Squirt of Information

As the holiday season draws near, you’re sure to be busy making your list and checking it twice.  Between balancing your budget with your children’s wish lists, battling the shopping malls for the best bargains, planning family gatherings, decking the halls, preparing holiday meals, gift wrapping, and more, it’s easy to see how Christmas can come and go without the time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the holiday season with your family.  

If you’re looking for ways to stop and smell the gingerbread this year while creating some precious memories that can last a lifetime, here are a few simple and fun holiday activities that will ensure your entire family has a holly jolly Christmas!

“Remember that Carol” is a simple game that both kids and adults will enjoy as they go from person to person each taking turns announcing a Christmas carol that they remember and singing a verse from it.  A great game to entertain your children at home or to pass time on the road while traveling for the holidays, it will have your family making beautiful music together in no time! 

Christmas Charades is fun for the whole family!  Just have everyone write out 2 or 3 common holiday-themed items, characters, or decorations, etc. on small pieces of paper.  Fold them all up and place them in a bowl, and then take turns drawing out one at a time and acting them out for all to guess.

Holiday bedtime stories.  Dedicate 5 minutes each night throughout the month of December to read your child a bedtime Christmas story book.  Let your little ones take turns picking out which book you will read each night.  You can let your children choose one or two new Christmas books each year to add to their collection. 

Christmas Gift Hunt.  If you like to open a gift early on Christmas Eve, or hunt for presents on Christmas day, you can create a memorable fun way for your children to receive their gifts by making a simple Christmas holiday hunt.  You’ll need to prepare ahead and hide a trail of simple holiday clues that when solved will lead your child from one clue to the next until they ultimately reach and uncover where their “treasured” Christmas gift has been stashed away.  If you don’t have time to make your own clues, inexpensive pre-made print ‘n’ play Christmas hunts are available online for both children and adults at <a href=http://www.treasure-adventure.com/xmasgame.html>Treasure-Adventure.com</a>.  Simply download, print, and play instantly! 

Deck the halls!  Make holiday decorating a group effort.  Take time to work with your children to make a few simple personalized holiday projects that can be displayed in your home or be given as memorable and unique gifts to friends and family such as painting ceramic angels or holiday candles, making ornaments or homemade candy canes, coloring and cutting out Christmas designs and applying them to windows, stockings, sleds, and other traditional holiday decor, or making a wreath together with everyone contributing.  There is an endless array of Christmas craft kits you might take advantage of or just grab your construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, garland, and crayons, and make your own holiday decorations. Your kids will love this family craft time and beam with pride as they get to show off their special creations to holiday visitors.

Finally, make Christmas eve all about family time.  Turn off the TV and video games, turn on the Christmas tree lights, and play an old-fashioned family game or just come together as a family to talk and enjoy each other’s company. 

It takes only a little time and creativity to bring your loved ones together around a few special holiday activities and make your own Christmas traditions and lasting family memories of the joyous holiday season together.

kaydee Grant

Busy family lifestyles lead to stressed out families. Stressed out families can often lead to more problems and issues. Learning to deal with family stress before the stress becomes a huge problem is a good idea. If you already have problems, then learning to deal with the issues that are causing you stress is essential in helping you to overcome these difficulties.

One of the bigger attributers to stress is over commitment. Families are pulled in multiple directions by varying activities. The more children there are the more activities there are, the more refined the balancing act becomes.

Think about the list of activities that you and your children are involved in. Why are they involved in each activity? Is it because they have a passion for it or is it because they needed to have a more rounded activity schedule? Let your child choose a few activities that they feel drawn to. Let them explore their passions, but don’t sign them up for every activity there is. Teach them to pick and choose their priorities when choosing activities. Doing one thing and doing it well is different from doing several things that there isn’t a passion for.

The same that applies for your children and their activities should apply to yours as well. Learn to say no. If you are already committed to several activities and are stressed for time, do you really need to participate in one more activity? Learning to say no and to weed through the activities you already do will help cut down on your stress.

A less stressed parent makes a less stressed child. Our moods and behaviors are often reflected in our children. Leading by example is a wonderful motto to live by. Our children see how we deal with stress and emulate it. Wading through our activities and learning to say no are only two activities. Another one would be to learn to slow down and enjoy family time.

When is the last time you had a sit down meal with everyone gathered around the table? A meal where there was no rush to get somewhere or to go and pick someone up. Having a meal together is a family bonding time. It is an excellent opportunity for children and parents to be together. They can discuss what is on their minds, what goals they have or even what is bothering them, to cause stress. Just this simple act of sitting down and sharing a meal can lower stress in a family.

Have a family movie or game night. These are activities that everyone can enjoy together. Have the children and parents take turns picking out movies or games to play. There may be old family favorites or you may find new ones that become your family’s games.

Whatever you choose, do it together. The more a family shares, at meals, movies or over games, the closer they become. A closer a family is the more they are inclined to talk and discuss things. This is a great combat against family stress.

Aurelia Williams

Christmas is a magical time. A time of hope, spirit, love, and especially family. This year make it a season of family togetherness and fun.

In recent years, we’ve all noticed that the Christmas season has gotten to be more and more commercialized.

It’s tough to see past the store displays and the hustle bustle of present buying.

In fact, during the Christmas season, sometimes you can be so overwhelmed by the pressure and expectations that you can forget that you should be using this time to celebrate all of the blessings that you have with your family.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEAS

One of the best things that you can do to get your family ready for the season is to get everyone involved in decorating.

Of course there are the traditional types of decorating that you can involve everyone in like decorating the Christmas tree or hanging lights on the outside of the house.

However, you can really use your creativity and come up with some fantastic Christmas crafts to create together.

For example, even little ones can help you create a paper chain that you can use to count down the days to Christmas much like an advent calendar.

Or maybe you want to do something even more creative.

Have everyone in the family sit down and cut out paper snowflakes. Take clear fishing line and hang them from the ceiling for instant holiday ambiance.

SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER

Another great thing to try with your family is to go out Christmas caroling.

It’s fairly easy, and is sure to get you get you into the holiday spirit and will put a smile on your audiences’ faces.

Neighborhood caroling has gone pretty much out of style, but you can still have fun and be especially appreciated by arranging a trip to a hospital or nursing home.

During the holidays, visits like this are welcomed and you’ll leave feeling great about yourself and the younger kids will enjoy dressing up in Christmas costumes for their ‘performance’.

CHRISTMAS BAKING NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

Do not forget about including your family in your annual Christmas baking as well. No matter what you are baking, you will be able to find jobs for family members of all ages.

Not only would it be great to have the help, but it will help to create memories that you won’t soon forget.

And you’ll have very tasty treats all season long!

HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Of course, one of the best ways that you can really engage your family’s creativity in the holiday season is by having everyone make homemade Christmas presents.

This will get you families creativity going like no other craft because there is a motivation to make it a really great project, especially with an early start.

Recipients can’t help but be touched by knowing that their gift was made with care and love by the gift giver.

Additionally, your family is sure to save some money on the presents that you will be making rather than paying the expensive sticker price for something from the store.

There are great ideas for homemade presents and you’ll just have to get your wheels turning to come up with the best one for you!

Janice Ferrante

Article from: My Family UK

It’s really important as a family to get outdoors and active together. Days out are great – but why not go the extra mile and stay out under the stars? Take the kids camping!

Family Camping

With wildlife as your neighbour, to-die-for scenery and acres of space for the kids to run about in and make new friends, camping is an awesome family adventure. It’s come a long way from simply throwing an old tent up in a soggy field. From yurts to castles, family camping is always fun, and My Family UK have chosen 10 of our favourites for you.

1) Clippesby Hall, Norfolk

www.clippesby.com

The amount on offer here is just staggering: loads of different pitches, for camping and touring, to suit all requirements. Lodges and cottages are also available. You can hire bikes and go exploring or stick around and make use of the heated outdoor pool, football pitch, mini-golf, tennis courts, table-tennis, and volleyball facilities. There’s a cool tree-house to picnic at and an onsite family pub, all of which is set in the grounds of the Hall itself.

2) Pinewoods Holiday Park, Wells

www.pinewoods.co.uk

With its colourful beach huts lining a stretch of the North Norfolk Heritage Coast, the scent of pine and sea welcomes you to this fantastic family base. Camp in the soft coastline fields, walk down the beach, or rent bikes and explore Holkham Nature Reserve’s woods and Abraham’s Bosom, one of the only land-locked salt water lagoons in the UK.

There is also a miniature railway to trundle you the half-mile journey to the charming town of Wells-On-Sea, with plenty of shops and pubs.

3) Tantallon Caravan & Camping Park, North Berwick

www.meadowhead.co.uk

Looking out over the waters of the Firth of Forth, this campsite has stunning views over the countryside. But, set in the grounds of a 14th-century castle you’ll also be looking out over history! You can storm the battlements of Tantallon Castle from your own tent or stay in a base camp of luxury wooden wigwams. Boat trips out to Bass Rock island can be arranged and you can also explore the Scottish Seabird Centre overlooking the beach.

4) Bosworth Water Trust, Warwickshire

www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk

At Bosworth, families pitch their tents and park their caravans around a vast lake, on which you can windsurf, sail and canoe to your heart’s content. There are 56 electrical points and all plots are individually marked out to guarantee a good bit of room for the family to spread out. The site gets busy in summer, and as camping is only available to families (and couples over 23) it’s a wonderful environment for youngsters to find new friends.

5) Larkhill Tipis, Carmarthenshire

www.larkhilltipis.co.uk

You and the kids can spend a weekend pretending to be Sioux warriors in this corner of South-West Wales. You’ll stay in ‘tipis’ furnished with sheepskin rugs, storage trunks, candles, and futons with lots of pillows and cushions. Outside you can hike in the hills, walk in the meadows and get lost in a seven-ringed labyrinth onsite.

6) Great Langdale, Lake District

www.langdalecampsite.org.uk

This is one of those classic campsites where families of all ages come for breathtaking scenery. It’s the best way for anyone to escape the hectic strains of everyday life. Stay in your own tent or in a specially-design camping pods, made from locally-grown wood, build a fire and settle down in the clean air.

7) Really Green Camping, Isle of Wight

www.thereallygreenholidaycompany.com

More yurts here but in this orchard setting there’s an emphasis on environmentally friendly low-impact holidaying. There are wood-burning stoves, compost toilets and solar showers. But going green won’t mean getting uncomfortable: there are four poster beds and continental breakfasts on demand. All sorts of outdoor activities are available, as are board games to relax with in the evening.

Owl’s Gate, Bodmin

www.belletentscamping.co.uk

This very British spin on the ethno-camping currently in vogue (yurts, tipis and the like), is brilliant for picnicking under a sunshade among butterflies and wild flowers. You stay in circus-style bell-tents within a self-contained site that includes a fully furnished bedroom tent (beds, duvets, chest of drawers) and a kitchen complete with fridge, hob and dining tables.

9) The Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

www.threecliffsbay.com

Sometimes keeping it simple is the best thing: there are no gimmicks here, just stunning sea views and the beach. The horseshoe bay on the camp’s doorstep was once voted the best view in Wales. There are plenty of walks along the cliffs, windsurfing, water skiing and a 540-acre nature reserve.

10) Snail Trail VW Camper Vans

www.snailtrail.co.uk

This isn’t strictly a campsite, but that’s the beauty of it. Pile into a retro VW campervan (modern Brazilian reproductions) and you and the kids can roam anywhere in the UK. With their kitchenettes, pop-up roofs, i-Pod-connectable radios and room for four, you’re equipped for any campsite or day out. Each van comes with a Camping and Caravanning Club Privilege Pack, giving you member’s rates at any of the club sites.

Further Information

For more information and other tips on family holidays, check out www.myfamilyuk.com. We’ve got loads more articles that can help you and your loved ones plan a special trip away, as well as offers, competitions and treats for you.

MyFamilyUK

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Jim McEwan
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/family-guy-ringtones-family-guy-theme-ringtone-family-guy-ringtones-671066.html

It’s not hard to begin your search for the roots of your family tree. Here is some useful information.

The first step toward building your tree is to start with yourself and move backwards. You can use a regular notebook to document your information or use a software program that will help you keep everything sorted out.

Next, you will want to find as much information as possible about each of the members of your family. The basic pieces of information you need are the date and place of birth, wedding date, spouse name and date and place of death. These bits of information will allow you to work further towards getting the information you need. If you don’t have all the information, you will be able to do research to find it later.

Begin to write down your family tree. Start with who you know and work backwards in time. Don’t worry if you have blank spaces – that’s what researching your family tree is all about. Later you can conduct research for your family tree to fill in the missing information.

There are many places to research your family tree. Start with your current family members. Interview your family members to gather as much information as possible. Sometimes family stores that have been passed down may hold clues to important information about your family tree. Document the information so that you can go back to it later. Another family resource is the family bible. The bible is the place where past generations recorded life events such as births, deaths and marriages. Someone in your family may also have records like birth or death certificates and marriage certificates.

Besides the family there are other places you can go to research your family tree. With access to the Internet, you won’t even need to leave home. Some resources on the Internet have free access. Other websites that specialize in genealogy require a subscription. You can access many public records for free. However, the further you go back, the fewer records you are likely to find. You can use birth records, death records, marriage records and even the census records to find information that is useful.

sunshine03
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/family-tree-674881.html

Many times as we plan our family reunion, we often choose an outdoor location so as to accommodate all family members. We remember, the food, the activities, the photo albums, the camera, tables, chairs, etc…, however, there is always one thing that is often overlooked – a portable gazebo or marquee.

A family reunion will have all ages from newborn infants to senior citizens. Even on a bright and sunny day, some individuals need protection from the bright sun or wind. Family reunions do not normally end an hour but may last all day long and even into the evening hours, many family members will need a location where they can sit down out of the elements but still feel like they are being included in the family fun. How many times have you been to the family reunion and you had to go inside the house with your little ones due to the bright sun? What about grandma or grandpa? They may need a comfortable place to sit out of the wind and do not want to go inside in front of the television while everyone else is outdoors.

The best way to solve this problem is by checking into the various gazebos and marquees that are available. Today, you can find all kinds of portable gazebos and marquees in various types and sizes.

You can find large commercial party marquees to smaller awning type that will keep the food from the direct sunlight. Today, these wonderful tents like gazebos offer room for the entire family while providing windows so those inside can still watch on the fun activities going on outside the marquee. Consider just how much more fun this will be for the grandparents. They can easily have a seat nearby the window and watch the grandchildren in the sack race without worrying about the bright sun.

Not only will the marquee be perfect for those that do not wish to stay in the sun or out in the wind, but also if it begins to rain, everyone will be able to take cover until the shower is over. Many of the marquees and gazebos are large enough for all the family activities to be done under protection. Not only will you be able to find one large enough to accommodate the entire family comfortably but also you can find one with four sides that will surely please everyone if it begins to downpour with blowing wind.

Instead of hiring a gazebo or marquee, it would be a great investment. This way you will have the perfect addition to every family reunion that will last many years. Not only will it be something you can use over and over but also you will be saving money in the long run over renting. A matter of fact, hiring will cost close to the same as purchasing. Be prepared for the next family reunion with your own marquee or gazebo. The family will appreciate the extra effort and thoughtfulness.

Pulse Direct
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-smooth-family-reunion-676629.html

When you make time for fitness, you find the effort more than worthwhile. Not only does your physical appearance improve when you shed those unwanted pounds, you also feel more energetic and more enthusiastic about life. So grab your family and hit the desk with these fitness ideas.

Get everyone in your family involved in monthly fitness activity planning. If you don’t take time to make time, it is unlikely that it will happen, or at least it will be less likely. Find out when each family member is free and schedule a biking trip to a local park for a picnic, for example. Or get on the zoo’s mailing list and attend one of their functions outdoors. Get on mailing lists for your local YMCA, Recreation Center and other activity centers, too, and participate in their activities.

Fitness includes healthy eating, so involve each family member in this, too. Get cookbooks from the library and make copies of recipes to experiment with, asking everyone to share in the planning. Try not only regional and popular dishes but also foreign recipes to add some spice in your life. Then take turns cooking and cleaning up.

Learn low-fat meal preparation methods from books and helpful magazine and online articles. Adapt them to suit the needs of your family.

Try fun fitness activities together like square dancing, joga, climbing, karate. See what’s available at your gym or Jazzercise center and sign up for a trial.

Beverage choices are important. So look into investing in a water filter for your kitchen to avoid spending so much on bottled water. Save sugary soda for Friday fun night.

Take care of your health and teach your other family members to do the same: brushing teeth, gums and tongue after each meal and snack; washing hands regularly to get rid of unwanted germs; using sunscreen for outdoor activities; using good lighting for better eye care; and more.

Ask your family doctor about vitamins and mineral supplements for everyone.

Call local hotels to see about using their pool for family fun. Many places offer day, monthly or other rates for nearby residents.

You could also plan fitness activities with your neighbors. There are plenty of National Parks for camping where you can even rent Tee Pees and small cabins. Plan an outing together and hike, fish, enjoy the beach, swim, ski, go kayaking or canoeing; in short – enjoy the great outdoors.

James Penn
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/family-fitness-fun-keep-fit-healthy-have-fun-with-your-family-108511.html

An affordable individual and family health insurance plan is an insurance plan provided only to individuals and their families, unlike the group insurance plans offered to employers or other organizations. Not everyone has the option of getting an employer-sponsored group health insurance plan, and not everyone belongs to an organization that offers group health insurance plans to their members. When this is the case for individuals with families, an affordable individual and family health insurance plan is ideal.

Affordable individual and family health insurance plans are often offered through an indemnity or managed care organization. With an indemnity, the policyholder – you – pays for all health care costs upfront. The individual and family health insurance plan will reimburse you once they receive a doctor or hospital bill. With a managed care plan, you usually only have to pay a co-payment at the time of your medical service. The doctor or hospital will then bill your individual and family health insurance company for the rest. Managed care organizations include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans, and they do not always provide the wide selection of doctors and other health care professionals offered by indemnity plans.

You may feel health insurance is too expensive for you, but there are affordable individual and family health insurance plans out there. Being without adequate health insurance is too risky – for your health and your bank account. Thanks to individual and family health insurance plans, it’s possible for you, your spouse, and your children to obtain affordable health insurance.

If you and your family are currently without affordable health insurance, act quickly. After you apply for an individual and family health insurance plan, the time between application and the date the plan actually starts varies. The speed of the process usually depends on the underwriting process of the insurance company, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.

Elizabeth Newberry
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-get-affordable-individual-and-family-health-insurance-109012.html

Are you a woman business owner struggling with the juggling? You’re committed to running a successful business while also needing to manage your family life. It can begin to feel like one long marathon, day after day. It can be absolutely exhausting! Bet you’re ready to take a new approach. Are you ready to juggle work and family with ease?

Most women feel that one often overshadows the other (depending on the day and the deadline) and never seem to come to a place where they are comfortably managing both work and family. In this article you’ll find five key strategies to be an expert juggler. You can run a successful, profitable business that makes a difference in the world while also creating a loving, joyful family life that thrives. Let’s look at five powerful strategies:

1. Articulate “Who You Want to Be” Each Day

It’s important to articulate who you want to be (i.e. calm, patient, kind, loving) each day so you can frame your actions and words within that context. If you want to be more patient, for example, allow yourself to bring patience into every interaction in your business as well as into your communications with your family. By seamlessly integrating “who” you are in each environment, you’ll begin to feel better and experience more ease.

2. Clarify Your Work and Family Vision

With a clear vision, you can take clear action as you juggle your activities throughout the day. Begin by writing down your top three business goals and your top three family goals (they may be weekly, monthly or even annual). Give yourself time to clearly articulate your vision and create an action plan. Without this vision, you may feel as if you are running a race that has no end.

3. Know Your “High Impact Activities”

Review your vision and identify the high-impact activities for yourself (i.e. those actions that will bring the greatest results and place you closer to your goals). When you determine these, you gain a greater level of discernment about how to spend your time and energy. You can then “outsource” or eliminate the things that won’t produce results that are consistent with your vision(s).

4. Identify the Top Three Things to Complete Each Day

Choose the top three things you want to fully complete each day. Most people feel stress as they juggle work and family because so many things are incomplete. I want to challenge you to pick three juicy actions every day for both your business and family (six total) and complete them with vigor! When you do, you’ll feel a deep sense of ease and satisfaction.

5. Enlist the Help of Others (Colleagues, Assistants and Family)

Women often tend to feel they must complete everything on their own. It’s simply not realistic. Look for new ways to save time, money and energy by enlisting the help of others. It may be a friend, colleague or family member. A mentor once said to me, “When you tell someone where you are trying to go, they’ll help you get there.” Allow others to help you meet your goals. With this support, you’ll naturally create more ease for yourself.

Fiona, a gourmet foods entrepreneur in Australasia and the US, recently applied these powerful strategies during our 12-Week Work With Ease? for Small Businesses program and was amazed at the results. She decided she was going to approach both her business and her family in a very different way. Within one month of establishing her “who to be,” vision and high-leverage activities, she was on the road to more ease. She felt clear, focused and ready to grow her business to the next level.

I wish you well as you begin to look for ways to juggle work and family with more ease. May you know joy, may you know peace and may you work with ease.

Visit www.WorkWithEase.com to receive your free audio program entitled “7 Simple Strategies to End Work Stress and Overwhelm with Confidence.”

Athena Williams-Atwood
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/5-key-strategies-to-juggling-work-and-family-with-ease-109961.html