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For many of us, the holiday season is a time that is anticipated with both joy and anxiety. Sure, we love the celebrations, the family traditions, and we cherish the memories of holidays gone by; but along with them, we add the stresses of preparation, expectations and the fear of letdowns, or family squabbles that we have experienced in the past. Here are ten tips that I’ve found to be helpful in getting ready for an enjoyable, meaningful holiday season. |
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It’s Christmastime and it’s time to celebrate! But, for many parents, just the thought of the season makes them want to scream “Bah hum-bug!” Why? It’s because the holidays can be hectic, heartbreaking, harrowing and just plain hard to deal with. In short, the holidays can be a hassle! Even though we’re celebrating the birth of our Savior and our gratefulness to God for His many blessings, the thought of Christmas shopping, school and church “holiday pageants,” and the various Christmas functions can cause us a lot of stress! |
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Traditions are important for families because they provide opportunities to keep your family legacy going. From the simple to the silly to the sentimental, traditions can create meaningful memories. Don’t hesitate to try out some new traditions this Christmas season and see what works and what doesn’t for your own family. You just may create a new tradition that will keep going for generations! If you are looking for some ideas in the search for new Christmas traditions, consider the following: |
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Is your family in a rut when it comes to celebrating Christmas? Check out our “Family Christmas Toolkit” with lots of fresh ideas for fun, activities, traditions, devotionals and articles to try out during this holiday season. |
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Last month, we asked our readers to give advice to parents about if parents should require teens to participate in family holiday events. Here are some of the responses we received from you, our subscribers. |
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Fruitcake aside, who doesn’t love the special foods that show up around Christmastime every year? Sure, everyone has their favorite Christmas goodies, but how about trying something new this year? Our HomeWord staff (past and present) have provided their favorite Christmas recipes to pass along to you. Try one of these and you might find a new family favorite in your home! | |
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This month our Good Advice newsletter is offered as a tool to help you focus your family’s holiday season. Christmas is a favorite time of year at the Burns’ household and likely yours as well. In the hustle and bustle of the season, we can easily overlook the “reason for the season.” Take advantage of the content provided in Good Advice this month to refocus your family’s celebration! From all of our family here at HomeWord, we wish you the best Christmas ever!
Blessings,
Jim Burns
President, HomeWord | |
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A group of HomeWord supporters has stepped forward with an incredible opportunity of a challenge grant of $125,000. This means that these friends will double all gifts given to us between now and December 31. These funds will help us continue our work of helping, encouraging, and equipping parents and families across America with the biblical answers they need to experience all God desires for them!! Please consider a truly generous gift today. And remember, whatever gift you decide to give will be doubled by the generous challenge grant!
December Offer | |
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 Parenting Priorities for 2008 – What is your number one priority as a parent in the New Year? Tell us both what and why. Click Here | |
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I never saw myself as an angry person until my children became teenagers. How can I pull it together?  | |
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 Updates on teen spending for the holidays, the age when kids start to drink alcohol, how teens use instant messaging – and all of the latest in fresh youth culture items in this month’s YCW.
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