12 Trick or Treat Alternatives for Celebrating Halloween

As much as it breaks my heart, there will come a day when my girls don’t want to trick or treat. There may also be years when trick or treat just won’t work, like when bad weather blows in. Fortunately, just because you can’t trick or treat it doesn’t mean the fun has to end!

Check out these 12 trick or treat alternatives for celebrating Halloween.

1. Host a Halloween Party

No matter your kid’s age, a Halloween party is always a fun idea. Invite your friends or neighbors to come dressed in costumes. Put out bowls of candy and punch. Turn on some Halloween hits and let everyone enjoy the spooky evening indoors.

2. Have a Scary Movie Marathon

With all the streaming services available, it is super easy to plan the ultimate scary movie marathon according to your kid’s age. Head to Disney Plus for more family-friendly scares and HBO Max for more adult features.

3. Boo Your Neighbors

A new fad is to boo your neighbors. This means packing a bag or basket of Halloween goodies and leaving it on your neighbor’s doorstep. One idea is to “boo” the neighbors with the best decorated homes.

4. Get Spooked at a Haunted House

If trick or treating isn’t your kid’s thing and they want bigger frights, take them to a haunted house. Many of the haunted houses offer “do not scare” medallions that you can wear to alert the actors that you (or your kids) don’t want to be scared. This works well for families of kids of different ages.

5. Visit an Amusement Park

Many amusement parks offer special Halloween-themed events, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which are good for kids of all ages. You can enjoy the rides, as well as characters in themed holiday costumes and themed treats.

6. Carve Pumpkins

Spend Halloween decorating or carving pumpkins. Then, post pics to social media and ask your followers to vote for a winner.

7. Tell Scary Stories by the Campfire

If the weather cooperates, head outside to tell scary stories by the campfire and make s’mores. If you struggle with telling stories, ask your Amazon Alexa to tell you a few. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, cuddle up by the fireplace.

8. Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze

See if you can find a corn maze nearby for your family to get lost in. Even better if you can find one that is open in the evenings. Some of these double as haunted corn mazes.

9. Take a Ghost Tour

Bigger kids may enjoy going on a ghost tour. There are many ghost tours in New York City, including Haunted Broadway and Candlelight Walking Tours.

10. Play Some Horror-Themed Games

Keep the spooky feeling going by playing a horror-themed board game. You can take Clue to the next level with games like Escape the Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment and Betrayal at House on the Hill.

11. Volunteer at a Halloween Event

With all the different Halloween events happening, there is a great need for volunteers. For example, if your kids are too old for Boo at the Zoo, sign up to volunteer at the event to make it enjoyable for the next generation.

12. Pass Out Candy to the Littles

When the day comes that your kids don’t want to go trick or treating, see if they will join you in passing out candy to the trick or treaters that show up at your door.

What trick or treat alternatives did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

Ways to Celebrate AAPIHM (Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month)

As an Asian American woman, wife, and mother, I look forward to celebrating my family’s heritage each May during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM).

As one of the 23 million Americans who identify as AAPI, I am happy to see that AAPIHM is becoming bigger across the country. But it still has a long way to go.

Here are some ideas for incorporating AAPIHM celebrations into your own home.

What to Know About Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Here are some fast facts about AAPIHM:

• Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month was originally a week signed into law by President Carter in 1978, designating a week to celebrate the AAPI community.

• President George H. W. Bush signed a bill in 1990 that extended the week into the entire month, and President Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009.

• According to GoodGoodGood, “Lawmakers chose May because of its historical significance for the AAPI community. It commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States, as well as Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.”

• AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander. The term describes a diverse and fast-growing population of Americans representing roughly 50 ethnic groups from more than 40 countries.

It doesn’t matter if you are AAPI or not; you can still celebrate this special month.

Watch AAPI Movies

Spend some time this month watching movies featuring actors from the AAPI community.

If you are looking for movies to watch with your kids, check out this list of 8 Movies to Watch On Disney+ To Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

In addition, HBO Max is offering an Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices collection.

And Netflix subscribers have access to its Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Stories collection.

Head to a Museum

Museums across the country feature AAPI exhibits, so this is the ideal time to visit a museum.

Check out this list from House Beautiful of Art Museums That Honor the AAPI Community, such as The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

Learn About Other Cultures

I was born in Hong Kong and am a proud member of the AAPI community, but that doesn’t mean that I know everything about each ethnicity that composes this beautiful community of people.

For example, as an Asian American, there is a lot I could learn about Pacific Islanders. So I’m using this special month to learn about other cultures.

Read Books by AAPI Authors

Another way to recognize AAPIHM is to read books written by AAPI authors, such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.

You can find several choices in Good Housekeeping’s 34 Entertaining and Enlightening Books by Asian Authors.

Enjoy Different Cuisines

It’s no secret that I love food. So AAPIHM is the perfect excuse for me to eat all the delicious dishes I grew up eating with my family and enjoy new-to-me foods from other AAPI cultures.

Serve the Community

One of the greatest things I have come across is the Heart of Dinner in New York City.

Heart of Dinner is a nonprofit that provides meals to elders of the AAPI community, who are often vulnerable. Those in New York can volunteer to pack meals, deliver meals, write notes, or work behind the scenes. If you live anywhere else in the world, you can donate.

How do you plan to recognize AAPIHM?

Treat Yourself This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day takes place this Sunday. While I have had many wonderful Mother’s Days and enjoyed several homemade crafts, I have learned to lower my expectations.

My husband and my daughters try their best to make me feel special, but sometimes there are things I want that they just don’t know how to give me.

That’s why I always try to find at least one way to treat myself on Mother’s Day. Here are a few suggestions if you want to follow my lead.

Have Your Car Cleaned

Mom’s cars are notoriously messy. Why? Because kids! In addition to all the trash they leave behind, there are crushed bits of food on the floorboards and stains on the mats. So this Mother’s Day, consider getting your car cleaned and detailed.

Let Someone Else Clean Your House

If you can make it happen with your budget, use Mother’s Day as an excuse to pay someone to do a deep house cleaning. You’re busy working and taking care of kids – let someone else clean the baseboards!

*If you can’t afford it, ask your spouse or kids to clean for you as your Mother’s Day gift.

Enjoy a Spa Treatment

If you can swing it, treat yourself to a full spa day. Book a manicure or pedicure if you can’t spend four hours at the spa. And if you are really limited, treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Pull out your supplies and lock the bedroom door.

Sit in Silence

I love my girls, and I love being a mom. But sometimes I miss a quiet house (I know I will miss all the noise one day!). Sometimes the best way to treat myself is simply slipping outside and sitting in silence for a few minutes.

Don’t Cook

Use Mother’s Day to get out of cooking or cleaning the dishes. Instead, go to your favorite restaurant (don’t forget to make a reservation to avoid long Mother’s Day waits). Order your favorite food in. Or allow your family to cook for you.

Go to Your Favorite Store Alone

There are few things as relaxing to me as wandering the aisles of Target or T.J. Maxx alone. So, on Mother’s Day, may you find the time to wander your favorite store aimlessly, without children asking you to buy them everything or feeling rushed to get home.

Eat Something You Regularly Wouldn’t

Mom eating typically involves eating foods my girls will also eat. On Mother’s Day, I am going to eat what I want to eat. No kid-friendly menus for me! It is also a day when calories don’t count, so I will indulge in delicious treats and drinks.

Splurge on the Shoes and the Bag

It’s no secret that I love shoes and bags, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I think both make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. If I don’t unwrap one from my family, I may just treat myself.

Take a Nap

Moms are tired. No matter what stage you are in as far as parenting goes, you are tired. So take time today to get a nap. Ideally, after the delicious lunch someone else cooked for you.

Control the Remote

On Mother’s Day, you get to control the remote! No kids TV for you. Binge-watch your favorite shows or catch up on that series you’ve been dying to watch.

Sleep In

Start your Mother’s Day the right way by sleeping in. If the kids are old enough, let them take care of themselves in the morning. (Helpful tip – leave out the remote and a box of cereal on the counter). If they aren’t old enough, ask your partner to take care of them for you in the morning.

Let Go of Guilt

On Mother’s Day, try to let go of the guilt. All moms carry around some mom guilt. Sadly, most of this guilt isn’t even relevant. It’s baggage about stuff that doesn’t really matter in the long run (such as not making elaborate school lunches). On Mother’s Day, remind yourself why you are a good mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

15+ Kid-Friendly April Fools' Day Pranks for Families

April Fools' Day is the end of this week (Friday, April 1st), so now is the time to prepare to prank your kids.

According to LiveScience, "Scientists say it's not only OK, but such humor plays an important role in American culture and society, and also helps humans bond with each other."

If done correctly, this can be a day full of silliness and fun. Your kids will laugh about the pranks you pulled on them for years to come.

How Did April Fools' Day Begin

Historians believe April Fools' Day may have started as early as 1582, but there are many theories about why it began.

According to The History Channel, April Fools' Day may have started for the following reasons:

• "When France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. […] People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called 'April fools.'"

• "Historians have also linked April Fools' Day to festivals such as Hilaria (Latin for joyful), which was celebrated in ancient Rome at the end of March by followers of the cult of Cybele."

• "There's also speculation that April Fools' Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather."

Today, April Fools' Day is celebrated worldwide with people doing silly pranks and then shouting, "April Fools!" to those being pranked.

Understand the Point

It's important to understand that the point of April Fools' Day is to laugh. It isn't to mock, make fun, or belittle.

April Fools' Day pranks should be harmless. If the prank will cause your child to cry, then it is a prank you should avoid.

Parents should also understand that kids will most certainly try to prank their parents back – so play along!

Kid-Friendly April Fools' Day Pranks

1. Change the Alexa Wake Up Word: Super easy but very annoying

2. Put Googly Eyes on Everything: Add eyes to their lunch, foods in the pantry, etc.

3. Use Food Coloring Liberally: Turn their milk blue, change the color of the toilet bowl water

4. Plastic Wrap Doors: When they are asleep on March 31st, plastic wrap their door for a morning surprise.

5. Shift the Morning Alarm: Wake kids up way before their normal time, and then once they start getting ready, yell "April Fools!"

6. Write a Hidden Message on Toilet Paper: Unfold the toilet paper, write a funny note, and reroll the TP

7. Balloon Door Trap: Blow up a bunch of balloons and use painter's tape to secure them in a cage on their bedroom door. When they open the door, all the balloons will fall out.

8. Amazing Growth Spurt: Lay out clothing that is a few sizes too big

9. Serve Brown E's: Tell the kids you made brownies and watch them discover paper cut into the letter E

10. Give Them a Frozen Breakfast: Freeze a bowl of cereal with milk and spoon

11. Bust Out the Fake Bugs: Hide fake bugs strategically around the house

12. Short Sheet the Bed: While kids are at school or in the bath, short sheet the bed that evening.

13. Fill Their Pillowcase: Take their pillow out of their pillowcase and refill their case with balloons

14. Sit Out Whoopie Cushions: Place whoopie cushions in their seats

15. Prepare a Moldy Sandwich: Use green food coloring to make their bread look moldy

16. Make Undrinkable Juice: Prepare grape jelly in juice cups and watch them try to drink it

17. Put a Honk Sign on Your Car: Place a "Honk for April Fools' Day" sign on your car

18. Have a Ridiculous Argument: Start a silly argument, such as "No! You can't wear shoes to school today."

Lessons To Teach Your Kids This Valentine's Day

It's February, and the shelves are lined in red and pink for Valentine's Day.

Have you ever given much thought to the opportunity you have on Valentine's Day to teach kids about love?

I'll be honest, it used to be a fleeting thought, but for the last few years, I've been trying to be more intentional.

Here are some ideas I have picked up that I am passing along to you.

Show Kids They Are Loved With Words

Words matter. The more often kids hear they are loved, the more likely they will believe it.

Valentine's Day makes it easy to show your kids you love them with words.

Write them a note and put it in their lunchbox. Write a message on their bathroom mirror. Say it out loud. Better yet, shout it!

Show Kids They Are Loved With Time

We all know that actions speak louder than words.

In addition to using words on Valentine's Day to express yourself, use your time.

Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and spend some quality one-on-one time with your child.

Do a craft, bake, or enjoy a shared activity together.

Show Kids They Are Loved With Gifts

While kids shouldn't be taught that gifts equal love, a thoughtful gift is a nice gesture of love.

When these gifts come along with your words and attention, they are even more meaningful.

Show Kids How To Love Others

On Valentine's Day, kids give out little valentines to their classmates and friends.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to teach them the importance of showing love to everyone – even people who are different than them.

In addition, they are learning from you how to show love to others. Let them hear you tell your spouse you love him, see you exchange gifts, or spend time together.

Show Kids How To Accept Love

It's also vital that you show kids how to accept love.

Receiving love is essential to our overall well-being.

The easiest way to teach this, beyond showing kids unconditional love, is to accept the love they give you.

This means not wiping off the slimy kisses or resisting hugs. It means hearing their words of love and responding.

Show Kids You Love Yourself

Dee Ray, director of the Center for Play Therapy, explains, "It’s not enough for a parent to love and accept the child for the child to truly learn self-love. [Kids] must also see that the parents love and accept themselves. Watching a parent make mistakes and be imperfect, yet still be loving and accepting of self, is a powerful way to encourage children to love themselves.”

Show Kids It Is More Than One Day A Year

One final Valentine’s Day love lesson for kids – it is more than one day of the year.

Make sure you tell kids that the ways love is expressed on Valentine's Day can (and should) be done throughout the year.

What do you plan to do to make Valentine’s Day special for your kids?

25 Reflection Questions To Wrap Up 2021

And just like that… another crazy year is coming to an end. We thought 2020 would be the weirdest year ever, but 2021 contained its fair share of weirdness.

Given how much has changed in the world around us in the last two years, I think it is more important than ever before to take some time to do some true personal reflection.

Why? Personal reflection is important for personal growth.

According to The Shine App, “Studies show that people who reflect actively strengthen their emotional intelligence, making it easier to cope with new challenges that may come their way.”

And, as Laurel Halloran, Ph.D., explains for The Shine App: “It is not an opportunity to get an exact ‘do-over,’ but by critically examining our experiences it gives us a chance to have a ‘do-better’ in the future.”

Even if 2021 hasn’t been your best year, I’m sure there were some positives. You might just need to dig deep to find them.

Take some time to reflect on the good and not-so-good parts of 2021.

Tips for Reflecting on the Year

As a mom, I get it. The idea of answering 25 questions about your year is daunting.

But, think of it as self-care.

Set aside time and space.

(Suggestion – aim for after Christmas when the kids are distracted and playing with their new toys.)

Get a notebook and jot down your answers.

Don’t overthink it.

Skip the ones you don’t have answers for immediately.

Come back to them later after you’ve had more time to ponder them.

Be honest and truthful.

Remember, these questions and their answers are just for you. You don’t have to perform.

25 Reflection Questions to Put a Pretty Little Bow on 2021

1.       What were the highlights of 2021 (big and small)?

2.       What goals did you accomplish?

3.       What did you do that worked?

4.       What did you try that didn’t work?

5.       What are you grateful for?

6.       What will you remember the most?

7.       What changes do you want to make in 2022?

8.       Where did you need more space?

9.       What valuable lessons did you learn?

10.   In what areas did you thrive?

11.   What were your challenges?

12.   What mistakes did you make?

13.   How are you different now than you were at the start of the year?

14.   What would you have done differently?

15.   What is something selfless and kind you did?

16.   What was the best compliment you received this year?

17.   What surprised you?

18.   What advice did you receive this year that proved helpful?

19.   How did you take care of your family this year?

20.   How did you take care of yourself this year?

21.   What can you let go of as you move into the new year?

22.   What brought you joy in 2021?

23.   How present were you in your relationships?

24.   What one word would you use to describe 2021?

25.   What are your intentions for 2022?

Do you have any other reflection questions you’d add to the list?

10 Tips for Staying Sane in December

I know I am not the only mom who feels like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are insane.

On top of the general busyness of the season, my girls have so many extra activities (school plays, parades, parties, etc.).

It’s enough to make a mom feel a little (or a lot) crazy.

While I haven’t perfected it yet, I have a few tips for staying sane in December based on what I have learned from my own holiday insanity experiences.

1. Look at Your Calendar

These last few weeks of 2021 are incredibly busy – especially for students.

Take out your calendar and make note of everything coming up over the next few weeks – class parties, dance recitals, and gift exchanges.

Then, set up calendar reminders on your phone so you aren’t rushing last minute for outfits or gifts.

2. Make a List and Check It Twice

I am a list maker, and the holiday season requires all the lists.

I write down everything I am responsible for – because if I don’t, I will forget it.

My list has everything from grocery store shopping to calling long-distance relatives.

Tip – I keep a notepad by my bed to jot down those “to-do’s” I suddenly remember as I am trying to go to sleep.

3. Take Care of Yourself

If mama isn’t happy, nobody’s happy.

That’s why it is so important for moms to take care of themselves during the holidays.

Don’t run on empty!

Make sure you are getting enough sleep and exercise.

Avoid overindulging in holiday food and drinks.

4. Say No

One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons I have learned is to say no.

Before I commit to something, I check my already full calendar.

Then, decide if I have time or desire to squeeze one more thing in.

If not, I say no.

5. Choose What Matters

It’s easy during the holidays to get caught up and take on more than you need to.

To avoid this issue, I try to choose what matters.

Are homemade baked goods wonderful? Yes. Will my kids survive if I buy something pre-made? Also, yes.

Does my family have to try out the latest cool thing or am I just trying to keep up with the Joneses?

Prioritize what matters the most to your family.

6. Practice Gratitude

The holiday blues are a real thing, affecting millions of women.

If you feel a little blue this Christmas, try practicing gratitude or doing something for others.

I always feel better when I make someone else smile, so I put extra effort into bringing smiles this time of year.

7. Outsource Holiday Tasks

If your holiday to-do list looks anything like mine, you need help.

There is no shame in outsourcing some of your holiday tasks.

If you would rather cuddle with your kids and watch a Christmas movie, then take advantage of grocery store delivery rather than shopping yourself.

Hire someone to wrap your presents or hang your outside lights.

8. Combine Activities

Again, your calendar likely doesn’t leave much space to do everything you want to do.

Look for opportunities to combine activities.

For example, if you and your spouse need some alone time, see if you combine date night with Christmas shopping for the family.

If you want to spend time together as a family, try to combine family time with time making gifts for others or volunteering.

9. Avoid Comparisons

Your kids won’t remember what their neighbor’s Christmases were like, but they will remember their own.

Stop comparing your holiday to someone else’s and celebrate your way.

Christmas isn’t a competition.

10. Embrace the Magic in the Ordinary

Lastly, try to remember that Christmas doesn’t have to be over-the-top to be wonderful.

Simple traditions, such as baking cookies for Santa and looking at Christmas lights, are the most memorable.

Do you have any tips to share? Comment below!

Yes, You Do Need to Start 2021 Christmas Shopping Now

I’ve always been a proponent of getting your Christmas shopping done by Black Friday at the latest, but 2021 Christmas shopping is proving to be even more challenging.

You’ve likely heard reports from the news about toys possibly running out. As much as you want to believe news organizations are just exaggerating, that is not the case. There is a very real possibility that popular items, even clothing, will run out.

This is all because producers and retailers are still dealing with lingering supply chain issues. Those issues aren’t going to be solved by Christmas.

This is what you need to do to get your 2021 Christmas shopping done early.

Major Shipping Delays

There will be major shipping delays across the country. In fact, there are huge shipping delays even getting stock into the country.

According to Andy Harig of the Food Marketing Institute, “The wait to get into the port at Long Beach [in California] is almost eight days, and we have 56 ships backed up at any given time. There are reports of container ships turning around and not even waiting to get refilled.”

Within the U.S., shipping companies are facing major setups, as well. For instance, the Portland Oregon FedEx facility is currently 65% staffed. They are having to reroute 25% of the volume from its hub by using third-party transportation, which raises costs all the way around.

You also should not expect Amazon's two-day delivery services to work like normal.

Shop online early to guarantee your gifts will make it on time.

Price Hikes

The cost of shipping is forcing retailers to also raise their prices.

ABC 7 NY reports, “Toymaker Mattel whose brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and American Girl, said in an earnings conference call on Tuesday that it is raising prices in the second half of the year in the run-up to the holiday shopping season.”

What that means for moms and dads is that we shouldn’t wait for a big sale to shop for Christmas presents. Prices won’t be slashed like normal.

It’s a better idea to purchase that hot item when you see it rather than waiting for the price to drop.

Things to Consider When 2021 Christmas Shopping in October

For most of us, it seems early to start 2021 Christmas shopping. But, as you see, this year it is a must. Here are some things to keep in mind as you start shopping for Christmas before Halloween.

• Check Out 2021 Christmas Shopping Guides – Many of the Christmas wish list guides have already been published. These guides highlight what will likely be the items your kids want that may run out. Start with Amazon’s Toys We Love List.

• Consider Out-of-the-Box Options: Since the shelves may be empty, consider out-of-the-box options, such as season passes to the zoo, enrollment in an Outschool course, or gift cards to your child’s favorite shop.

• Think About Storage: One of the issues with shopping this early is having to keep the gifts hidden until you are ready to put them under the tree. Go ahead and have a plan for where you can safely store the gifts until the time comes to pull them out.

• How to Handle Late Santa Requests: Kids don’t care about supply chain issues. They want that special toy. This year, they may not be able to get it. Start thinking about how you will handle late Santa requests, such as telling your kids the elves had to quarantine and can’t make that gift in time.

7 Easy Ways to Make Christmas Eve Extra Special

Christmas 2020 is going to look and feel a little different – but that doesn’t mean it has to be “bad” different. We can still give our kids a magical Christmas even if we have to stay home, Clorox more often, and see Santa with a mask. If we have the right attitude and enough Christmas spirit, this may just be the Christmas our kids remember the most. Here are 7 easy ways to make Christmas Eve extra special for kids this year.

Mix Up Reindeer Food

On Christmas Eve, guide Santa’s reindeer to your home with reindeer food. The idea is to mix food reindeers will eat, such as oatmeal, with shiny glitter to attract them to your yard. Here’s an easy (cheap) recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything:

INGREDIENTS

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup white sugar

1/4 to 1/2 cup red and green colored decorating sugar crystals

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all the ingredients together and sprinkle it on your lawn.

Bake Cookies

One of the benefits of a quarantine Christmas is that we have more time at home than usual. Typically, we have to find time in the hustle and bustle of the season. Since we aren’t as busy, it means we finally have time to go all-out when baking cookies for Santa. This is the year to make a mess and have some fun with the kids in the kitchen.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Before you get ready to leave out milk and cookies for Santa, set up a hot cocoa bar for the whole family. Choose some special toppings and stirrers to make the cocoa extra special. Kids top their mugs like they would at an ice cream sundae bar. Don’t forget to put out some peppermint vodka for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to add to their mugs.

Play Christmas-Themed Games

During the Easter quarantine, we played competition-style Easter-themed games (such as an egg spoon relay). We plan to do the same on Christmas Eve, such as pin the red nose on Rudolph. Check out Parents' list of 10 Fun Christmas Party Games for Kids of All Ages.

Have a Special Dinner Without Cooking

Unless you love cooking, 2020 is the year to let someone else do it for you. Not only does this guarantee it will be delicious, but it will also help your favorite restaurants stay in business. With so many restaurants suffering from lost revenue, you can support them by ordering a pre-cooked Christmas dinner.

Track Santa

The pandemic is not going to prevent Santa from delivering toys to all the girls and boys around the world. Dr. Fauci told USA Today, “Santa is exempt from [this pandemic] because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity. Santa is not going to be spreading any infections to anybody.” Since Santa is declared safe to spread joy, track his journey with NORAD.

Sibling Sleepover

A Christmas Eve tradition we have that we plan to keep until forever is encouraging our daughters to treat Christmas Eve as an extra special sleepover. If your kids don’t share a room, this is a great way for them to bond and to keep them secure in one room while Santa prepares the presents.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

When Presents Go Wrong – Prepare Early to Prevent Gift Faux Pas

I’ve already started talking about holiday shopping because we have got to get a jump on it this year. Between supply chain disruptions and second shutdowns, there is a real possibility shopping for gifts will be harder than ever before. And that’s on top of the usual challenge of buying the perfect gift for family and friends.

I love giving gifts, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t ever given a bad gift (I’ve certainly received a few). Unless you have the type of relationship where you can ask directly, “What do you want for Christmas,” it’s up to you to find the perfect present. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves when it comes to gift giving because we believe the gift will say something about our relationship with the individual. And there is some truth to that idea.

According to the BBC, “Although giving gifts can make you happy, communicate your feelings toward the receiver and even strengthen relationships, a less-than-stellar gift can have the opposite effect. […] Research has also showed that undesirable gifts can sometimes negatively impact the receiver’s perception of a relationship’s future potential.”

Hence the perfect present pressure. Here are some of the common gift giving faux pas.

Thoughtful or Thoughtless

Your gift will be seen as either thoughtful or thoughtless. A friend shared this Christmas gift story with me:

On the first Christmas with my new sister-in-law, I was excited to finally share the holidays with a new sister. I searched for the perfect feminine gift. I chose a gift set of Lush bath bombs because I absolutely adore my quiet bath time and think Lush products are the best of the best. As we prepared to exchange gifts, my new sister-in-law presented my gift first. She got me a nice neutral colored handbag. It was nice, but it didn’t match my normal bold colors and patterns. She commented that her husband (my brother-in-law) shared that he always gave me bath stuff, and she told him she couldn’t give someone in the family something as mundane as bath products… And then she opened her gift of bath products. We didn’t know one another well enough yet and were trying to be thoughtful, but both of our gifts looked thoughtless.

Have you ever chosen a gift that later seemed thoughtless? Have you ever been given something that showed the gift giver didn’t really know you?

Big Spender or Cheap

There is also the worry of whether the gift(s) you choose will make you look like a big spender or a cheapskate. If you spend significantly more, the other person may feel uncomfortable. On the other side, if you spend significantly less, you worry they will think you don’t care enough to spend more money on their gift.

Prevent Gift Giving Anxiety with the Help of a Gift Advisor

If these types of worries cause you to suffer from gift-giving anxiety, you’re not alone. Many women feel stressed about buying perfect presents for everyone in their life. The problem is that we just don’t have time to work, take care of kids, and buy a worry-free gift for everyone on our list.

That’s where a gift advisor comes in. I am honored to work as a gift advisor for Neiman Marcus. Gift advisors take the guesswork out of holiday gift giving and will curate a list of the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Simply take a quiz to identify your gift giving needs to be paired with a gift advising expert.