The Christmas Idea Place

by Constance Weygandt

I was discussing Christmas letdown with a friend. After all the preparation and money and time spent for one day, she feels the day let her down. Instead of a day of joy and happiness, it is a day of exhaustion and depression. Here are some ways to prevent that lacking feeling. [read full article]

by Jeanette Joy Fisher

How to Light Up Your Home for Joy

Do you love the winter holiday season or does this time of year cause you stress? One way to lower your holiday stress, using fewer decorations, decreases your “just have to much to do” list. [read full article]

by Jessica Cander

He is a figure known the world over, an endorsement for gift giving, the winter holiday season and cookie eating. At times he is called Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or Kris Kringle and is arguably the most famous heavyset celebrity – well at least to precede Elvis Presley. Yes, he is the loveable, enduring and jolly old chap we call Santa Claus. In 1897 one little girl from Manhattan, at the urging of her father, took it upon herself to ask the New York Sun Newspaper once and for all if the man in the red suit was the real deal. [read full article]

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by Rob Buenaventura

Today’s Christmas gifts do not have to be massively expensive in order to make the recipient know how much you care. In fact, during these post-Katrina and wartime times lavish gifts seem a little more than slightly excessive. Remember also that there are people, even in this country who are going hungry during this holiday season. With these thoughts in mind, remember that those gifts that are from the heart are the gifts that mean the most. [read full article]

by Rachel Vince

Here are some wonderful Christmas crafts that will WOW your preschooler(and older kids too if they like!)

1. Snowman Christmas cards

Glue a snowman cut-out to the front of a construction paper card. After decorating the snowman, attach the poem below and a small packet of hot chocolate or apple cider to the inside of the card. Have your child tape a candy cane to the front of the card for the snowman’s cane. [read full article]

by Lesley Dietschy

Decorating your home for the holidays does not need be stressful or expensive. Being one of the most popular times of the year to decorate, get your family involved and have fun making your home beautiful for the holiday season. [read full article]

by Linda Behrle

The vivid colors of autumn have now faded, the first big shopping day of the season is past, winter has already started to show her hand, and this year that we seemed to just ring in sees her days dwindling away. Yes, it’s December on Cape Cod and it comes with a special feel in the air. Beginning with the weekend after Thanksgiving, there are many delightful activities all over the Cape that people of all ages can enjoy. You will see a different side of the Cape other than sunny beaches, whale watching and seafood, but it might just start a new Christmas tradition in your family for years to come. [read full article]

by Angela Heyburn

So you want to buy the kids a puppy for Christmas. Sounds like a great idea, may even teach the kids responsibility by caring for the puppy.

We could put it in a box and put a large bow around it, pop in a few air holes – what a great surprise for the kids, Christmas morning. [read full article]

by Heather Masson

With all the hustle and bustle this time of year, it’s really easy stressed out! One of the things that is really important and we cannot leave out is to take time to relax. Spend time with the kids and just enjoy them. They are so excited and amazed at the different sites and sounds of Christmas. [read full article]