How can you be thoughtful and spontaneous with gift giving when everyone feels obliged to buy a gift at Christmas time? Where’s the joy in that! Here are 5 ideas to make your Christmas more meaningful and sustainable. Avoid, if possible, buying anything brand new This...
There are oodles of wonderful picture books for kids that are worth keeping. The hardback ones last the longest, so we have a few suggestions as stocking fillers! Christmas Always Comes by Jackie French, illus. Bruce Whatley, pub. HarperCollins ChildrensBooks. h/b RRP$24.99 Ages 3+ This heart-warming story follows...
The family that eats and plays together, stays together. What are your family traditions?...
Confusion surrounds Elizabeth Reed's search for her children's particular requests as she reminisces about the simple Christmas gifts of her past “I can only find the Fairy Ballet Doll. Is that different to the Fairy Sparkles Ballet doll?” I hear myself ask my sister-in-law over the...
We have wrapped up some unique Christmas gift ideas for your child's teacher, foodies, Eco warriors, healthy eaters and all you busy types....
‘Charity begins at home’ is an expression that has the full support of child behaviourist, Nathalie Brown. “Leading by example is the number one thing,” she says. “You can talk about it all you want but if you’re not role modelling, it won’t happen. Parents are...
Politics and religion at the dinner table, over a Christmas meal with all the relatives – what could possibly go wrong? Writes Peter Ellerton. If the thought doesn’t appeal to you, it’s worth considering how this potentially fraught situation could be understood with a view to...
It’s easy to get hot and bothered during a family Christmas. But the science of gratitude can help you not only cope, but enjoy, the festive season, writes Aaron Jarden. Christmas can be a stressful time of year. You will blow your budget, your relatives will...
Kelly McBurnie has started making some adjustments to her relationship with Christmas. I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas. I love the decorations, carols, food and music, but can’t stand the crowded shopping centres, overindulged children or pressure to see distant relatives and spend inordinate amounts...
