Holiday

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...

December 25 gets some serious fanfare, but as a mom, I prefer the overall Christmas season much more than the actual holiday. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day come with a lot of expectations, obligations, and stressful deadlines. Panic precedes leaving the house. Are all of the presents wrapped? Do we have all of the ingredients for the green beans and the queso we are supposed to bring to my parents’ house? Did we pack backup outfits for all three kids? Do we have enough bottles to get through the entire day? What time do we have to leave my aunt’s house to get to your mom’s house? AND WHERE ARE THE MATCHING BOWS?! It’s a lot of work. The kids are...

Each year, almost immediately after Halloween, our calendars become full with holiday commitments, leaving hardly any time to stop and breathe until after the New Year. Around this same time of year, thanks to social media, we fall into the comparison trap and evolve into a wannabe Pinterest perfect Christmas super mom. You know her, and you may even become her when the end of November rolls around. She wants to make meaningful holiday memories with her family in all the ways---baking cookies, crafting ornaments, taking Santa pictures, and hosting holiday parties, all while trying to budget and shop for the perfect gifts for loved ones and juggle her normal non-holiday related responsibilities. AND don’t forget to MOVE. THE. DANG. ELF. We tend...