Tuesday, November 27, 2012
This is the time of year things can go from manageable to insane faster than you can say Toys 'R Us.
Ah, the holiday season. The turkey has been gobbled up, the pumpkin pie inhaled and our waistlines doubled over our already too tight jeans. As we unpack our Christmas decorations and dust off our menorahs, we start to think about how we, as parents, can keep this time of year from becoming less about family, giving and love and more about ourselves, receiving and mall frustration. When things get out of hand in the holiday department we need to go back to basics. Back to traditions, back to our community and back to a handful of carefully selected gifts that may even include some that are homemade. But it is so hard! There are so many cool toys with cool commercials that the kids see. There are so many gadgets, furry snow boots and …
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Add photos of your favorite presents and family celebrations right here.
These last few weeks of December are just about the most celebrated time of of the year, especially for young children — and the young at heart. Take this chance to wish your neighbors happy holidays by sharing photos and stories of a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other holiday (Festivus, anyone?) with everyone right here on Lexington Patch. Add pictures of the kids opening gifts, pictures of pets, a snapshot of the family gathering round the table or any other holiday photo you'd like — new or old. So come on and keep spreading that holiday cheer by sharing your family's festive photos. You can add pictures directly to this article by clicking the "Upload Photos and Videos" tab at the top left of the image above, or you …
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The holiday season is steeped in tradition, and we want to hear about yours.
From sipping egg nog to sending cards to exchanging gifts, there are many ways to celebrate the holidays. Whether you and your loved ones celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or some creative combination that mixes and matches from the those three, there's no denying that the holiday season is steeped in tradition, and here at Lexington Patch, we're interested in learning about all of them. Do you head home for the holidays, or open yours to family for a few days, or just to share that special meal? Maybe you roast chestnuts on an open fire, or watch "A Christmas Story" six times on Christmas Eve. Whether its big-time gatherings of friends and family, or something simple like looking forward to scarves and ice-skating, we want to hear …
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy for kids to become overwhelmed and stressed. With a few simple strategies not only can the kids have fun, but maybe Mom and Dad can too.
I saw a car with a Christmas tree on it today and suddenly felt a cold sweat build. Was it later than I thought? Why were people getting their tree already? Was else hadn’t I done to prepare for this all important time of the year? I don’t even know the first day of Chanukah (we celebrate both). My husband looked at me with his ever-famous calm smile and said something about people not appreciating the holiday that is right in front of them. I quickly realized that I wasn’t behind the times and my cold sweat turned to a warm appreciation of our family’s ability to take it day by day during this crazy time of year. So, how do you appreciate each holiday this time of year without getting stressed out or stressing out your kids? It isn’t easy…
Friday, November 18, 2011
What are your plans this turkey day?
Putting together a Thanksgiving dinner will be about 13 percent pricier this year, according to Huff Post Food and an American Farm Bureau Federation report. Turkey and trimmings for 10 this year will cost $49.20 on average, or $5.73 more than last year's $43.47 total, according HuffPo, which says the Farm Bureau surveyed shopping stores nationwide. Still, at less than $5 per person, a meal at home is often a more equitable option than most restaurant or catered dinners. That's not to say that people won't splurge on larger, smallor, or more elaborate home-cooked meals. Local chefs say holiday traditions, especially those involving food, are areas where many families tend not to cut corners. And there are no shortage of options around …
