Every year I try to enoy the holidays and make the most of them but usually I end up feeling rushed and short on time--not to mention "holiday spirit." So, here are some helpful ideas to kickstart your family's Thanksgiving celebrations.
1. Volunteer with your kids: Cookie Magazine has some great ideas for ways to volunteer with your kids. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by helping the less fortunate--and doing it together as a family?
2. Try a New Thanksgiving Recipe: Every Thanksgiving there are some dishes that simply must be on my table, including my mom's stuffing and her pumpkin muffins. But trying a new recipe with your kids can make them feel more involved in the festivities. You may even start a new food tradition. Epicurious' Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide has a virtually endless list of Thanksgiving recipes complete with reviews and photos. Sit the kids down and let them help you pick out the recipe, then try it together. You know grandma and grandpa with think it's good no matter how it really turns out.
3. Let Your Kids Help Set the Table: Your kids will have fun and feel important when given the responsibility of making the table settings for Thanksgiving dinner. You can try something as simple as folded over manilla paper and festive stickers or something a little more challenging. Here's a cute idea that's not too tricky, courtesy of Highlights Magazine.
4. Start a New Family Tradition: Traditions make the holidays feel extra special and bring families closer together. Parenting Magazine has some great suggestions for what you and your kids can do together over Thanksgiving weekend.
5. Remember to be Thankful: As the family arrives, hand everyone a slip of paper and ask them to write down what they're thankful for this year. Leave a small basket near the appetizers where everyone can place their pieces of paper. When everyone sits down to dinner you can read the cards aloud. Remembering what the true meaning of the holiday is the best seasoning for any Thanksgiving meal.
As the holidays get closer I'm sure most of you have last year's slew of toy recalls on your mind.
Mattel, one of the world's biggest toy importing companies, came under a lot of scrunity last August when they issued a massive toy recall. That November, Mattel promised to uphold their "rigorous standards" in the future to ensure the safety of their products.
In 2008 they've only had to recall one toy. I think this shows that they've been true to their word and have done their best to uphold their safety standards since last year's recall.
I'm sure some parents aren't as optimistic as me and would probably like to avoid these toys altogether. But let's be realistic. First of all, Mattel isn't the only toy company with recalls, and the recall of certain toys doesn't mean that all of their toys are unsafe. And really, our kids are going to want Barbies and Matchbox Cars and Batman action figures this holiday season.
So as a parent what can you do? Stay informed. The CPSC has a great Web site that allows you to search for toys that have been recalled. You can also check a toy's Web site for updated recall information. Mattel's site has information on the latest recalls including helpful pictures. And be sure to shop from reputable online retailers like CSN Stores.
With a little research, parents can rest easy this holiday season, and kids can get the toys they want!
