Holidays and Occasions

It's Halloween! How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?

With the Halloween holiday right around the corner, I’ve gotten to thinking about how important it is to know our neighbors. When we know whom we can trust, who our kids can go to, and how we can be there for each other, it makes life more meaningful and rich.

My Christmas Miracle: How one Stranger Changed Me

By: ParentFurther Editor, Jennifer Jolly

Last week ParentFurther’s Program Manager, Mary Margaret shared her big lesson of 2011 on the ParentFurther blog. This week, Editor, Jennifer Jolly shares her own life lesson with us. Read Jennifer’s Christmas Miracle story now! >

Wish You Weren’t Here: Dealing with Extended Family During the Holidays

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

Admit it. The idea of getting together with your extended family during the holidays always sounds better before you actually do it. Then you all get together and suddenly you wish you were somewhere else! Does this mean that you’re anti-family? No. Anti-social? Unlikely. It just means that you’re like most people. Hanging out with the extended family during the holidays can be taxing if you haven’t prepared for it. Get help >

Dashing to Deal with the Holidays: 5 Helpful Tips for Frazzled Moms

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

In too many families, there is one very stressed out adult (usually the mom) who is not only doing the bulk of the chores around the house, but also doing most of the holiday preparations—on top of parenting! So, moms, as you’re dashing around with all the last-minute details, remember these tips. Read more >

Nurturing the Spirit of Giving in Kids

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

The holiday season is about giving, but we often times “get” more than we give. Teach your kids to help others by being generous not only during the holidays, but as they continue to grow—year after year— into empathetic adults. Learn what research says about why giving is important >

4 Tips for Meaningful Gift Giving

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

It’s no secret that many people find gift giving stressful, but it doesn’t need to be that way! This year, make gift giving something you enjoy and something that has meaning. Learn how >

Finding (and Keeping) Cheer During the Busy Holiday Season

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

Sometimes getting ready for the holidays can feel more like a mad dash to check off the endless to-do list than the most wonderful time of the year. How do you keep the holiday spirit so that it doesn’t become ho-hum? Find out >

Focus! Taming the Holiday Jitters

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

Both kids and adults find it difficult to focus when we're nervous or excited. The upcoming holidays (and holiday break for kids) can exasperate excitement and cause kids to lose focus at school. Research reveals: there are many things a parent can do to help ease the jitters and help your child succeed in school. Get jitter-taming tips! >

The December Dilemma: When Your Family Doesn't Celebrate Christmas

December can be a difficult time for families who don’t celebrate Christmas. Get tips to alleviate the dilemma now —and all year long!

Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays

“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.”—Pierre Corneille, French poet

It’s the time of year when many families’ calendars are chock-full of holiday celebrations.