Holiday

I’m easily overwhelmed.  So, it’s no surprise that the holidays make me a little frazzled.  In fact, I often find myself dreading them instead of feeling the holiday spirit.  There’s something about having a baby that makes family even more desperate to see you, and that can mean a lot of pressure and stress.  When Etta Mae was born, I decided that it was very important to establish traditions to make sure that our immediate family found a way to connect at Christmastime. One tradition that we have started is stolen from my own childhood.  No matter what else we had going on for the holidays, Christmas day was always spent at home with just my parents and brother.  Etta...

It’s that time of year again, ladies. You know where our head starts to spin and our bank account begins to deflate.  I’m talking about the holidays.  I feel the question of “What are your plans for the holidays?” starts in July. Between my husband and me, we have family in St. Amant, Lafayette, Covington, New Orleans and St. Louis, MO. Obviously, we can’t see everyone for each holiday. Before moving to Baton Rouge and having kids, holidays consisted of visiting, eating and driving to the next house , visiting, eating and driving to the next house, and again visiting, eating and driving to the next house. All fine and good when you are in college and can handle long,...

It's that time of year again. Moms everywhere are driving themselves crazy trying to create the perfect gifts, the perfect family photo, the perfect holiday party. I'm here to tell you: it's okay (even desirable!) to be imperfect. By keeping things simple and low-key this holiday season, you can save yourself so much stress and create opportunities to connect with friends, family, and community. Here are some ideas for simplifying your season: Consider giving gifts of service rather than material things. For example, you can plan dates, offer to lend a skill, or give a bottle of wine with the condition that you enjoy it together. If you just can't give up giving real, tangible gifts (I can't) focus on quality over...

Several years ago I heard an opinion piece on the radio during the holiday season that bugged me. The premise was that sending out Christmas cards diminishes the spirit of the season. Particularly Christmas cards. A card with a photo of your tanned family at the beach last summer? No, thank you. A Christmas greeting with lovey doveys from newlyweds slathered on for all to see? Lord, help us. And End Scene from Ebenezer. Enter this Mama, stage right, envelopes in hand. Although I admit I always think of this story I heard so many years ago during this season (good job, Mr. Newsman who hates fun), I do not agree. Like at all. I.LOVE.CHRISTMAS.CARDS! Call it an obsession....

Around Christmas time, I know there are many moms who think, “I want my children to learn that Christmas is a time for giving and helping others (not just getting presents!); however, I know my house is about to be bombarded with new toys!” One answer to this discord is to make a tradition of donating some of your child’s gently used toys a few weeks before the holidays. This helps children participate in and be a big part of the act of giving, as well as make room for the influx of new toys that is inevitable in many homes each Christmas. The process of donating toys may look very different depending on the age(s) of your children,...