Welcome to Not-So-Ultimate Mommy—a real-life parenting blog for the perfectly imperfect. From fun kids’ activities to honest takes on motherhood, this space is all about finding joy, creativity, and sanity in the chaos. Whether you're crafting with toddlers or navigating parenting curveballs, you’re not alone—and you’re doing great (even when it doesn’t feel like it).
Having a live tree in your house at Christmas can make your home feel just a little more festive and bring joy to your entire family. Many people, however, choose not to buy a real tree because they believe that it will not last throughout the holiday season and they'll be left with a dead tree by Christmas. This is simply not the case. A real tree can certainly survive through the holidays if it is properly tended and selected with care. All it takes is a little knowledge.
Keeping your tree fresh through the holidays begins with the selection of your tree. There are really two options: a potted tree or a cut tree. If you decide to purchase a potted tree, ensure that it has been watered properly and appears to be in good health. Examine the bark for any damage, and if any bark is missing, find another tree. Give your potential tree a little shake to see how many needles drop. A few is normal, but too many fallen needles indicates dehydration. Also check for any dead needles or branches.
Most people will choose a cut tree for the holidays. These same tests can be performed on a cut tree as on a potted tree. Additionally, with a cut tree, you’ll want to examine the bottom of the trunk for excessive damage which may have caused trauma to the tree. Before leaving the lot, ask an attendant to cut two to three inches off the end of the trunk. This will allow the tree to absorb water more efficiently once you get the tree home.
Get your tree into water as soon as you get it home. If you’re not going to put your tree up immediately upon your return, leave it outside with a source of water. Christmas trees actually like the colder weather, so don’t worry that the cooler December temperatures will damage your new tree. You will want to check the water to make sure it hasn't frozen.
If possible, use a plastic tree stand. Metal tree holders can puncture the bark of the tree, which can cause a loss of sap. This will weaken the tree, making it wilt that much sooner. In addition, the larger your tree stand is, the fewer times you’ll have to add water. At any rate, check the water levels every day. You don’t want your tree to dehydrate, or it will become a fire hazard as it dries out. It will also begin to wilt, and possibly even die. To provide more protection for your Christmas tree, look for those holiday lights that give off the least amount of heat.
If you want your tree to truly last through the holidays, it will need more than just water. Trees, like people, need nutrients in order to thrive. To make your own tree food, combine four cups of water with two cups of corn syrup. Boil this mixture for five minutes, allow to cool, and poor it into your tree stand. You can, if you like, add some iron supplements (but no more than three tablets, crushed) and a tablespoon of bleach. Do not add too much bleach or you could damage the tree. Alternatively, you could purchase Christmas tree food, sold at many locations during the holidays.
Caring for your live Christmas tree is simple and well worth the effort. Treat your tree with care, and it will bring joy to you, your family, and your guests throughout the holiday season.
Gathering friends and family together over the holidays is a tradition for many people. But for those on a budget, hosting a holiday party can seem like an impossible task. There are decorations to buy, drinks to supply, and food to prepare. However, it is possible to host a holiday party within your budget, if you plan ahead and make some careful decisions.
Start by saving money on the invitations. You don’t need an expensive invitation to invite people to your home. Try printing them yourself, or really save some money and send all your invitations using the Internet.
One area where a lot of people spend too much is decorations. You don’t have to purchase expensive decorations year after year. A bowl filled with candy or ornaments can be a beautiful centerpiece. Use the decorations you already have to liven up your holiday party. Dress the tree, hang the stockings, and rummage through your existing decorations to set a wonderful ambiance. To save a little time, effort, and money, don’t decorate those rooms that will not be used for the party.
A beautiful and well laid table doesn’t have to be expensive. You shouldn’t feel like you have to go out and buy all new linens every year. Use what you have, and make the table unique with the use of candles, sparkles, and maybe an ornament or two scattered around the table for fun.
Consider holding the party in your own home or the home of a friend. Renting a space can be a huge cost, and an unnecessary one. Also try cutting down on the guest list. Large parties incur larger expenses.
Food can be expensive. You can lighten this cost in a couple different ways. Choose simple foods that everyone will love. Remember that there will probably be leftovers, so only use foods that you’ll want to eat the day after. You can also ask that everyone bring a dish. Perhaps you could supply the main course, and ask your guests to supply dessert or appetizers. Not only will this reduce the amount you have to spend, but it will cut down on your preparation time. To really save money on food, don’t hold your party during mealtimes at all, but offer cocktails and snacks instead.
If you really want to save money when planning a holiday party, don’t offer an open bar. Choose one or two drinks that people truly enjoy, and limit yourself to that. Let your guests know that they are more than welcome to bring their own favorite drink to contribute to the party. As an alternative, host an alcohol-free party this year. Non-alcoholic drinks are typically far less expensive.
Everyone likes to give gifts, but in a group of perhaps twenty guests, this can get prohibitively expensive. Encourage your guests to bring items for donation to a local shelter or organization. Appropriate donations can include non-perishables and canned goods. In this way, everyone can enjoy the spirit of giving without breaking the bank.
Spice up any party with fun holiday games that don’t cost anything at all. Try holiday trivia or holiday charades. If children are involved, try decorating cookies or other holiday treats that can also serve as dessert. Entertaining your holiday guests doesn't have to be expensive. Get just a little creative, and everyone will have plenty of fun, and you’ll still stay on budget.
Remember that holiday entertaining doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Your guests are your friends, and they value your company. They won’t be disappointed if you don’t spend every penny you have on them.
Holiday parties are a tradition in many households, and hosting one can be a fulfilling experience. Perhaps you’ve spent weeks preparing for this party, meticulously mapping out each and every aspect. Maybe it’s been a truly last-minute affair. Regardless, you probably want things to be just a little more festive, to add a little more atmosphere to your event. There are many suggestions as to how you can spruce up your home right before your holiday party.
Take a look around and decide which rooms you want to use for the party, and close the doors to any other rooms. Focus only on the areas that will be used by your guests. Check to make sure that these areas are clean and clutter free, and then remove anything breakable. Also remove anything that might be in the way, and add more seating if you have to. Make sure your kitchen is clean (if you're looking to add some holiday scent, use pine scented cleaner), and put any used dishes in the dishwasher. Clear out your hall closet to make room for the coats and boots of your guests.
Once your home is clean and prepared for guests, analyze your décor. If you have any unused strings of lights, pull them out and find places for them. They can be draped over doorways, wrapped around banisters, or simply placed on a mantel or window pane. Garland, which is relatively inexpensive, can be used in many of the same ways. Combine lights with garland for a truly sparkling effect.
Candlelight is warm and inviting, so gather up some candles and start placing them in strategic locations such as on the mantel, tables, sideboards, or anywhere else you can think of. If you have wall-mounted or hanging holders, especially if they’re particularly festive, use them if you can. Try adding glass beads or crushed glass at the base of the candles for added ambiance. If using scented candles, make sure the scents all complement each other. Keep scented candles off the dinner table, as they could interfere with enjoying your meal.
Exchange your regular throw pillows for more festive ones. These can be found at your local craft or discount store, and do much to enhance your décor. Consider a holiday throw as well, and perhaps a wreath or two scattered through the party areas, especially on doors. If your tree looks a little bare, add a few ornaments before guests arrive, and don't forget to plug in the lights. If you have pictures on the wall that you don't want to take down, consider making them more festive. Picture frames are easily wrapped to look like presents, and will almost certainly get some interesting comments from your guests.
Add some scent to your home. This can be done in a variety of way. Try using festive scented candles, air fresheners, or throw a batch of cookies in the oven. The right scent during your party will make your guests feel relaxed and welcome in your home.
Turn your attention to the outside of your home. Add a wreath, mistletoe, holly, even some jingle bells to make your front door seem a little more festive. Sprinkle some holiday sequence or red and green sparkles on the snow outside your door. If you have holiday lights on the exterior of your home, the sparkles will reflect the light and look very cheerful.
Ultimately, a holiday party is a chance to spend some time with your guests and enjoy yourself. Complete your last-minute sprucing up, and then take pleasure in your evening with friends and family.
When hosting a Christmas dinner for your family, friends, or coworkers, seating your guests can sometimes present a problem. If your gathering is informal, such as buffet-style or cocktail, then seating may not be an issue. However, if you intend on a more formal Christmas party, you should take a few moments to consider seating arrangements, and hopefully before they begin arriving.
Seat those people together who have something in common. If people have something in common, then their conversation can be more than just small talk, even if they don’t know each other. In general, you should not seat people together if they don’t know each other and you can’t envision them having something to talk about. You know your guests, so if you don’t think they have something in common, then they probably don’t.
If you know that two people don’t get along, don’t seat them together. If you do, you’re only asking for trouble. If your uncle hasn’t spoken to your cousin in ten years, you should probably respect that and seat them with other people, and not beside each other (and maybe not even across from each other). Christmas dinner may not be the time to try to resolve old hurts, especially in front of everyone.
Make absolutely sure that you keep couples together, unless you know that they won’t mind being split up. They, obviously, have something in common and will have much to talk about. In addition, they probably expect to be seated together, and may be offended if separated.
Remember that this is a Christmas party, not a matchmaking party. Don’t seat people together with the hopes that they’ll become a couple. You’re supposed to be the host, not the resident matchmaker. You’ll be the one they blame when they didn’t have an enjoyable evening. If you get a reputation for trying to fix up everyone who comes to your parties, you’ll soon notice a decline in the number of guests you can attract.
If you’re mixing friends and family, don’t make your friends feel uncomfortable by seating them apart from your family. You like your friends, and your family will too. Mix them in amongst your family, seating them with anyone they can have meaningful conversation with. Everyone will feel more comfortable, and your friends will thank you later for making them feel included.
Consider setting up a special table for children. This is not impolite, but rather a courtesy. Children have more in common with other children, and they tend to enjoy the feel of a less formal table. Ensure, however, that this table is in the same room as the adult table. You want the children to feel included and special, not banished to another part of the house. Allow teenagers to choose which table they’d like to sit at. Some teens will be more comfortable with the children, but others, especially the older teens, would rather be seated with the adults.
If you have a large group, you should try to have several smaller tables, rather than one long dining table. A longer table with more than about eight people encourages shouting in order to be heard by someone at the other end. Separating people into smaller groups will keep everyone a little quieter, and has a more intimate feel.
If you want to keep difficulties to a minimum, make up several bowls of each dish, instead of one larger dish. This will eliminate the reaching and constant prattle: “Could you pass that stuffing … again?” It sometimes helps to use centerpieces and decorations to divide the table somewhat. That way, you might be able to prevent all three bowls of stuffing from ending up at the same end of the table. And, if you have people with special diets, such as vegetarians, you can set them all together and make everyone more comfortable by not placing the turkey or the ham directly in front of a vegetarian.
Remember that a Christmas party is supposed to be fun. Don’t stress yourself unduly. Seating arrangements should be based on compatible personalities, and since you know everyone you’re inviting, you’ll figure it out. When your guests finally start arriving, put aside your worries about who will sit where, and just enjoy yourself.
Christmas trees are a traditional symbol of the holidays. Many people have visions of a large evergreen, liberally decorated with lights, garland, and festive ornaments. Presents are strewn under the tree, the family is gathered nearby. However, for those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers, this vision can be difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce.
Those with smaller spaces, and especially those who live in apartments, are often concerned with size when it comes to purchasing a Christmas tree, either real or artificial. Fortunately, trees of all kinds now come in a variety of sizes to suit all spaces. Having a Christmas tree is no longer dependent upon having the space for one, since you can purchase a tree small enough to fit on a tabletop.
For those apartment dwellers who still want a full-sized tree, you’ll have to be aware of your space. Choose the location for your tree, and measure. Measure the height of your room. Measure the height of your tree stand and tree topper. Take the height of your room, subtract the tree stand and topper, then subtract a further two inches. This is the maximum height of any tree your space can support.
Measure the circumference of the space you’ve chosen. If there’s only three feet of space, then purchasing a tree that’s four feet wide will only cause frustration. Once you have this measurement, consider how you will get your tree into your apartment. For those with elevators or small stairwells, this may be a major concern. You might have the space for a huge tree in your apartment, but if you can’t get it in, you’ll be disappointed. Again, use your tape measure to make sure.
When you finally go out to purchase your tree, make sure you bring that same tape measure with you. If purchasing a real tree, choose a pine or fir tree. These trees drop their needles with less frequency, which will help with cleanup, and you won’t leave as much of a mess in the hallway when transporting your tree. Measure your tree accurately before purchasing. Do not rely on the sales person’s guess. If you have to, ask the attendants to cut a larger tree down to size for you.
You might prefer an artificial tree, or perhaps your apartment doesn’t allow for real trees. In this case, you’ll still need your tape measure. The measurements on a box are sometimes not quite accurate. Look for stores that have displays, and measure those display trees. And just in case, ask about the return policy. An artificial tree can look just as real, and if you want it to smell real, add a few drops of pine essential oil to a cup of water and gently mist of over the artificial tree. The scent will waft through your apartment and last through the holidays.
When you finally settle on a tree and get it home, decorate it with care and add presents at its base for a more festive atmosphere. Invite your friends and family over to see your new tree, and remember to enjoy the holidays.
Christmas brings with it many things. Carolers touring the neighborhood. Cookies baking in every kitchen. And the annual tradition of setting up the Christmas tree. For many families, an artificial tree is the tree of choice.
Everyone wants a beautiful tree that at least appears to be real. But all trees, real and artificial, carry some potential danger, and not all artificial trees are created equal. Before setting up your artificial tree, consider your family, and take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your children can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Safety begins with the purchase of your tree. There are dozens of artificial trees on the market today. They come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, and selecting one can be difficult. Before even considering which tree to purchase, read the box and all specifications carefully. Look for the words ‘fire retardant’ or ‘fire resistant’. If these words do not appear anywhere on the box or on the enclosed leaflet, then the tree is unsafe. Don’t assume that because a tree is for sale that it’s safe.
If you have small children or curious pets, you’ll want to look for a tree that does not contain PVCs. These chemicals, also known as polyvinyl chlorides, can be a source of lead, and children and pets like to chew. Err on the side of caution and purchase a tree that does not contain these dangerous chemicals.
Once you get your tree home, you’ll want to make sure that once set up, it’s stable and safe. Consider securing your tree to the wall so that it does not fall over and harm someone or damage your furniture, especially if you have young children who will be grabbing at the tree, or cats who will insist on climbing it. Your tree can be secured using eye hooks and either galvanized wire or heavy fishing line. These items can be found at your local hardware store. When securing your tree, be sure to avoid any lights or decorations that may already be on your tree.
Artificial trees are made of plastic, no matter how real they look. Plastic can be melted or burned quite easily, so you must take care with the placement of your tree. Do not put your tree near any heat source. This includes radiators, heating vents, wood stoves, ovens, portable heaters, or fireplaces.
No matter how safe you think your tree is, all trees are a fire hazard. Reduce this hazard by carefully checking each and every string of lights for frayed wires or any other signs of wear. If a string of lights looks at all damaged, invest a little money and buy new, preferably LED lights, since they don’t get as hot. It is also important to use lights rated for indoor use. Outdoor lights get too hot and can cause a fire.
When plugging in the lights and other items on your tree, do not overload your electrical sockets, as this could lead to a fire. Be aware of exactly how many light strings you have on one circuit. Check each extension cord to make sure they’re all in good condition, and rated for indoor use. If you have to, reduce the number of lights on your tree.
When adding decorations, consider who will be around your tree. If there will be many children in your home over the holiday season, you might want to forego the breakable ornaments and invest in plastic ones. Children and pets don’t always understand that they shouldn’t touch, so don’t expect them to leave the tree alone. Also make sure the ornaments are free of small pieces that a child could choke on.
By taking these steps to ensure the safety of you and your family, you will be able to enjoy your artificial tree in peace this holiday season.
Holiday parties can be a great way to relax and have fun with friends and family. However, planning a holiday party can be a little intimidating. Probably the most difficult decision to make when planning a party is the guest list. Who to invite and who not to invite can be stressful. But if you take a moment to consider both your party and its guest list, the process can be made simpler.
Before you can even think of a guest list, you have to know your space. If you intend to host the party in your living room, and you only have room for ten people, then that limits your guest list considerably. If, on the other hand, you’d like to rent a hall for a hundred people, your list of guests expands quite a bit.
The next step is to decide what kind of party you’ll be having. Are you having a sit-down dinner or a buffet, or perhaps cocktails? Is your party primarily for friends, family, colleagues, or a mixture of all three? What kind of entertainment will you be planning? Will you include children in your party? These questions will all slightly alter your guest list. For example, if the party is primarily for your colleagues, then you might not want to include children, and you probably won’t invite your sister. You can mix your groups, of course, but you have to do this carefully. A party full of family and friends can be wonderful, but don’t invite only one friend in a sea of family members. It will just make everyone uncomfortable. You have to achieve some kind of balance, or limit yourself to only one group.
Children are an important issue when it comes to planning a party. Babies, in particular, require some attention to detail. They may be tiny, but they come with stuff. Expect that a parent bringing their little one might have a playpen or carrier for the baby to rest in. If you invite any breastfeeding mothers, you might want to have a space, perhaps in a spare bedroom, where they can retreat, if they need to.
If your party is child friendly, and you have a maximum number of people you can invite, remember to count each attending child as a guest. This is especially important if you’re in a rented space, as you’ll have to abide by fire codes, and fire codes do count children as people. Even parents, however, are entitled to have a child-free party. Sitters can be found, after all.
Try to keep it simple, and remember that the point of a holiday party is to have fun with people you enjoy being around. Be creative, invite those people who mean the most to you, and remember, it’s a holiday party. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just fun.
Any holiday table can be enhanced by the use of personalized place settings. Even some very simple ideas can make your holiday table unique, while at the same time letting everyone know where to sit. Get creative, and maybe use something that your guests can take home with them to spruce up their own décor.
Frosted pinecones, found at most craft shops, make wonderful place settings. Simply take a gold or silver pen and write your guests names on the pinecones. If you want to turn these pinecones into ornaments, simply add a ribbon so that it may be hung on a tree. Make sure you write clearly and neatly, so there’s no confusion when it comes time to sit down for dinner.
If you have a box of plastic or glass ornaments laying around that you’re not using, turn these into a personalized place setting. Using coordinating pens designed for writing on glass or plastic, gently scrawl the names of your guests onto each ornament. Now each guest has a personalized ornament to hang on their own tree when they get home.
If you’re any good at origami, or know someone who is, try making paper reindeer, trees, Santas, or even gift boxes. Use a felt pen to write the names. Your guests will appreciate these unique crafts, and will certainly want to take them home at the end of the evening.
If you’d rather send your guests home with chocolates, cookies, or other treats, purchase some small gift boxes. Write the guests names on the boxes, and stuff each box with any goodie you’d like. You might also consider Christmas crackers, personalized with the name of each guest.
For the craftier holiday host, try personalizing the table itself. You could write names on glasses or dinnerware, but make sure you use food safe paints. If you don’t want to re-use your tablecloth, you could even get some fabric paint and put the names of your guests directly onto the tablecloth.
A more difficult, but very unique idea is to use actual food as personalized place settings. Try preparing an appetizer that requires a sauce, and use that sauce to write the names of your guests. Or offer a salad, and use dressing instead.
There are countless ways to use personalized place settings to make your table beautiful and unique. This is a chance to exercise your creativity in planning your holiday party. It usually only takes a few extra minutes, and your guests will certainly appreciate the effort.
Holiday parties are great fun and a tradition for many people. They can be a time to gather together with friends and family, and simply enjoy the holidays. The best holiday parties are those that leave the guests with a fond memory, and one way to do this is with fun and creative party favors. Try sending your guests home with any of these suggestions, and they’ll remember your party for years.
Mini Stockings: You can purchase these at most craft shops around the holidays. Fill them with chocolates, cookies, candy canes, or any treat you can imagine. You could also fill them with tea bags or candles. These little items are inexpensive, attractive, and festive, and will add ambiance to your party.
Baking: Bake up a few batches of your favorite holiday cookies or other treats and package them in festive bags. Attach the recipes used to make these cookies, if you can. Guests will appreciate being able to recreate these treats at home. You might want to avoid peanut products when baking, in case of allergies.
Engraved Glasses: If you want to spend a little more money, and are serving wine or champagne at your party, consider purchasing wine glasses or champagne flutes and having them engraved with each guest’s name. You might even want to add the date and occasion. These will last forever (or until they’re broken), and will give your guests something to remember you by in years to come.
Hot Chocolate: Most people will appreciate a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Pick out some unique holiday mugs and place packets of hot chocolate inside. Wrap the mugs in cellophane, tie them up with brightly-colored ribbon, and give your guests a warm party favor to enjoy when they get home.
Picture Frames: Frames are a useful favor for most guests. Try to find the kind that can be either hung on the wall or placed on a desk or mantle for added versatility. If you can, find holiday-themed picture frames, or decorate them yourself. Try adding the names of your guests for a personal touch.
Personalized Ornaments: This is a quick and easy way to make beautiful party favors that your guests will use when they get home. Simply purchase a set of plain holiday ornaments, either glass or plastic, and personalize with the name of each guest. You can even invest a little more money and get the kind that open up. These will allow you to hide a special treat or present inside. Consider replacing the standard wire hangers with pretty ribbon, perhaps with the date and occasion of your party. Your guests can immediately put this on their tree, and they’ll remember you every year when they decorate for the holidays.
These are only some ideas for creative party favors. There are many other things that can be used as holiday favors, such as holiday CDs or a small vase with festive flowers. Check your local holiday or craft stores for more ideas to make your party memorable.. Try sending your guests home with any of these suggestions, and they’ll remember your party for years.
Scent is a powerful thing. The right scent stirs the memory, relaxes the body, and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The holidays are a perfect time to use scents and aromas to create a festive feeling. The following suggestions can help turn your home into a holiday retreat.
Baking: One way to infuse your home with holiday scent is to bake some holiday treats. Try chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, apple or pumpkin pie, or even some fresh baked bread. If you don’t bake, you can purchase premade cookie or bread dough, or even oven-ready pies. Throw them in the oven and you’ll soon have holiday scents wafting through your home.
Candles: Not only does the glow of a candle offer a cozy atmosphere, but if you choose a scented candle, it can add a festive aroma to your space. There are hundreds of candle scents to choose from, but try picking something appropriate for the season. There are candles that smell like peppermint, baking cookies, pumpkin, apple, pine, and many others. All of these would work for the holidays.
Pine Tree: Your holiday tree, if it’s real, will already be giving off a distinctive pine scent. If you have an artificial tree (or artificial wreaths around your home), you can still enjoy this same aroma. Purchase a small bottle of pine essential oil and add a few drops to a cup of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and liberally spray your artificial tree. Essential oils can also be sprayed onto fabrics in various areas of the home, but be careful of delicate fabrics, as essential oils can stain.
Room Fresheners: All manner of plug-in air fresheners are available on the market today. These can be purchased in many holiday scents, and produce decent aromas throughout your home.
Potpourri: Any craft or holiday store will likely carry holiday-scented potpourri. This can be located in strategic areas of your home, and tends to be a more subtle way of creating ambiance in your house. For a stronger scent, invest in an electric potpourri burner.
Oil Warmers: Burners can be purchased which accommodate scented oil in the top well, and a tealight candle underneath. The tealight warms the oil and the scent spreads quickly through your home. These scents are often quite strong, so use the oil sparingly.
Room Sprays: Commercial room sprays are available at your local grocery store, among other places. These are good for a quick burst of scent, and are available in many holiday varieties.
Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments: These are made with highly fragrant dough. Mix one cup cinnamon, one cup applesauce, and one tablespoon white glue. Roll out on wax paper, cut into holiday shapes, remembering to add a hole so you will be able to hang them, and let dry for twenty-four hours. Hang the resulting ornaments on your tree or anywhere you want scent. The scent may last as long as two years.
There are many other ways to bring festive scents into your home, including pomanders, fresh flowers, or burning wood in your fireplace. You could also try simmering some spices on the stove. Use your favorite aromas to bring the holidays into your home, and you will experience the season on a whole new level.
At many holiday parties, there are children. These children need to be entertained as much as their parents do, but it’s not always an easy task. Instead of the same boring old games, try these exciting diversions to keep the younger crowd happy and amused.
Santa Says: This game is very similar to the traditional ‘Simon Says’. Simply have one player be Santa, and have him or her issue commands. ‘Santa says … sit down.’ ‘Santa says … hop on one foot.’ But if he doesn’t say ‘Santa says’ the children should ignore the command. Sometimes Santa will say ‘Santa says’ and sometimes he won’t, so this game makes children pay attention. The younger crowd really enjoys this game.
Fill the Stocking: Most children love relay races. For this game, the children may have to divide into teams if there aren’t enough stockings to go around. Each child has a stocking at one end of the room and a spoon. At the other end of the room is a bowl of candy. Children must take a spoonful of candy and race across the room, attempting to fill their stockings as quickly as possible. The first one to fill their stocking wins and everyone gets to take their candy home at the end of the party.
Christmas Freeze: This game is easy for even the youngest children. Simply play some Christmas music, have the children move and dance around the room until the music stops, at which point they must ‘freeze’ in the position they happen to be in. This game will result in much merriment and amusement.
Candy Cane Aim: Give each child five candy canes and have everyone gather around the Christmas tree. Taking turns, allow the children to toss their candy canes into the tree. The winner is the child who hooks the most candy canes over branches.
Gift Unwrap Race: Wrap up empty boxes ahead of time. At the party, give each child three boxes to unwrap, and place a garbage can at the other end of the room. The children must unwrap a gift, run to the other side of the room, put the paper in the garbage, and run back to unwrap the next gift. The first child to finish unwrapping all three gifts, and to get all their paper in the garbage, is the winner.
Trim the Tree: Didn’t have time to decorate your tree? Turn it into a fun game for children. The kids will love a chance to show off their creativity, and you’ll be saved the time and effort of decorating your own tree.
Make a Friend: Let the children decorate cookies shaped like people. Gingerbread cookies work well, but any kind of cookie will do. You could even go so far as to offer gingerbread houses for each child to decorate. Try to avoid having all children decorate one house. Small children especially may not be good at sharing.
There are dozens of other games that children would enjoy at any Christmas party. Many typical party games can be adapted for the holidays. The important thing is to relax, get creative, and have fun.
As Halloween rushes toward us, parents are starting to look for costumes for their children. There are many costumes available, some costing only a few dollars, others costing much more. You could spend hundreds of dollars on a single costume. But when it comes to costumes for infants and toddlers who are still getting strapped into car seats, the problem is less a matter of cost and more a matter of safety. So many costumes for infants have a tail or something else that will interfere with the safety of being strapped into a car seat. If you don't want to take the costume off every time you get in the car, your options are rather limited.
My children were tiny once, so when I got an e-mail addressing this particular problem, I thought I'd offer a solution that I myself employed. Pet costumes. No, I'm not kidding. Look at the costumes for pets. Many of them have Velcro closures around the neck or around the middle, allowing the costume to be removed at a moment's notice. I thought this might work for my own children. Tails or cloaks or even skirts were easy enough to remove when necessary. It worked for me, and the selection for pet costumes these days is enough to satisfy even the pickiest parent. You can find clowns, rabbits, princesses, pirates, and many other costumes that can be adapted to fit your child.
The flip side: I often find that toddler costumes are easily adapted for your pets, so mix and match to get the costume you want.
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