A year ago, I was dreading Mother’s Day. But the day turned out quite differently than I had expected. Looking back, I realize it was not because of special treatment I received, but because I made a decision to find joy in the day no matter what.
Posts in the "Special Occasions" category:
The Twelve Days of Christmas Kindness: A New Family Tradition
Every year our family does the 12 Days of Christmas. We choose a family that is in need of some added Christmas cheer and we secretly deliver gifts every night before Christmas.As much as I love this tradition, and highly recommend it to your family, I really want to add more giving in simple ways to our Christmas season.
Encore: Planning What Matters Most for Christmas – Episode 184
With the holidays right around the corner, Saren and April offer great ideas to help you figure out what events and activities are most important for YOUR family and plan how to get things done in an efficient and stress-free way.
8 Easy Ways to Fill November with Thanksgiving (Video Included!)
Check out these simple and meaningful ideas to help your family really feel the joy of gratitude this month.
A Deliberate Mother’s Guide to Simple Halloween Fun
How do we handle the hyped-up but somewhat meaningless holiday of Halloween? Saren shares what works for her family when it comes to costumes, pumpkins, sugar, parties, and scary but not-too-scary books and movies.
A “Do-it-Themselves” Halloween
Last year we had a do-it-yourself Halloween. By that, I don’t mean that I got all crafty with Pinterest-inspired stuff. I mean the kids did it THEMSELVES. And it worked out just great. We’re going for the same approach this year!
Helping Kids Understand the Meaning of Independence Day
We love the fun parades, barbecues, and fireworks, but here are some ideas to teach the real meaning of the holiday!
A Deliberate Mother’s Guide to a Christ-Centered Easter
Easter can be simple, cheap, and oh-so-meaningful. Here are Saren’s favorite ideas for easy, Christ-focused Easter traditions.
Setting Simple Family Resolutions
Most of us set some personal resolutions in January. But what about our families? This is a great time to discuss what’s working and not working in our families and decide on some things we’re going to work on together.
Taking (some of) the Stress out of Christmas Day
I think having a totally stress-free holiday as The Mother is completely unrealistic. I don’t expect perfection, but these are a few of the strategies I’m going to employ over the next few days so that I can experience as little stress as possible on the big day.
Small Tradition, Big Joy: Unique Story Ornaments
A Ryder moving van, a Wheel of Fortune, a torched Hot Wheels car: what decorates your Christmas tree? It’s the treasured little things that bring us together for the holidays, and author Kim Hall shares how they have made “Story Ornaments” a beloved family tradition.
Our Merriest Christmas Posts
Great ideas for your best Christmas ever.