The world is going green.  That’s not a bad thing.  When we respect the environment it respects us.  Besides, the fewer chemicals floating around in the air, the better our bodies feel as well.  For Christmas this year, consider giving some of the folks on your list a less tangible but more sentimental gift.

You know the people in your circle better than anyone. For those who would appreciate an environmentally correct gift there are a few ideas to choose from.  The first is making charitable donations in their names.

Everyone is not as appreciative of donation gift giving so be sure that the recipients are the sentimental type.  People, who like to donate to charities and campaign for causes, are more likely to find this a worthy type of Christmas gift.  If you know their favorite charity, contribute in their name.  Adopt a whale, adopt a dog or cat, or donate money in their name to the local homeless shelter.  These organizations can send you a confirmation that can be placed in a Christmas envelope and presented to the people on your list.  Read more...

While many people love the holidays, that joy and cheer can quickly turn into stress and dread from all the holiday shopping, traffic jams, tree cutting, and the million other things you have to do this time of year.  If you don’t beat the stress, you’ll get worn down, and it can increase your chances of holiday depression and weight gain.

You can reduce your stress before the holidays even start by making a to-do list.  Write down everything you need to get done and when.  Then – and here’s the hard part – start cutting.

Many of those family traditions started with family members who didn’t have to worry about today’s hectic schedules.  If you want to keep up with the modern world, you may have to give up some of your rituals.  Figure out what you want to keep and what you can live without.  Read more...

The kids are home for Christmas break and are bored already.  The weather is cold, wet and nasty.  What do you do?  Keep them busy making something with their hands, instead of you tearing your hair out.  Here are some fun ideas that kids will love.

1. Christmas cards are always a great craft.  Provide the kids supplies like construction paper, card stock, scissors, glue, glitter (the bottles of glitter/glue in one package are a very nice low-mess way to dress up a project), pencils, crayons or markers and old Christmas cards.  Let the kids use their creative energy to make wonderful handmade cards that can be shared with family and friends.  By cutting pictures out of old cards, even the younger children can make something really nice (and recycle at the same time).

2. Snow globes are a favorite.  If you want to make your own, gather glass or clear plastic containers, like baby food jars or mustard or mayonnaise jars.  Wash and dry them completely.  Gather small plastic Christmas or winter decorations. Try to find some that float. Winter themed stickers or small foam cutouts are also nice. Decorate the outside of the jar with stickers or glue a few of the foam pieces on it.  Read more...

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for family, fun and faith.  Modern Christmas is a blending of many traditions and customs from all over the world.  No two families celebrate Christmas the same, as each family also has its own traditions passed down to each generation.  The sacred and secular come together at this time of year to make a holiday season that has something for everyone.

Ancient cultures had mid-winter celebrations that tied in with the solstice and with fertility rites.  These usually included a feast because they would slaughter some of their cattle.

By doing this they would reduce the amount of feed that their cattle needed over the winter and the beef would last longer over the cold months.  The Yule Log comes from one light festivals held by the Scandinavian people to keep watch for and welcome the sun back.

Various cultures, including the Egyptians, Romans and early Europeans believed that plants held special powers, including protection from evil and healing. They would use evergreens and palms to decorate their homes.  Read more...

Are you one of many who dread the holiday season and the wonderful selections of food that seem to come with it? Even the most diet conscious people have trouble staying away from the many buffet tables during the holiday parties and family get-togethers. While it is ok to splurge every now and then, it is not impossible however to be true to yourself and stick with a diet.

If you plan for your holiday party attendances in advance, you can keep from over-indulging on some of the more fattening choices. You can have fun at the party without having to graze at all the buffet tables. All it takes is a plan of action. Here are some pointers when face with a smorgasbord of food opportunities:

1. Don’t go to a holiday party hungry. This will cause you to actually overeat! Instead, eat a healthy snack before you leave for the party. A bowl of filling soup, a small salad, cheese and crackers or a handful of nuts can fill the tummy just enough so you cannot overindulge at the party.  Read more...

As the holidays approach, we want to make sure that our homes are prepared for visitors and family.  It brings to mind the spring cleaning frenzy we participate in once winter is over.  Now, we are cleaning out the house to make way for holiday decorations, smells, and warm feelings.  Here are a few ideas to use when deciding how you will clean your home this year.

Chemicals used to clean our homes are harming our health and many don’t even know it.  The cleaning agents rub out soap scum and degrease grime on the stove but they also give off fumes that hamper our breathing and fill our home with unhealthy things.  This year, get back to basics with some natural cleaning alternatives that still do the job.

We underestimate the power of the simple things.  If it doesn’t have ten different unpronounceable chemicals on the label, we think it may not be effective.  Natural chemicals and stain fighters take a bit more elbow grease but they do work.  Read more...

We all like to decorate for Christmas.  It puts the entire family in the festive mood of the season.  Each year, many families purchase new decorations to change the look of our Christmas tree.  This year, why not choose to use some natural decorations for your home?

Natural doesn’t mean decorations that look like nuts and berries.  It refers to using actual nuts and berries as decorations.  Using nature to spruce up the place is safe for the environment.  After the holiday is over, it is easy to dispose of these decorations.  There is no need to pack up anything except for the tree, if it is artificial.

Start with the garland.  We like to decorate banisters, mantles, and archways.  Nurseries have natural garlands for sale and so do farmer’s markets.  Do you have holly bushes or evergreen bushes in the yard?  Use the remnants to create strings of garland to lay about the house.  The little pieces can decorate candle displays and be used to create wreaths.  Read more...