Holidays And Celebrations

What to teach your kids on Presidents Day

Molly Cerreta Smith — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:00:00 -0800

For some kids, Presidents Day simply means a day off of school. Give the day more meaning for them with these age-appropriate lessons.

Military moms: Sharing the holidays with a soldier

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800

The holidays can be tough when you have a child serving in the military; but these military moms share that their pride can outshine their heartache, even when the distance between them and their soldiers span oceans. However, this time of year is the perfect time for those of us back home to share your appreciation to the soldiers and their military parents, so take a moment to read their stories and send some thanks of your own.

5 Ways to find peace in the holiday chaos

Rev. George McLaird — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 04:06:00 -0800

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holiday season seems to be the most stressful time of the year. Instead of accepting stress as part of the holiday theme, ask yourself "What are the healthiest things I can do for myself?" You're not being selfish, you're simply taking the right steps to the most peaceful and enjoyable holiday season of your life—and you can be an inspiration for others to do the same. Here are five ways to find peace in the holiday chaos.

Help your child honor a veteran

Molly Cerreta Smith — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:00:00 -0800

From making cards for our retired servicemen to taking in a Veterans Day parade, give your child the gift of learning to respect our nation's heroes.

American vs. French Food

Katherine Martinelli — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

France is considered by many to be the birthplace of gourmet cuisine, which Julia Child introduced to millions of Americans in the 1960s with her seminal cookbooks and spirited TV show. But whether or not you know the provenance of a roux or what’s in bearnaise sauce, there are plenty of French foods that have snuck into the American repertoire. But just how French are they, anyway?

5 budget-friendly holiday activities that teach kids social responsibility

Tracee M. Herbaugh — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:30:00 -0800

Looking for new holiday traditions that have nothing to do with materialism? Forget the cheesy Christmas movies and driving around for miles to see all of the decorated houses in the neighborhood. There are many budget-friendly activities available in every community. Adding a socially responsible element to your celebration will not only strengthen familial bonds, but teach children important life lessons, too. Try these tips for a more socially responsible holiday season.

Managing your kids at family gatherings

Maria Mora — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:30:00 -0800

Holiday gatherings aren’t complete without at least one epic meltdown. With some careful planning and strategy, you can avoid the worst tantrums and scenes. Learn how to keep kids busy, reasonably well behaved and relatively calm at family gatherings.

Bring tradition back to Thanksgiving

Mary Fetzer — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 -0800

Make the history of this beloved holiday -- traditional foods and Pilgrim attire -- part of the way your family celebrates Thanksgiving.

How to take the candy out of Easter

Sarah W. Caron — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:15:00 -0700

Easter doesn’t have to mean gigantic baskets overflowing with candy. Many parents are limiting the candy in favor of more useful and lasting token presents. Here’s how you can have a fun Easter celebration with less candy.

Test your St. Patrick's Day history knowledge

Meagan Morris — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:28:00 -0700

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We're ready to celebrate, but first we're learning a few facts about the history of this fun holiday!

How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Catherine Conelly — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:40:00 -0700

A little festivity can go a long way on St. Patrick's Day. Get your holiday celebration going with these tips on everything from kids crafts and home decoration ideas to cocktails and fun party tips!

St. Patty's Day eats and drinks

Catherine Conelly — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:05:00 -0700

Make sure you celebrate St.Patrick's Day with as much Irish charm as you can. Here are some of our favorite food and cocktail recipes to get your St. Patty's Day celebration off on the right foot.

Ash Wednesday fasting: What you should know

Meagan Morris — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:33:00 -0800

Today is Ash Wednesday -- otherwise known as the start of Lent. Unfamiliar with the day? Read on to learn more.

How do I tell my kids we're too broke for Christmas?

Cecily Kellogg — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:00:00 -0800

In this installment of Tough Love, Cecily Kellogg from Uppercase Woman offers her advice on how to deal with the effects of a family financial crisis during the holiday season. She's living it herself, so she knows how it feels.

Unique Hanukkah family traditions

Meagan Morris — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:57:00 -0800

There are many traditions observed on Hanukkah, but innovative Jewish families change up the standard activities with their own original ideas. Read on for their unique activities and maybe you can incorporate them into your family's traditions.