Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
8 Toddler Pitfalls to Avoid on Christmas Morning
Regardless of your nostalgic, Christmas-morning-frenzy memories, you'll quickly learn that a no-holds-barred approach doesn't go over well with your toddler -- especially on the most anticipated morning of the year. Don't wing it Christmas morning. Get a game plan together now so that your entire family can enjoy the holidays without going into meltdown mode.
1. Decide on a number of sweet treats allowed.
With the font of sucrose flowing throughout the holidays, be a sugar-monitor fiend and make sure other house visitors know your rules. If you have a struggle with, ahem, I-want-to-be-the-favorite grandmothers, get it out in the open first rather than commencing a power struggle on Christmas. According to the American Heart Association, children should limit their intake to about 4 teaspoons of added sugar each day.
With the font of sucrose flowing throughout the holidays, be a sugar-monitor fiend and make sure other house visitors know your rules. If you have a struggle with, ahem, I-want-to-be-the-favorite grandmothers, get it out in the open first rather than commencing a power struggle on Christmas. According to the American Heart Association, children should limit their intake to about 4 teaspoons of added sugar each day.
2. Get to bed early the night before.
While establishing family traditions for Christmas takes precedence over toddler routine, make your plans reasonable for the younger crowd. Try to wrap up Christmas Eve activities early and give plenty of down time before going to sleep. Junior needs good rest to enjoy the following morning. He won't get it if he stays up until 10:00 with out-of-town visitors.
While establishing family traditions for Christmas takes precedence over toddler routine, make your plans reasonable for the younger crowd. Try to wrap up Christmas Eve activities early and give plenty of down time before going to sleep. Junior needs good rest to enjoy the following morning. He won't get it if he stays up until 10:00 with out-of-town visitors.
3. Limit gift opening to a small number.
Three is good. This will be the hardest part of your holiday experience. Regardless of your convictions, the gift-giving fever kicks in at Toys 'R Us and you go crazy buying, wrapping--and still more buying--several days ahead of Christmas. Even this late in the season you can nab holiday coupons from sites like CouponSherpa.com for one or two special gifts -- open them earlier in the week rather than all at once on Christmas morning.
Three is good. This will be the hardest part of your holiday experience. Regardless of your convictions, the gift-giving fever kicks in at Toys 'R Us and you go crazy buying, wrapping--and still more buying--several days ahead of Christmas. Even this late in the season you can nab holiday coupons from sites like CouponSherpa.com for one or two special gifts -- open them earlier in the week rather than all at once on Christmas morning.
4. Wrap up the morning with quiet time and a nap.
After opening a few presents and enjoying time with visiting family, give your toddler plenty of time to decompress alone in a quiet space. Review the fun times of the morning with her and read a special book to help calm her down. Be on the lookout for overstimulation -- nasty meltdowns, hyperactivity, and avoiding eye contact should be a red flag to flee the scene and recover.
After opening a few presents and enjoying time with visiting family, give your toddler plenty of time to decompress alone in a quiet space. Review the fun times of the morning with her and read a special book to help calm her down. Be on the lookout for overstimulation -- nasty meltdowns, hyperactivity, and avoiding eye contact should be a red flag to flee the scene and recover.
5. Plan a Christmas morning activity.
In the throngs of gift-wrap thrashing, laughing and emotion, kids with a typically predictable routine can become stressed out by the absence of normal. If your toddler is particularly sensitive to big events, make sure you have a small, soothing activity planned -- like watercolor Christmas trees or lacing boards of holiday characters -- to keep your little one anchored.
In the throngs of gift-wrap thrashing, laughing and emotion, kids with a typically predictable routine can become stressed out by the absence of normal. If your toddler is particularly sensitive to big events, make sure you have a small, soothing activity planned -- like watercolor Christmas trees or lacing boards of holiday characters -- to keep your little one anchored.
6. Space out opening gifts throughout the morning.
You'll probably feel enormous pressure for your kid to open every gift, respond with enthusiasm and then give a huge, grateful "thank you" to the recipient. It just won't happen if you rush through the gift opening. Some moms, like Mae at What To Expect, prefer to open one gift every other day for the week leading up to Christmas--a godsend when winter storms hit and the family is stuck indoors. Bare in mind that your preschooler will enjoy his offerings much more if he has time in between opening to play with the goodies.
You'll probably feel enormous pressure for your kid to open every gift, respond with enthusiasm and then give a huge, grateful "thank you" to the recipient. It just won't happen if you rush through the gift opening. Some moms, like Mae at What To Expect, prefer to open one gift every other day for the week leading up to Christmas--a godsend when winter storms hit and the family is stuck indoors. Bare in mind that your preschooler will enjoy his offerings much more if he has time in between opening to play with the goodies.
7. Construct all disassembled toys the night before.
Most parents learn this the hard way after their first Christmas with kids. Kids don't want to open up a box, especially the preschool crowd. They will either get frustrated while you sweat over a screwdriver and instructions written in Mandarin or lose complete interest. Skip the $5.99 for wrapping paper and tie a simple bow on your ready-to-play toys. Start putting them together now so you aren't up past midnight, bleary eyed with a wrench, on Christmas Eve.
Most parents learn this the hard way after their first Christmas with kids. Kids don't want to open up a box, especially the preschool crowd. They will either get frustrated while you sweat over a screwdriver and instructions written in Mandarin or lose complete interest. Skip the $5.99 for wrapping paper and tie a simple bow on your ready-to-play toys. Start putting them together now so you aren't up past midnight, bleary eyed with a wrench, on Christmas Eve.
8. Don't barrage your kids with posed pictures.
Get candid with these fantastic tips from Photography Blog! A surefire way to send your toddler into defiance is demanding he smile in a picture with his hand-knitted sweater. Even though Aunt Jean may get a little ticked off that she can't see Junior with her woven creation Christmas morning, it's not worth the struggle. Opt instead for unposed, spontaneous smiles.
Photo by Joe Green
Get candid with these fantastic tips from Photography Blog! A surefire way to send your toddler into defiance is demanding he smile in a picture with his hand-knitted sweater. Even though Aunt Jean may get a little ticked off that she can't see Junior with her woven creation Christmas morning, it's not worth the struggle. Opt instead for unposed, spontaneous smiles.
Photo by Joe Green
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Ashley Grimaldo comes from a long line of penny pinchers and enjoys blogging on money-saving tips and advice for frugal-minded parents. She lives with her husband and three children in Bryan, Texas. Ashley has been featured among such media outlets as Redbook, The Chicago Tribune, Time.com, and CBS News-Houston.
For all media inquiries, please contact Ashley Grimaldo at ashley@kinoliinc.com.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Want Holiday Cheer? Holiday Family Events to Enjoy Together!
'Tis the season to spend special time with your family and friends, and you're looking for something special to do.
Here are some great ideas for this weekend:
The Donnie & Marie Christmas show starts next week, but the coupon is only good through tomorrow.
Here are some great ideas for this weekend:
UPCOMING EVENTS |
Friday 2 Stunning Outdoor Holiday Arrangements, all ages, costs vary per item, 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Arbor Court, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074. Special holiday cheer on your front door! Stunning outdoor holiday arrangements from The Morton Arboretum are now available. Unique hand-assembled displays of holiday greenery make the perfect accent to your home. Coordinating wreaths, container arrangements and garland created by the talented botanical arrangers are also available. Available December 2nd through December 4th. www.mortonarb.org  Winter Wonderfest, all ages, free admission but must pay for wristbands for activities, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 595-7437. This spectacular festival provides a breathtaking experience for guests of all ages, with stunning décor, new attractions and popular favorites that are sure to make every visit a magical experience! Dozens of rides, games, music, and live entertainment for all to enjoy! Event runs December 5th through December 8th. www.winterwonderfest.com Santa House, all ages, free admission, Friday 5 p.m. -8 p.m., Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster St., Naperville, (630) 848-5000. Take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Cash or checks only please. www.napervilleparks.org  Friday Night Lights, all ages, $16, 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. -8 p.m., Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, (312) 742-2000. Find out how chinstrap penguins, rockhopper penguins and other awesome South-Pole animals are suited for life in ice-cold waters. We'll practice moving and communicating like a penguin and dive into some engaging art. Join us for this "cool" party and then head out to explore ZooLights with your family! www.lpzoo.orgSaturday 3  Breakfast with Santa, all ages, 8 a.m. -10 a.m., Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square, Orland Park. Join Radio Disney and the Simon Kidgits Club for the kick off to the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa. Holiday crafts, festive activities, a special breakfast visit from Santa, and more! www.simon.com/kidgits Breakfast with Santa at Treetime Christmas Creations, all ages, $18 for adults and $12 for children, 8:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m., Treetime Christmas Creations, 22N102 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, (847) 527-8880. Highlights include a picture with Santa in a keepsake ornament, storytelling, goodie bags, and a delicious buffet breakfast including scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage French toast, donuts, bagels, coffee and juice. This is a one time event. Limited seating, by reservation only! www.treetime.com Breakfast with Santa, all ages, $12 per person, 9 a.m., Aurelio's Restaurant, 310 W. Lincoln Hwy., Frankfort, (708) 390-2401. Santa and his friends are sure to bring a smile to adults and children alike. Fee includes plated breakfast, entertainment and a special gift. Children age 6 and under must accompanied by an adult. All attendees must be pre-registered through the Mokena Park District. Registration deadline is November 28th. Registration will not be accepted at the restaurant. Groups are limited to a maximum of 8. No refunds for this event. Non-residents of the Park District will pay an additional fee. Special thanks for Mokena Kiwanis Club.www.mokenapark.com Sunday 4 Santa House, all ages, free admission, Sunday 12 p.m. -6 p.m., Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster St., Naperville, (630) 848-5000. Take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Cash or checks only please. www.napervilleparks.org Junie B. Jones - Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, all ages, $10.50-$11.50, Sunday, December 4th at 1 p.m., Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park, (708) 235-2222. In Junie B. Jones' world, things are very clear - Christmas means you get presents, elf costumes are awesome, and her schoolmate May is a blabbermouth tattletale. Things are going so well, until Junie B. pulls May as her Secret Santa. With Santa watching her like a hawk, what will Junie B. do? www.centertickets.net Free Holiday Movie,1 p.m., Pickwick Theatre, 5 South Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, (847) 825-5800. The holiday season is fast approaching, so mark your calendars to attend the showing of "It's a Wonderful Life". Families and individuals of all ages are invited to attend this joyous holiday event at the historic Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge. Admission is free but donations to the Park Ridge Community Fund are gratefully accepted. www.picwicktheatre.com Santa's Workshopall ages, free event, 2 p.m. -3:30 p.m., Joliet Public Library - Main Library, (815) 740-2662. Santa will read seasonal stories, and children will have the opportunity to meet him, so bring your camera! There will also be crafts and other activities for families to do together. No registration, but seating is limited.www.jolietlibrary.org |
The Donnie & Marie Christmas show starts next week, but the coupon is only good through tomorrow.
*Valid wherever tickets are sold. Not valid on premium seating. Not valid on upper balcony seating. Offer ends Friday, December 2 at 11:59pm. Subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Normal ticketing fees apply. Other restrictions may apply.
December 6-24
For Tickets,
Call 800-775-2000
Visit any Broadway In Chicago Box Office or Ticketmaster Retail Location
24 W. Randolph, Chicago
For groups of 15+, call 312.977.1710
For Tickets,
Call 800-775-2000
Visit any Broadway In Chicago Box Office or Ticketmaster Retail Location
24 W. Randolph, Chicago
For groups of 15+, call 312.977.1710
For more family fun for December, visit the Family Time Magazine Calendar on our website. Sign up for our newsletter too!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
'Tis the Season for Family Fun and Tradition
I love the idea of taking a drive and looking at the wonderful home decorations with my family, and I actually like the hustle and bustle of the crowds doing last-minute shopping. Seems funny, doesn't it? Any other time, I hate crowds, but not during the holidays!
A few years back, my husband started the tradition of cooking our Thanksgiving turkey and our Christmas ham on the charcoal grill. It started out as a necessity--since our oven was broken--but it became a tradition that we all love. There's something about grilling the meat that adds a lot of flavor, and it doesn't take any longer to roast the turkey or ham outside. Also, it allows me to use the oven for other parts of the meal...like dessert!
Another tradition that I treasure is decorating the tree with my husband and my two boys. I definitely don't have a designer tree, but I love it just the same. I have a terrific mishmash of decorations...some made by my boys, some that hold sentimental value, and some that were given as gifts. It's so much fun to unwrap each ornament and reminisce about our Christmas memories.
When I was growing up, one of our traditions was to decorate our tree with lights and bulbs, then add tinsel...one piece at a time! That's one tradition I haven't continued with my own family. I'm not sure if it's because I don't really like tinsel or because I've hung my life's quota already. Regardless, my boys have never asked about tinsel, and I never offered it up!
One tradition that caught on in my own family is the Christmas Eve present. It's always the same. The tradition originally started because the boys begged to open a gift on Christmas Eve. I obliged because I wanted the boys to look half-way decent for pictures in the morning. The compromise, and now the tradition? Pajama pants!
What about you and your family? What are some of your holiday traditions? I'd love for you to share them with us...no matter which holiday(s) you celebrate!
-Lisa Bakewell
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