Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, there’s only so much eating, talking and TV watching that can be done before your guests start to twitch. Don’t let your holiday bash be the bummer of the season. Instead, pump up your party by planning a slew of festive activities that will keep boredom at bay. Some seasonal favorites include: Paper Bag Snowmen: This activity is ideal for young guests. Simply place some white paper bags, fiberfill, yarn, markers, crayons, buttons, glue and stickers on a craft table. Then, have the kids place fiberfill in the bags; tie off with … Continue reading →

When I was growing up, Santa would always leave an apple or an orange in the foot of my stocking. I figured that he wanted me to get to the good stuff (see: chocolate and small toys) first before I reached in for the good-for-you stuff. It took me another decade to realize that the reason Santa placed the fruits in the foot of the stocking was to help keep the oversized decorated sock’s form. These days, Santa still keeps with tradition by using apples, oranges and pears to fill the foot of my daughter’s stocking. Only, instead of store-bought … Continue reading →

TLC’s new holiday program is trying to convince me that I should drop $25,000 on a Christmas tree made from deer antlers. No offense to the Kentucky cowboy who hand crafts these extreme trees, but even if I had 25 grand, I still wouldn’t fork it over for a pointy structure made from 100 dropped deer antlers and a bunch of PVC pipes. Heck, I’m not even spending 25 bucks on my seasonal decor. Rather, I’ve found ways to make my home look festive for the holidays without draining my wallet. With a little time and even less crafting skills, … Continue reading →

I am no Martha Stewart, but that doesn’t stop me from having fun tackling artsy holiday projects to display during this magical time of the year. Shortly after Thanksgiving, my 7-year-old and I took on a candy cane craft project we first saw hanging at a Ben Franklin store. Nearly three weeks later we are finally done putting together the seasonal showpiece. Okay, it didn’t really take us three full weeks to craft the minty, blinged out wreath. It just seems that way. Truth be told, you could easily construct the sweet masterpiece in a single afternoon. Here’s what you … Continue reading →

They are the quintessential Christmas candy that will hook you with a simple lick. However, these days candy canes are not just for eating; rather, your entire family can have fun by using the sweet treats as decorations during the holiday season. With the economy still in the dumpster, many people are looking for affordable ways to spruce up their homes in time for Christmas. Candy canes are an inexpensive item that can be purchased in bulk and used to create the following festive items: Candy Cane Vase: Unwrap mini candy canes and glue them end-to-end around the top and … Continue reading →

Tired of the same ol’, same ol’ Christmas parties that feature tone-deaf Uncle Jack singing karaoke in the corner and Aunt Lucy forcing you to try her latest tofu creation? Then, consider hosting your own holiday fiesta this season with a spicy theme. If you don’t want to go whole hog by hosting an extravagant costume night (think elves, reindeer and Christmas movie characters), then go simple by decorating in a single color and having guests dress in red and green. Other theme options include: Hawaiian Christmas I was born and raised in Hawaii, and while we don’t typically greet … Continue reading →