It’s time for me to log off for the year! Though I’ll be doing some behind the scenes work, this is my last post until after the New Year! I’m looking forward to a little Christmas Vacation time with my family and hope you have exciting plans for this season as well!
After all the fun and merriment, I do hope you’ll pop back in in January! I’m very, very excited about the plans I have for 2014, and I hope you’ll be a big part of those plans!
Thank you so much for being a part of this community. In counting all my many blessings this year, I definitely count you among them!
I hope you’ve had the Happiest of Hanukkahs, are looking forward to the Merriest of Christmases, and are ready for all the Best in the New Year!
Between now and the first post of 2014, here are some Weekend Reads to enjoy:
Articles:
How to Ensure You Don’t Botch the “Is Santa Real” Conversation {Let’s Lasso the Moon}
“The tone of this happy and honest response will likely take your child by surprise. It helps eliminate any embarrassment they might feel and turn it into awakening pride for figuring out this larger-than-life secret that everyone but them seemed to be “in on.” It quickly flips their disappointment with you or the situation as a whole on its head and channels the funny feeling in their stomach into a moment of recognition for the celebrated milestone that just occurred.”
The Gift that Matters {Hands Free Mama}
“As I read the dear woman’s note, my idea of a “proper gift” flew right out the window. And I began looking at my daughter’s gift giving practice with awe rather than embarrassment.”
Rachel’s amazing book will be released shortly after the new year! You can preorder a copy at Amazon with this affiliate link today:
5 Easy Ways to Find the Spirit of the Season with Children {Aha! Parenting}
“If you have a deep faith and keep the rituals of your religious tradition, then you’ve probably given a lot of thought to your child’s spiritual development and have your holiday religious plans all mapped out. If, on the other hand, you wonder how to put what you believe into words and aren’t sure what spiritual beliefs you want to pass on to your kids, this post is for you.” (I think there are great suggestions here for both camps!)
It’s Supposed to Be Hard {Steady Mom}
This is a freeing realization I’ve had as well:
“At the core of my analysis was the assumption that hard must mean I’m doing something wrong. But what if that is completely false? What if hard actually means you are doing something right? Instead of this being a depressing realization, I’ve found it completely freeing. Finally I can look at the issues that have bothered me and say “it’s okay that it’s hard.”
Activities:
Calming Chamomile Melting Dough {Sow Sprout Play}
Unique texture, unique scent — this is a sensory treat to be sure!
Easy No Sew Felt Christmas Cookies {Sugar Aunts}
This is a simple activity that kids will love. Add your own spin on this basic activity. It’s sure to keep kids playing and pretending!
Make the House Smell Like Christmas {Nothing if Not Intentional}
I’ve used simmer pots like these, my current favorite combination being lemon, rosemary, and vanilla (I actually like using tiny crock pots so I don’t have to worry about the stove). But the idea of including kids and letting them help design the scent and really take part in creating it makes this an awesome sensory/science activity! Plus, your house will smell so cozy, and that never hurts either!
10+ Activities for Beating Cabin Fever {NJC}
OK, I cheated and added one of my own! But if you’re looking for something fun to do right now, I loaded this post full of simple activities for days when you can’t (or just don’t want to) go anywhere! *Staying in your pajamas is strongly encouraged!
Enjoy the holidays! I’ll see you in 2014!
Leave a Reply