This time of year has so many weather metaphors – March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, right before the April showers come blowing in. You might be dealing with nice warm southern temperatures, a rainy Northwest spring, or a snowstorm in the Rockies.

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun day for kids and an easy opportunity to establish family traditions from wearing lots of green (or hiding a tiny swatch that begs people to pinch you), to eating an entirely green meal. Need some ideas?

By Elaine Pace

I am of a mixed mind when it comes to St. Valentine’s Day.  On one hand, it is commercialized and I like to think we celebrate the love we have for others daily and don’t need a retail reminder.  On the other hand, it can be a lot of fun if you put some thought into it and don’t approach it like a chore.

Valentines Day has a reputation for catering to star-struck soul mates. Make this year different by taking time to show a little more love to the kids. Kids don’t need much—just time.

This year, start meal preparation early and let them help with the cake. Don’t worry if it isn’t beautiful, the memory will be.

Stephanie is the Sr. Marketing Manager at Punchbowl, Inc. She blogs about celebrations, party planning, and free eCards.

The kids have gone back to school, you’ve made it through all of the holiday parties, and you’re almost ready to take down the decorations. For the past month, you, your home, and your family have been on display, doing your best to meet your family’s needs, society’s expectations, and your own ideals. As you start 2013, it’s a great time to review your personal goals and develop new self-care habits.

Christmas is technically over, but the kids are still home through the New Year celebration. So what do we do with the time? Do your family traditions extend through the coming week or have they already come to an abrupt end?

By Elaine Pace

Ah, the holidays.  Sleigh bells, hot cider, kids out of school.  Kids out of school?  Acckkk!

As a working mom and a thoroughly disorganized parent, the idea of kids out of school starts me hyperventilating.  Kids out of school with probable bad weather?  Double acckkk!

Isn’t it amazing how the last two weeks of the year have a feeling of finality? After all the hustle of completing everything on your holiday list, you’ve now got everything ready for the celebrations to come. This year, find some space between your festivities to reflect on the old year and complete some last-minute preparations for the new.

By Veronica Lorca-Deutsch