching so we try to set examples by giving of our time to school activities and various community organizations. This has helped our children accept service related activities as a normal part of our lives.

If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities that your child can participate in with you, look for tasks that aren’t too complicated, are age appropriate and relevant to interests or skills that your child enjoys.

Depending on a child’s age (minimum age requirements may apply), he or she may be able to:

‘Ho, Ho…Uh Oh!’ Get Ready to Jingle with Junie B at DCT

Junie B Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Dallas Children's Theater

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

 

by Mina Frannea

We caught a recent performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at the Dallas Children’s Theater. It’s a light-hearted show that the whole family can enjoy and will make you laugh out loud!

The Performance

As the performance opens, it’s the last week before winter break and Junie B’s class in Room One is about to participate in a Holiday sing-along. The class has also been chosen to lead the entire auditorium in a chorus of “Jingle Bells.”  Nervous about the upcoming show, Junie B has a flashback to last year’s disastrous performance of a Columbus Day play when her arch rival May tries to take over and chaos ensues. The Columbus Day skit, a show within a show, is FUN and wonderfully portrayed by the cast. I especially liked the creative use of silk-like fabric to represent roiling ocean waves.

6 Tips on How to Stay Healthy for the Holidays

Staying Healthy During the Holidays

How to Encourage Yourself and Others to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

By Sonja Kabell, Founding Consultant, Slimming World USA

As the holiday season approaches, keeping you and your family’s health in mind is a gift that is priceless. We do not have to give up our health-related goals like exercise, eating right and taking care of ourselves just because it’s the holidays! Here are some tips and strategies that might see you through the season.

Cyber Monday Deal Round Up!

Cyber Monday Deal Round Up

20 Cyber Monday Deals!

 

Guest post from TheMomsJournal.com

Cyber Monday means fabulous online deals from many of your favorite vendors. Here’ s a list of 20 popular Cyber Monday Sales. Check out www.themomsjournal.com to see more than 50 Cyber Monday deals.

American Girl – Up to 50% Off on select items

Avenue.com – 50% Off everything site wide –  code AV121400; plus Free shipping on any order

Banana Republic – 30% off online purchases; code CYBER

Blue Nile – 22% – 65% Off site wide plus free shipping; HOT – 40% off select pre-set diamond stud earrings; use code GRACE