Food holds a prominent place in society, especially around the holidays—the sights, smells, and flavors of our favorite foods add an indelible mark on our memories and solidify holiday traditions. After all, what’s a party if not for food and conversation?

We’re starting something new and we can’t wait to share it with you.  Every day there is something to celebrate, whether it’s one of your family member’s accomplishments or a birthday.  Each month we are going to share a calendar full of events and holidays for you and your family to celebrate together.  You

It has been almost 50 years since Charlie Brown first started his search for the true meaning of Christmas. Since then, the “gimme” spirit has gone well beyond the neon pink aluminum trees – for some kids, the holidays are little more than placing an order to Mom and Dad for gifts they want. In the end, though, as Charlie Brown found out, it’s not the lights and music that makes the holiday.

By Jessica Gallagher

My successful cranberry sauce left me feeling pretty confident.  It was a good thing because the next recipe slightly intimidated me, Apple Pie.  Here’s the recipe:

Our Christmas budget is incredibly small, so it has to pack a strong punch. We’ve found that finding the right gift is more powerful than finding a lot of gifts. To do that, we encourage our children to write lists of things they want for the holidays at least 8 weeks before the big day. As we look over their lists, we make it clear that they’ll be lucky if they get even one of the items they’ve listed.

Thanksgiving brings back many warm memories – time spent together with family and friends, rich holiday traditions, and delicious food. In today’s world of hustle and convenience, it can be easy to overlook the value of gratitude, not just in how you interact with others, but in how you feel about your own life. Cultivating gratitude brings lasting happiness, not just for you, but also for your children.

By Tonii Johnson

Like many parents, the holidays are the time of year I look forward to most!  The thing that makes them SO special in our home are traditions.  Today I wanted to share a simple tradition we have in our home that has helped my kids have gratitude ALL season long.

Don't Be a Turkey...Give Thanks!

By Jessica Gallagher

Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s easier (and less work) to do things yourself than it is to encourage your children to help. But the holiday season is the perfect time to slow down and let the kids in on the preparation. It helps them develop a deeper appreciation for the season. And after all, isn’t appreciation what Thanksgiving is all about?

This month’s guest pinner is Rachelle Doorley.