When my husband and I had our first child 17 years ago, we decided that, when it came to Christmas gifts, we would follow the three gift rule. We joked that it if it was good enough for the infant Jesus, it surely was good enough for baby Tom. As our family grew to three children, this tradition has continued to work for us. I love that I can narrow my search down to a few, … [Read more...]
Yes, There is a Santa
When I was growing up, Santa Claus played an important part in my family’s Christmas tradition. My parents were really big on the magic of the season, and they went to pretty elaborate lengths to make the holiday extra special for my two sisters and me. This included a personal visit from the big man himself. Each year after the early children’s Christmas Eve service at … [Read more...]
10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Had My First Baby
Seventeen years ago I was hugely pregnant and watching the calendar roll further and further beyond my due date. When I did finally have my baby 10 days past that elusive date, I was thrilled. But I was also completely shocked at just how much real life differed from my fantasies about childbirth and new motherhood. I read the books and took all the courses. I thought I knew … [Read more...]
My Recipe for a Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is days away. Everyone I know is putting the finishing touches on their menus for the big holiday feast. Recipes for the perfect turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie can be found on numerous TV talk shows, magazines, and blogs. Nowhere have I seen a recipe for preparing the most crucial element of a great holiday meal: Your kids. After celebrating 16 years of … [Read more...]
The Power of Hugs and Kisses
Once I got over my initial shock about the tragedy in Paris, I tried to figure out how to help my three children feel safe in a world that is filled with horrific events. I then remembered a piece that my friend and author, Estelle Erasmus, and I published on Elephant Journal back in March about the importance of hugging and kissing our children throughout their lives. … [Read more...]
