May 2, 2024

Christmas Gift Tags (Free printable)

Dec20

It’s almost the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring….except this spouse. And I was clawing through all my drawers looking for tape and wrapping paper and Christmas cards and….(you fill in the blank if […]

Big Month, Family Bonding and The Star

Nov10

 Sponsored by The Star In Theaters November 17. “Oh Mom, I just can’t wait for the most wonderful time of the year. It’s so cozy with lights and hot chocolate, our special family traditions and . . .” My heart […]

New Year’s Eve Traditions, Family Fun Ideas for New Year’s Eve (& Day)

Dec27

Are you trying to start some New Year’s Eve Traditions or think of some family ideas for New Year’s Eve to make it extra special? (Or additional traditions for New Year’s Day found here.) Here are ideas for fun of all […]

Last Minute Christmas Food Ideas & Traditions (You don’t want to miss)

Dec20

Overnight Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake The clock ticks, and Christmas is just around the corner, but there are still some moments available to make this Christmas a bit more magical, without spending a penny. I’ve shared these before, but a […]

The Tale of Three Cinnamon Rolls (It’s not what you think)

Dec8

 I woke to the phone ringing. A recorded message announced the first school delay. Snow flakes graced not only the grass, but the roads as well. In North Carolina, that reality rocks everyone’s equilibrium, and as a Wisconsin transplant, I […]

Countdown to Christmas – Gingerbread Man Chain tradition

Dec1

Gingerbread Man Chain – This is a wonderful way to organize your holiday To-Do list so you can actually enjoy the festivities. Make a paper chain with 24 gingerbread men, and write the numbers 1 through 24 on the front of each one. Make a list of all the things you need to do during the month of December and write one on the back of each gingerbread man

Create Your Family’s Holiday Gazette: Fun, Family Activity in an Hour

Nov18

Did I hear that you got off the hook for hosting the big Thanksgiving event? You breathed a sigh of relief, but still desire to create something fun and special for the extended family during your gathering. Why don’t you […]

The Best Christmas Present Ever

Dec27

The white lights twinkled on the tree, Christmas carols played softly in the back ground, and my mom bustled in the kitchen pouring eggnog and plating cookies. The stage was set for a most memorable Christmas Eve, and I could […]

Christmas Chocolate Mice (Sweet Treat Recipe for anytime of the year)

Dec12

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Well, maybe those mice aren’t pitter-pattering in your house, but in ours they sure are… Our Children’s choir concert reception stirred […]

Scrapbook Paper Christmas Tree: Best 10 Minute Craft

Dec10

For years, shouts from behind the closet door have been taunting me. “Please, I want to be your friend again. We used to be besties. I promise, you won’t regret it.” But alas, I have ignored those quiet pleas and […]

The Advent Jesse Tree: Jesse Tree Ornament Ideas

Dec3

Traditions play a role in our family’s tapestry in dynamic dimensions. As a traditions consultant for many years, I can share traditions for every holiday and celebration that you can think of, and most likely, many that would never cross […]

Printable Homemade Coupon Book

Dec11

Don’t miss out on another meaningful family tradition – enjoy our family’s Dinner Questions. Print my free Conversations Starter questions (over 220), and give the gift of shared family time. It’s that time of the year when we are driven […]

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Tradition

Nov26

Many of the family traditions that we have adopted into our family have purpose and intentionality behind them; others are just plain crazy fun – like this one ( full tradition idea at bottom of post). Meet Carl: Our Family […]

Creative Ideas for Your Holiday Budget

Oct24

As the crisp October air whips through our valley, my dogs unearth their winter coat, and chili simmers on the stove, these signs typically signal autumn time in our home. Yet as I spend this month writing 31 Days of […]

Do You Have a Christmas Ornament Tradition? (Start one now)

Dec27

(My music themed ornament collection) As I determine when to pack away our Christmas tree ornaments for another year, I’m continually amazed at how many of our family’s ornaments tell their own story. This year my daughters spent hours looking […]