Photp Credit: Ambro

Walmart and Amazon have recently stated that they want to help parents out by moving towards something called “rage-free packaging”. Do you know what that term means?

Have you ever given a child a gift and seen them rip off the wrapping paper in delight and want to immediately play with their precious and beloved new toy? Except that it takes a screwdriver, a hatchet, five adults, two blow-torches and an hour to free the toy from its packaging. During which time your child has a melt-down, you sweat profusely and accidentally mutter the F word in the presence of preschoolers.

So to Walmart, Amazon and other like-minded retailers, I say – AMEN. But you know what? It’s just a start. Here’s a list of ten other things they can also fix while they’re at it. Continue reading »

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It’s a pretty scene but do you want to brace the packed malls now?

I feel for you. I really do. You are where I have been for many years, waiting until the last minute to start my shopping. In fact, one of the promises I made to myself was to get my shopping done by the end of November. Of course, I didn’t do that but I can honestly say I did better than most years. As of today, I only have one more present to buy and I know exactly what it is. Holiday photo cards? Well, that’s another issue.

But like I said, I’ve been there, waiting until less than two weeks before Christmas to even start braving the shopping and silently hating on all those people that were done – wrapped, organized, and perfect. Yet despite the late start, rest assured, you can get it done.

Here are 5 tips to start and finish you holiday shopping right now!

Continue reading »

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The cast of Mall Santa Musical.

If you know me at all, you know I’m a sucker for feel-good musicals. But if there’s one thing that trumps musical theater’s ability to make me gush, it’s a flash mob dance video. The only thing that could possibly be better is a video that combines the spontaneity of flash mob choreography with live singing. That’s where Improv Everywhere’s Mall Santa Musical comes in.

Improv Everywhere set up shop in a New Jersey mall sometime around Thanksgiving and entertained shoppers with a surprise live show. “Mall Santa Musical” features (among others) Evan and Michael Gregory of The Gregory Brothers, who you may recognize as the YouTube stars behind Double Rainbow, Bed Intruder and Auto Tune the News, as well as my friend Michael Kayne, who has been kind enough to let me know how much he loves this blog. (In addition to being an ace improviser and great singer, he’s also a new dad.)

Now grab a cup of cocoa and the kids and enjoy the heartwarming spontaneous musical action! Continue reading »

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Donna smiling amid our dozens of Black Friday purchases

I will admit it.  I’m a sucker for Black Friday — not so much for the crazy deals or ‘door busters,’ because I know I can save money on Cyber Monday as well, but more to kick me in to the holiday spirit.  I drag myself out of bed before the sun rises to spend time with people I love, to laugh for hours, to feel the holidays infuse my soul with some red and green cheer.

This time?  I overslept.  I moved from my bed to the waiting car in seven minutes and true to form, we shopped until we literally dropped.  As we usually do, we packed the car until you could barely see my good friend Donna in the back seat. But this year, there was something different.  Naturally, there were still the horror stories about people fighting and poor behavior.  But our experience was completely the opposite. We didn’t wait in lines.  We didn’t jockey for position.  We didn’t struggle to push carts down the aisles of Target, Kohls, Macys, or Toys R Us.  Why?  Because they all opened the night before.  So, by the time we dragged ourselves through the door before dawn, the crowds were gone. In fact, the cashiers were complaining that they were bored.  Yes, BORED at 5 and 6am on Black Friday.

We didn’t even have to hone our ‘excuse me’ skills as we ogled the wares of local small businesses.

Now, all of the numbers won’t be tallied for a few days yet…. but retailers are already looking towards next year…

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Thanksgiving is next week. How did that happen?! I am so terrible at the holidays. Every year I end up broke, behind, and stressed. I love this time of year, and I want it to be special for my kiddos. But my inability to get everything done usually results in at least one episode of me losing my schmidt and having a mommy tantrum (mom-trum?) because all the pies got burned, the stupid turkey won’t thaw, or no one will smile for the camera.

It’s my annual shame, and this is the year that it changes! (She says in a voice filled with enthusiasm and hope.)

Continue reading »

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Take advantage of the retailer's new layaway program.

If you’re anything like me you wait until the last possible second to shop for the holidays.  I detest shopping, I truly do.

But Toys R Us is trying to give you a leg up this year by expanding its layaway program ahead of the holiday season.

As CNNMoney reports, to help families who are struggling, the retailer announced Tuesday it’s extending its layaway program beyond big-ticket items and will now include most toys in its stores. Continue reading »

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Should kids pay to play Santa?

I have very fond memories of my childhood Christmases.  When I think back on them, I recall family time spent together watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman on television. I remember the taste of egg nog and picking silver tinsel off sticky candy canes.  I remember the smell of turkey roasting in the oven and playing outside with all the neighborhoods kids after we’d opened our gifts.

But somehow, amid all those fond memories, something is missing.  It’s the gifts.  With a few exceptions, I don’t recall the gifts I received for Christmas as a child.  I do, however, remember the gifts I gave.

Whether it was a hand drawn picture framed with Popsicle sticks or a cheap bottle of perfume I purchased with my allowance,  I distinctly remember the happiness I felt seeing my family open the gifts I had wrapped for them.  It didn’t matter to me – or to them – whether the gifts were hand made or store-bought.  I knew without a doubt that my gifts made them happy.  And that made me happy.

Which is why I am a little bothered by a recent conversation that took place over at Mom Logic.  Writer Michele Ashamalla wanted to know if her 8-year-old son was too young to be expected to save up and spend his own money on gifts for his family like his older sister does. Continue reading »

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