Holiday Resource Round-Up
The Book of New Family Traditions by Meg Cox
The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Everyday by Meg Cox.
Senior Editor Donna DeSoto reviewed an earlier edition of this book; here is an excerpt from her review:
"Cox says there are ten good things rituals do for children. They impart a sense of identity, provide comfort and security, help to navigate change, teach values, pass on ethnic or religious heritage, teach practical skills, solve problems, keep alive a sense of departed family members, help heal from loss or trauma, and generate wonderful memories. [the following is a quote from the book] 'The special power of ritual is that it can slow time and heighten our senses, and by doing so, we can intensify and deepen our family ties. Learning simple ways to create unforgettable traditions is what this book is all about.'" Read the entire review: Creating Traditions by Donna DeSoto.
Get Outdoors!
During the holidays, it can be especially hard to get fresh air and exercise. Catherine Myers writes about struggle, resistance and finally, peace--in We're Going to the Swamp--NOW!
An excerpt:
Our biggest challenges came when we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa for a few days. The children never wanted to leave the house, and during winter their grandparents didn’t go out much. During one winter visit, when Scott was ten and Michelle eight, we knew it would be better for everyone if we got them outside...
Holiday books
"A child holds up a beloved illustration to be appreciated by the others, another reads aloud a choice line from a humorous story. At this point those who are not yet readers beg me to read certain stories, arguing about who gets to be first..."
Read Heidi Brennan's Growing a Holiday Tradition -- books, books, books!
First Christmas wrapping paper
Those of you celebrating Christmas with an emphasis on the celebration of Christ’s birth might be interested in the latest endeavor of one of the founders of our organization, Cheri Loveless. Cheri’s family business, “First Christmas” produces wrapping paper with Nativity themes and carries out other related activities via their blog. 
Holiday Gifts: You Won't Find this in a Store!
http://www.familyandhome.org/content/gift-giving-you-wont-find-store
Getting Organized
Janet Dittmer offers her insights in Getting Organized for Christmas:
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"We again could take a lesson from our children. When they see pretty lights, they soak in the beauty of those lights and think of nothing else. When they help bake cookies, they savor every taste and smell. When they help bring in the tree, they are ecstatic with delight in the difference it makes in the room."
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"During the regular months of the year, we often struggle to keep up with the various activities of home, church and community, sometimes feeling we are juggling more than we can possibly handle. Yet we expect ourselves to add on a host of new activities at holiday time..."
Service to Others
Looking for service opportunities in your area? Try this national clearinghouse - type your zip code into the search box, and see what organizations near you need help--on an ongoing basis or just once. Opportunities for people of all ages, including children.
Unplug the Christmas Machine
This book grew out of workshops the authors conducted for people who were feeling disappointed and stressed about the holidays. It offers a thorough look at assumptions many people have about the holiday season, a brief history of commercialism associated with the holidays, exercises to help you identify your own family’s true wishes, and inspiration for making changes.