Publisher’sNote Working on this month’s holiday issue has really kicked my Christmas spirit into high gear! I can’t wait to start decorating so I’ve pulled out the decorations a little early. It never hurts to be prepared. We learned that lesson several years ago. We took the girls out to pick the perfect tree. While the tree was “falling out” in the stand, Brad went into the attic to bring down the decorations. But, there were none to be found. Not one box of lights, not one ornament…nothing. After searching high and low, we gave up and chalked it up to a mystery. Our tree had been bare for two full days so I decided to be resourceful. After all, I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on new decorations when I could buy them cheaper after the holidays. I gathered paper, glue, glitter, etc. and the girls and I got to work. I had the perfect vision of a beautifully quaint homemade tree full of popcorn strings, colorful paper chains and sweet handprint ornaments--grand plans for a woman with three girls ages four and under. First, if you have never strung popcorn, movie theater micro-pop is not the way to go. And trying to get a 21 month old to understand the concept of gluing together a paper chain was not as easy as I thought. And don’t forget the seven month old who just wanted to eat the Fruit Loops (and glue) I was trying to help her string. Let’s just say the vision in my head was not at all what it turned out like. Now, I love my girls’ homemade ornaments more than ANY store bought decoration. I cherish each and every one. But this was a whole other story. I would love to tell you that it was the most beautiful, special tree we have ever had, but I would by lying. The dog pulled the popcorn and Fruit Loops off the tree leaving a mangled mess and the Mardi Gras beads and curly ribbon didn’t exactly scream Hallmark Christmas. When Brad came home, as the two of us stood there staring at the tree, we both started laughing hysterically. He then handed me some money and said, “Now will you go buy some real decorations?” I did, and naturally we found the original ornaments several months later. If you are excited about the holidays, make sure you check out our Holiday Happenings section on page 66. Here you will find Artic Express train rides, traditional Christmas Tree farms, Christmas concerts, snow parties (yes, snow!) and, of course, Santa sightings. You will also find several new activities this year! Family holiday outings can make for great fun, however, if we don’t plan well it can be a nightmare. All parents have experienced it. You are out with the family looking at lights, drinking cocoa and thinking to yourself, “What a perfect day.” Then just about that time, screams and stomping feet suddenly explode from your little one. Public tantrums are never fun, but there are ways to make them a little easier. Judy Miller has provided some helpful tips in this month’s article, The Do’s (and Don’ts) of Handling Your
Toddler’s Public Meltdowns. Now that you have the tantrums under control, it’s time to go shopping! The first thing you need to do is check your budget. Read 12 Holiday Savings Tips for timely ideas to stay on track and avoid starting the new year with extra bills. Once you get your budget set, make your first holiday shopping stop our Holiday Gift Guide on page 61. Here you will find local gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list! We have also included a really fun article, Ring in the New Year with FamilyFriendly Party Games, by Pam Molnar. Don’t’ let the title fool you though, her article details fun and original games you can play with the family any time of year. From my family to yours, here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Lynn
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
Eastern Shore Parents I December 2013
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The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Sara Kendall Judy Miller Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Erin Creel www.erincreelphotography.com President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com
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Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2013 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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