Mommy's little helper.
Let the countdown begin! Part of the fun of the holiday season is the preparation and excitement leading up to the big day. Advent calendars have a long, storied tradition as a classic and fun way to spend the days leading up until Christmas, and tots love checking off one day at a time, eagerly anticipating that early morning celebration on December 25. Keep reading for a selection of stunning Read more
The anticipation of Christmas facilitated by my mother's advent calendar was always my favorite part of the holiday season growing up. (These days, it's mulled wine.) But I've never been a fan of those store-bought advent calendars where you opened a little paper door each day. They're cute, but certainly not as fun as a calendar filled with treats or activities. The possibilities for making your Read more
The countdown to Christmas has come a long way from the two-for-a-dollar advent calendars I had as a kid. No more chalky chocolates found behind cardboard doors, now the elaborate calendars can be filled with presents, candies, trinkets, and toys. Several versions are made by toy companies and others are handcrafted keepsakes. And, most of them will set you back a pretty penny. Whatever Read more
Here's a post from OnSugar blog House of Anaïs: The second day on the road to Christmas brings the finalized advent calendar. The whole thing ended up being rather heavy, so I finally decided to hang the buckets from the garland that runs on the stairwell balustrade. A bit risky since the kids pass them a zillion times a day and the height is just right. Guess it's time to teach these little Read more
With all the chocolate Advent calendars, fruitcakes, homemade gingerbread cookies, potato latkes, eggnog, and holiday parties, it amazes me that 51-year-old Valerie Bertinelli tells People magazine: "You know what, I lose weight, not gain it, during the holidays. You have more days off, so you have more time to go to the gym and be active. I have so much more time to work out this time of year." Read more
