Three cool observances for today, December 10th: Human Rights Day – Long live everybody’s right to live and do so peacefully. Nobel Prize Day – Today’s the day Al Gore and other Nobel winners will collect their goods in Norway. Congrats! Festival for the Soul of Dead Wales – Uh…..cool? Hope your day is great and full of celebrations! [Read more]

If you’re like me, when it comes time for wrapping holiday gifts, I’d rather scrub the sink with a nail polish brush than sit down amidst a giant pile of toys and gadgets and wrap myself silly. And what’s more, there always seems to be that oddball gift or two that is so freakishly-shapen that out come the black garbage bags with nothing more to dress them up but a red foil bow. Thankfully, our friends at Hallmark Magazine have swooped in to help us out. Here are some of their tips for wrapping those unusual gifts: Keep supplies like bubble wrap, aluminum foil and posterboard on hand. This, of course, is in addition to the usual suspects of tape, ribbon, wrapping paper and tissue paper. The idea here is to “build”... [Read more]

What seems like a very odd choice for a Christmas tree ornament is actually a deep-rooted tradition that originated in Germany. The Christmas Pickle is said to bring good luck, and was always the last ornament put on the tree. On Christmas morning, the first child to find the pickle scored a little extra something left behind by The Jolly Old Elf, himself. This tradition was encouraged so that the children may appreciate all the ornaments on the tree, instead of rushing to see what St. Nick had left for them. Quite an endearing little tradition, isn’t it? Does your family do this? Are there other tree/ornament favorites for your family? Please share. We’d love to hear. Ornament and Tradition Source: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland [Read more]

Is it Thursday already? Boy, where do the days go? I hope you are able take some time out of your chaotic week to snuggle up and catch some of your holiday faves. Here’s what’s on tonight: 7pm “Larry the Cable Guy’s Christmas” – Wholesome, family fun (heh), on VH1. “Emeril: Hilda’s Holiday” – Emeril chefs up some of Momma’s favorites, on Food Network. “Once Upon a Christmas” – With John Dye and Kathy Ireland, on ABC Family. 8pm “Food Network Challenge” – Holiday Cake-Off, on Food Network. “Olive the Other Reindeer” – Everyone knows about Rudolph, but did you know about Olive? Find out more, on Cartoon Network. 9pm “National... [Read more]

A fun day all-around today! Lots of crazy stuff to celebrate. Take a look: Bathtub Party Day – Whee! Rub-a-dub-dub! National Communicate with Your Baby Day – Ga ga, goo goo? Have a chat with your babe or use signs. Or maybe just a hug. Special Kids Day – Isn’t every day Special Kids Day? Should be. International Volunteer Day – No need to designate this as your only volunteer day. Head out and volunteer at a Senior Home, your local library, your child’s school, church, a soup kitchen, etc. Giving of yourself always comes back ten-fold, so make many days Volunteer Day. Have a great day! Don’t forget to celebrate something! [Read more]