The Holidays are Here

It seems like overnight the Christmas lights went up, the Holiday music was switched on and toy commericals began playing on tv.  All of  a sudden the Christmas season is here.  Ho ho ho. 

For once, I feel like I have it under control and I am armed with a list of time-saving, stress-busting tips:     

• Shop in stores that offer gift-wrapping services, so you don’t have to do it yourself.
• Use professional delivery services to send out gifts - even within the city. It’s economical, reliable, and saves you time.
• Keep your menus simple. Prepare a few signature home-cooked meals, and order the rest from your favorite restaurant or caterer.
• Get everyone in the family involved in decorating your home. It may not look picture perfect or polished, but everyone gets to join in on the fun, and it makes for great memories.
• Give gifts that are easy to wrap, such as books that need only to be tied with a ribbon and a card. Or give plants and herbs in nice terracotta pots. These gifts are not expensive, and don’t need to be wrapped.
• Don’t shop with your kids - they slow you down.  Instead, shop with your friends. They can give you great advice during indecisive moments.
• Bring a huge bag to stuff all your purchases into - it’s easier to carry just one bag, and you help save the environment, too.
  
• It’s easier and faster to stuff gifts inside gift bags, instead of wrapping each one.  
• If you are unable to buy gifts for everyone on your list, hand out personalized gift vouchers, such as “free movie and popcorn,” redeemable anytime.
• Despite the Christmas rush, try to find the time to do a quick workout or exercise. It will give you an energy boost and will help end your day on a high note.
• Teach your children to focus on what they intend to give this Christmas rather than on what they will receive. This will change the way they view Christmas and will teach them to quickly respond to people in need.
•  Discuss your holiday schedule with the kids. Show them a calendar, and tell them your planned activities. They are also enjoying their holiday from school and conflict may arise when they don’t get to do what they expected to do during their break. The rushed home life and endless parties can be very stressful for kids, so giving them a heads-up will help them manage their own expectations.
  
• Identify the tasks your kids can help out with during the holidays. The kids can wrap their own gifts (Don’t sweat the crumpled wrapping or uneven tape!) and label them. Older kids can help deliver gifts to neighbors by walking or riding a bike. Giving baked goodies? Ask them to help in the preparations and packaging. 

Fall in Love with Reading: Simple Things you Can Do to Get Your Kids Reading

The chill in the air and the shorter fall days make this the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a great book or two.  As an educator and a Mom, I believe that reading to your children is one of the most rewarding experiences.  Consider the advantages your child will have in vocabulary, self-esteem, and communications skills.  The benefits are endless.  Selfishly though, I love reading with my children because it provides a rich bonding experience, especially at this time of the year.  There are so many ways to enjoy reading with your children.  Here are a few ways to make reading a fun part of your everyday life. 

Develop family reading routines and rituals

Find a regular time of day to incorporate reading into your routine.  You can read in the morning, after school, or before bedtime! Making story time a cozy routine makes reading an essential and pleasant activity for everyone.

Read what interests your child

Consider magazine, newspapers, recipes, maps, catalouges and game instructions as great reading material if your child is interested.  Follow thier  lead.

Find books are relevant

Making connections keeps kids reading. For example, you can read Maisy Goes to Museum  with your child before or after visiting the Museum of Nature. Have you seen these fun new Ottawa based books:  Halloween Scare in Ottawa, Love is all Around Ottawa and Santa Claus is Coming to Ottawa?  I love these titles for gift giving and for reading to my own kids! 

Let your child select books

When you visit the library, let your child select books. Try both fiction and informational books, and ask the librarian for recommendations based on your child’s interests. Browse through titles online at Chapters or Amazon.  Organize a neighbourhood book swap. 

Reread your child’s favorites

It’s common for young children to request the same book again and again. Re-reading familiar stories offers children a chance to absorb information over time and lets them master the whole story.

If you have some great ideas to build family literacy, share them with me here.  I would love to add your thought. 

Spooy Treats for Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Pick a Pumpkin   

Visit one of the local Pumpkin Farms

• Abbey Hill Farms (Richmond)
• Cannamore Orchard (Cannamore, south-east of Ottawa)
• Log Cabin Orchard (Osgoode)
• Millers’ Farm and Market (Rideau Valley Drive, south of Manotick)
• Orleans Fruit Farm (Orleans)
• Proulx Berry Farm (Cumberland, near Innes & Trim)
• Saunders Farm (Munster, south of Fallowfield Road)

Get Spooked

 Follow this list of Ottawa Haunts!

full list here

Plan a Party

Mom in the Know shares her tips and tricks for a haunted good time.

Get the tips here

Have a Feast

Click Video to Play

Decorate a Pretty Pumpkin

Set the scene with the cutest little pumpkins

Get inspired!

Moving Hacks

 Making a move this fall?  Mom in the Know shares some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.