Traditions are a wonderful marriage between the routine and the uncommon, serving as special moments that are comfortingly predictable. With our schedules being so full, it’s often tempting to overlook traditions and let them slip away because of the time it takes to make them happen. But who says a tradition is only meaningful if it takes a lot of time? Here are ten holiday traditions that will actually leave you with renewed energy and sometimes even extra time at the end of your day, which is sure a blessing in December. They are memorable and meaningful, but simple just the same. …
Christmas
6 Super Duper Holiday Party Games
Holiday parties are among us as we celebrate with coworkers, friends, and family. This is the time of year (sometimes the onlytime all year) where we make great efforts and travel long distances amidst the busyness to gather together with those we care about, even if it's just for one evening. How do you spend these valuable moments together? Are memories made? Are relationships deepened? Is laughter abundant? I invite you to avoid the obligatory small talk this year and instead, be the one to add a dose of frivolity to the mix by inviting others to join you in having some …
7 Fun & Creative Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas
One of the best parts of Christmas is opening up an unexpectedly awesome gift from a thoughtful giver. Even better is watching someone else open up the perfect gift you found for them. Unfortunately, the gift-giving part of the holidays often contributes a big part of the stress most people feel during the season. It's not easy trying to find something nice for everyone on the list while fighting the bustling, crazy crowds and keeping the budget from ballooning like Santa on post-Christmas cookie eating binge. A lot of families save money by doing gift exchanges in which every person …
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The Secret Formula to Adultitis-Free Holidays
It's only two months away. I was strolling the aisles of ShopKo the other night looking for Lucy's Halloween costume and I couldn't help but notice that there was an entire row of Christmas trees right behind the bags of candy corn. Come on, people! …
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A Very Adultitis Christmas
We hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday season. It can be the most joyful time of year, unless someone with a serious case of Adultitis shows up. Treatment is available, but awareness is the key. Both Ebeneezer Scrooge and the Grinch were Adultitis survivors, so there is hope. We decided to use this post to highlight a few videos that may be of help. …
The Mall Santa eBook
This 23-page eBook features an assortment of nearly 30 comic strips -- including full-color weekend strips -- that chronicle the various trips Kim and Jason have made to see the Mall Santa over the years. You won't want to miss Kim's plan to tape record her conversation with the Mall Santa, or her letters to the real Santa. Conveniently formatted for both easy screen viewing and printing. …
Adultitis: Is Christmas a Cause or Cure? – EA Show #49
This is our last show for 2009. We wanted to share some reflections on our first year as parents, offer up some holiday greetings, and give our take on whether Christmas is a cause of or the cure to Adultitis. | Subscribe with iTunes | Download (80 MB) Share Your Thoughts... What do you think about this week's show? Do you think Christmas is a cause or a cure for Adultitis? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or in the video itself by clicking the little plus sign in the player. Got photos or videos? Send 'em to eashow@kimandjason.com Linkety Links Check out Lucy's …
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61 Ways to Put the Brakes on Holiday Stress
1. Watch a funny Christmas movie. (We recommend Elf, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.) 2. Get cookies from the best bakery (or friend) in town. 3. Hire a neighbor kid looking for a few bucks to take care of your shoveling. 4. Organize a gift exchange, instead of buying for everyone. 5. Better yet, make it a white elephant gift exchange. 6. Keep up on your sleep and exercise. Quick naps and short walks can do wonders! …
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Unclutter Your Christmas – EA Show #48
If you love watching your kids' eyes light up when they unwrap gifts from Santa, but cringe at the thought of even more toys infiltrating and cluttering up your home, we have an idea that will help. In this episode, we share a great tip for decluttering your Christmas while teaching your kids to be grateful for what they have. Share Your Thoughts... What do you think about this week's show? What was your best tip for decluttering Christmas? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or in the video itself by clicking the little plus sign in the player. Got photos or videos? Send …
A Quick Thought on Toys
If you still have some shopping left to do this holiday season, let me offer up something to think about. When it's garage sale time, and people go to purge all the old stuff their kids used to play with, what's the first thing to go? All the loud, spinning, whizzing, battery-operated, brightly colored, one trick pony plastic crap. And the stuff that gets saved and passed down? The classic, high quality handmade stuff made from natural materials like wood and fabric. Well-constructed doll houses. Sturdy, smooth, hand-stained block sets. Super soft teddy bears. …