My Gift to You

This is one of my family’s favorite Christmas presents, and this year Von got to enjoy it with us, too. I know some of you out there who’ll enjoy it as much as we do. So, may I present my gift to you… Sue’s voice, grandbabies, and spirit, all in one hilariously adorable little video… … More My Gift to You

Hour Gifts

My mom came up with the “hour gift” idea when I was 12. At first I absolutely hated the idea. But with time, it’s grown to be one of my favorite holiday memories. And now it’s a tradition for my own little family. Maybe it could help slow down the Christmas craziness at your house, too. The … More Hour Gifts

Countdown

It’s the holiday equivalent to the car chorus, “Are we there yet?” Is it [insert special occasion] yet? Let’s face it. Kids have a different sense of time than us, and understandably so. Think about how long one month is as a percentage of their entire existence, compared to ours as adults. Now perhaps you … More Countdown

Delayed Gratification

Does your Christmas morning devolve into a flurry of wrapping paper with gifts tossed into a heap? Do you leave family gatherings with no idea of who gave anyone what? I have a theory: We open gifts too fast to enjoy them! In our race to get each other more more MORE, we appreciate everything less less … More Delayed Gratification

Deck the Halls With Retribution, Falalala Lala La La

Regardless of your spiritual preference, I’m guessing most of us can agree this time of year (at its essence) celebrates the good qualities of humanity— camaraderie, giving, appreciation, and hope. I’m also guessing we could agree it’s typically not adorned with murder and revenge. So imagine my surprise when my Rudolph special was interrupted with a commercial for this: “What’s … More Deck the Halls With Retribution, Falalala Lala La La

Holiday Gift Ideas

There’s no getting around it. The holidays are in full effect, and that means it’s gift time. Most people dread it, but you really don’t have to. What if, instead of throwing money at the problem this year, we put our hearts into it? Included below are a slew of ideas to get your brain … More Holiday Gift Ideas