Christmas

Should you take baby to see Santa?

We've all seen (or experienced!) the crying baby sitting on Santa's lap scenario. While some feel this is a time-honored tradition, is it smart to take baby to see Santa?

Coping with infertility over the holidays

For the one in every six couples struggling with infertility, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time. Holiday cheer, excited children and toddlers atop Santa’s lap often leave those parents in waiting with the holiday blues. As family gatherings and children-centered activities ensue, it’s a painful reminder for hopeful parents that they'll be celebrating yet another holiday season without a baby of their own.

Handling the holidays with a new baby

Celebrating your first holiday with a new baby can be overwhelming. But with a little organization and foresight you can get through the holidays stress free as a new family.

Present planning for a December baby

If you’re due between now and January, you may be wondering what presents to put under the tree for your newborn December baby.

9 Christmas time savers for moms

This holiday season you may find your to-do list getting longer and longer while the days get shorter and shorter. If you still have some details to wrap up, these time-saving tools can help you get it all done in time for your festive celebrations.

18 Ways to baby proof your Christmas decorations

Before you hang up that mistletoe, read our 18 ways to baby proof your Christmas decorations this year. Experiencing the wonders of Christmas through your child’s eyes is one of the greatest joys of the season. Keep your baby’s perspective in mind as you deck the halls this year – it will help you avoid potential safety hazards. Following these tips will ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday for your precious family.

5 Holiday eating rules during pregnancy

Are you ready for the annual parade of food, commonly referred to as Thanksgiving, which is followed closely by another "eating" holiday -- Christmas? You may be “eating for two” this year, but don’t let your pregnancy be an excuse to overload your plate. As this festive holiday meal approaches, arm yourself with some helpful tips to ensure your meal is memorable and not regrettable.

Recycling Christmas trees: A gift to nature

"Joy to the world" can extend beyond the holidays for those who've decorated a real Christmas tree.

Purchasing safe toys

As children make their Christmas lists full of wishes for toys and parents plan for which toys they will purchase, the medical staff at East Tennessee Children's Hospital suggests several ideas for safety in toys this holiday season.

Easy cookie decorating without baking

Check out these great cookie decorating ideas for pre-made cookies! There are also decorating ideas for store-bought fudge anc candies!

Decking the halls: A danger to children

This time of year attention turns to toys, Santa and yummy treats. Often parents and caregivers give little thought to the dangers that lurk around the Christmas tree, in candy dishes and the luggage of visiting family

Rosemary Christmas trees

Nurture it, decorate it, and even use it to enhance your meals: rosemary is a versatile plant. Why not grow one in your home this winter. Kim Tilley helps us get started.

Coffee creamer Santa

It's amazing what you can do with a little imagination, hot glue and an empty coffee creamer container. Amanda Formaro has details for creating a cheery Christmas decoration out of items you'd normally throw away.

Wood scrap snowmen

If you have access to some small wood scraps, or perhaps a board you can cut up, you can make these cute little additions to your holiday shelves. But wait, don't stop there! The creative possibilities of this craft are

Sell your Christmas gifts online

If you unwrapped a Christmas gift that you wish you'd left in the box, don't despair. There's a remedy, and it doesn't involve asking the gift-giver for the receipt to return it. Our Techie Mama says put it up for sale online.

Controlling chaos

Holidays are always such an exciting time for kids and adults alike. We parents get a false sense of security when we take our kids to family get-togethers. We're relieved to be in the presence of relatives who can give us a break from our parenting duties for a while. Among all the chaos there are steps you can take to be sure that you and your loved ones all have a relaxing, accident free, holiday.

Snowman wall hanging

This cheerful snowman will greet visitors as they come in the door. Hang him on the door, in the entryway, above your kitchen counter, wherever his cheerful face fits best!

Pass down some holiday traditions

Do you have a holiday tradition in your family to pass down to your children? Writer Linda Sharp, author of Stretchmarks on My Sanity, shares why passing down traditions is important, no matter how non-traditional the traditions are!

Turkey safety tips

Here are some tips for preparing holiday turkeys from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Happy Holidays!

Stop the holiday madness!

The Christmas season strikes fear and stress into the hearts of moms across the country! There is a LOT of responsibility on mothers today to make the holidays a magical, memorable time for their families, especially their children. Here are some ideas for reducing the insanity level and celebrating the season in the way it was intended.