Christmas

A few years ago my husband’s family decided to forgo the adult gift card exchange, the Secret Santa and the white elephant and instead decided to do a homemade gift exchange. (Don’t worry the younger kids/great grandchildren still got their regular gifts.) There were a few rules: Each family unit made a gift for the other family units. Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Cousins, Siblings and Parents all included. The cost was to stay between $2-$3 per item. The results were fun, entertaining and delicious!  The majority of the items were consumables. I liked this, as it was something that could be used and enjoyed, and not take up too much space in your house. Most gifts were packaged in mason jars, or...

In my family, the holidays are steeped in tradition. Every year, we set up my husband’s porcelain Christmas village that he got as a child (but NOT, thank goodness, the Nutcrackers) The tree MUST be up no later than the day after Thanksgiving. And, though we paused it during Covid, the annual trip to New Orleans for Celebration in the Oaks is a must. For the past fourteen years my husband and I have exchanged ornaments that represent something about that year, a tradition we now share with our kids, who also eat their Christmas morning cookies, just like I did as a child. And, it just wouldn't be Christmas Day without milk punch and my grandmother's spinach. No question. I love...

Who really is Santa? Of course, besides the very obvious answer, it is us, parents. I simply ask because when I question my children, they answer with “It's an old white man with a white beard and red coat.”  While shopping for Christmas decorations, my son looked at me with wondering eyes when he noticed a Santa that was darker than the Santa he is used to seeing when we are out and about. He then started asking millions of questions as to why, who, and where that Santa came from. He put me on the spot, and I was definitely not prepared at all on how to answer his questions. I naively responded with “oh yes, there are two Santas. One...

There are two things I love: Christmas and local Small Businesses. As I made my Christmas list this year, I started thinking “is it possible to mostly shop small this Christmas?” I decided...challenge accepted! There are a few local places that I have found have the perfect gifts to give here in Baton Rouge. Season to Taste (@seasontotastebr – Instagram) Season to Taste is a local, family-owned business that has a variety of Olive Oils, Vinegar, Coffee, Teas, and various locally made gifts. My favorite flavor of olive oil is Wild Mushroom & Sage – this is a GAME CHANGER for all your egg needs, seriously try scrambled eggs in this oil & you will never go back! A favorite of...

And just like that the Christmas holidays are upon us. Goodbye spooky décor and hello round the clock Christmas music, Eggnog, and Little Debbie Christmas trees at the grocery. It’s time for hot chocolate by the fire and Hallmark movie nights. All is merry, bright, and peaceful – right? Insert eye roll here if you are a mom. The holidays are a time to celebrate, but often bring along the added stress of long to-do and don’t forget lists. To all the moms out there, I see you. I see all the things you do to make the holidays special. I see the Christmas magic you create. I see the work you put in to make everyone feel appreciated. You...