Family

It’s every couple’s dream to get married and start a graceful family in the end. As an adult, you have probably dreamed of carrying a newborn child, feeding him, and taking care of him. According to an article published in 2018, if the child reaches his 18-month-old self, it is the time where a toddler begins to learn his own vocabulary. Surprisingly, you can easily understand it with your parental instinct.

It will never be an easy task to take care of your future child if you want to be fully equipped in making your parent journey more fruitful and reliable. Here are some things you need to know about it:

1. Health is wealth. Suppose you have a big and glorious family. In that case, you have to think about how you should maintain your toddler’s health, from healthy food choices to clothing, and having a safe and sound environment. Since toddlers are more sensitive than older people, they should be given stable and peaceful surroundings. You can use baby ear muffs and headphones to protect your baby’s ears, as well as some gloves and fit pyjamas.
2. Be ready for separation fears. Although toddlers are starting to learn some of the basic communication hymns and pointing out something they want, their eyes are always looking for familiar faces, especially their parents. It is recommended to have short goodbyes and later come back once your cooking or your cleaning is done. But make sure you will not take long, for you will be surely missed by your little one.
3. No permanent sleeping hours. Once a toddler feels that his diapers are filled, is hungry, or has a hard time to get his poop out, expect nothing but a 24-hour-job. You should be ready to have days without sleep and to go to work thinking about your baby at home.
4. Your budget prioritizes your baby’s needs. Buying baby ear muffs is an important consideration. If you wanted to make sure that your baby is safe and comfortable, you may start buying less makeup or accessories. You will begin to spend less on your own, and that is necessary.
5. No time for drinks and extra-curricular activities. Having a great time with your friends and colleagues are getting rare as time goes by. You can’t just go out and ask your parents to take care of your baby once a friend invites you to chill. It will never be wrong to breathe in and out for a while but be sure to know your limitations and utilize your time wisely.
6. Playtime is a routine. Expect that your toddler is always energetic. He can play his baby earmuffs and other figures nearby, and you are required to join in with his playtime, or else you’ll hear him crying non-stop. Consider it as a form of bonding that you will surely treasure
7. Patience is a virtue. The transition period will never be an easy one. As you learn more to become a responsible parent, you’ll encounter things that might trigger your patience. Have it in your mind that your child resembles your past, and you were like that, too when you were little. Understanding and carefully examining your role requires a lot of patience and love.

These things are just some of the greatest adjustments you’ll face. Transitioning from your daily life will never be easy. Think of your future and prepare for it. Nowadays, it is easier to read and acquire learning from the internet, but do not forget to ask your parents some advice on raising a child. You’ll get to know how you were raised and will find funny things about your childhood as well.

When you get married and hope to be with someone forever, the last thing that you want to imagine is one day getting divorced. Unfortunately, a lot of people find themselves down the road of marriage, finding that it’s not all they hoped it would sometimes be. Things may come up that you didn’t anticipate as a result of being two different people.

In other scenarios, you may find that you’re headed in different directions in life. Whatever the reason is behind your relationship being on the rocks, there are some signs that can point towards the demise of your marriage.

Contempt

Known as one of the four horsemen of divorce, contempt creeps in between two people who are likely headed towards a separation. Contempt can come in many forms. Usually, it’s an angry or sarcastic language that you or your partner throw at the other.

If you find yourself feeling angry or contemptuous, then you should usually walk away and take a breather. In situations where you still love each other, and there’s still a chance at remaining together, taking a break can usually calm you down. However, if you still feel full of anger even after taking a break, then it’s likely that divorce is likely in the cards.

Money Problems

No one can expect to have the same mentality about life on everything. However, money is one of those things that is important to see eye to eye on in a relationship. When you tie the knot, you’re combining your resources together.

If you think that money shouldn’t be spent one way and your partner thinks it should be spent another, it can lead to incessant fighting. If you’re constantly fighting about money, then it’s a pretty big indication that your relationship is in trouble. The best you can hope for is turning to therapy; however, therapy may not always work.

You’re In Competition About Chores

There are some couples that are constantly in competition about who does more around the house. Sometimes one of the spouses will make a comment that they always do one thing, while the other spouse will make a comment about how messy the other is. The fact of the matter is it doesn’t have to be a contest.

Snide remarks aren’t going to help anything. If you truly love one another, then consider creating a list of chores that each of you should complete. Otherwise, if you have the resources, you might want to consider outsourcing to a professional cleaner.

You Don’t Talk Anymore

If you no longer talk to your partner anymore, then it’s a serious sign of problems. Communication is an essential part of being happy together. Without talking to each other, you’re nothing more than roommates. Try to make an effort to communicate on a daily basis. Otherwise, it’s no wonder why your marriage is in troubled waters.

Although newborn babies sleep for most hours of the day, it can seem like both you and your baby aren’t able to get very restful sleep in the first few weeks or months after their arrival. And while every baby and parent is different, there are some things you can do to help increase the chances of your baby sleeping well so that you can get some much-needed rest, too.

To help you see how this can be possible, here are three ways to help you and your newborn get more sleep.

Discourage Co-Sleeping

While co-sleeping might seem like a good idea at the time, sharing a bed with your newborn usually isn’t the ideal way for either of you to get quality sleep at night.

For many parents, they’re either worried about their baby being too far away from them or find that co-sleeping is just more convenient. If you’re worried about your baby, try using a baby monitor instead of co-sleeping. And although sharing a bed might be more convenient in the moment, it won’t be in the long run. Ideally, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you try to move your baby into their own bed as soon as you can, as it’s much easier to disrupt each other’s sleep when you’re sharing a bed. Additionally, co-sleeping can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.

Get Enough Daytime Sleep

Sometimes, parents may try to keep their baby awake more during the day so that they’ll be extra tired and sleep more at night. However, this line of thinking isn’t actually how baby sleep works.

Instead, Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, a contributor to KidsHealth.org, shares that babies who get enough sleep during the day won’t be overtired at night. And since overtired babies have a harder time calming down and settling in for nighttime sleep, you’ll want to do everything in your power to make sure your baby is getting enough daytime sleep so you both can rest more easily at night, too.

Know What Makes For Good Sleep Environments

For both you and your baby to get the best sleep you can, you’ve got to put yourselves in a good sleep environment.

Generally, Meredith Wallis, a contributor to Healthline.com, shares that newborn babies sleep best in a dark room where they’re swaddled up with white noise in the background. And for adults, you’ll want to remove anything that could be a distraction or stress-inducer from your bedroom.

If you’re worried about getting enough sleep when you have a newborn at home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help ensure that everyone in your house is getting the sleep they need.

In 2019, there were 2,126,126 million weddings in the U.S.

It’s clear we revere marriage and a life-long commitment to our soulmate. One of the biggest perks of married life is that you celebrate a special milestone every year – your wedding anniversary.

Perhaps yours is coming up if you’re looking for cute anniversary gifts ideas. Sound familiar? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here are four that your spouse will love.

1. Subscription to Their Favorite Hobby

To help you brainstorm your first anniversary gift ideas (congrats!), consider your spouse’s favorite hobby or passion. If they’re a wine aficionado then gift them a wine club member so they can enjoy a premium wine delivery every month. Or if they’re a bookworm, sign them up for a Book of the Month subscription so your spouse can choose what to read.

2. Silk Pajama Set

Whether you’re looking for anniversary gift ideas for him or her, a silk pajama set makes a romantic anniversary gift. You can also match it with a silk pillow which is better for your skin and hair. Or gift your partner a pillowcase with their hometown skyline’s on it so they’re greeted with warm memories before they fall asleep.

And if your spouse loves spa days then gift them a cozy, textured robe so they feel like they’re always in luxury.

3. State-of-the-Art Coffee Machine

No list of potential wedding anniversary gifts is complete without considering a Nespresso machine if you’re both die-hard coffee lovers.

Many models have a sleek, compact design and produce countless cups of joe, perfect on a Sunday morning. And if you’re stumped for gift ideas, then get matching ‘Mr.’ and ‘Mrs.’ coffee mugs to match.

If they’re a tech enthusiast, spoil them with wireless headphones which are great when they’re going for a run. You could also give your loved one a wireless charging stone, not only does it look beautiful but it’s great for a nightstand or desk.

4. Anniversary Bracelet

The best anniversary gift ideas for her are sentimental ones. A fantastic way to immortalize the special date is to surprise your loved one with a dainty anniversary bracelet. Make it extra special by engraving both of your initials and your wedding date on the inside so she’s reminded of it every day.

You can also consider a stackable ring as it’s trendy and versatile. She can either stack it atop her wedding ring or on a separate finger.

Those Are Our Cute Anniversary Gifts Ideas

Now you have four cute anniversary gifts ideas to make your spouse’s day even more memorable.

Take inspiration from your partner’s hobbies, interests, or woo them with special jewelry. Because the day is already so special, just show your spouse how much you love them with a thoughtful gift. Happy shopping!

Hopefully, you found this article helpful. If so, why not check out our other content on everything from Family to Fitness.

 

In recent years, baby carriers have become more popular than ever. Baby-wearing is not only trendy among Instagram mom bloggers, it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics! However, not all baby carriers are created equal.

When selecting a baby carrier, you want to find a model that fits your needs and keeps your baby safe. It doesn’t hurt if the carrier looks good, too! But how do you find the perfect one for you?

The biggest thing to keep in mind when picking a carrier is hip health. The wrong baby carrier can hurt both you and your baby! In order to protect your little one (and your post-partum body!), read this guide to finding the healthiest baby carrier.

Hip Health And Baby Carriers

Babies have soft bones and ligaments. This is why it’s so important to position them correctly, especially while in upright baby carriers. When positioned incorrectly, your carrier could cause hip dysplasia in your baby.

Hip dysplasia can refer to a wide range of hip issues. Generally, though, hip dysplasia refers to any sort of dislocation or malformed hip sockets.

Hip dysplasia can be caused by baby carriers which positions your baby’s legs down and together while sitting. Their weight is distributed in a way that can harm their sensitive hip sockets.

What To Look For In Your Carrier

Your baby carrier should place baby’s legs and bottom in an “M” shape, where the baby’s butt is the middle point. Their knees should be placed outward and above the hips, and their legs should be able to move within the carrier.

Whether you’re using a padded carrier or a sling wrap, your carrier should be fully adjustable. The leg holes should be padded and tight, but not so tight that they restrict movement or circulation. More than anything else, the carrier should keep your baby in a safe position with open airways!

When baby-wearing, remember the acronym STICK to make sure your baby is positioned properly:

• Supported Back: baby should not slump over in carrier.
• Tight: baby should be held tight against your chest.
• In view: you should always be able to see baby’s face.
• Close enough to kiss: baby’s head should be within kissing distance.
• Keep chin off chest: in order to keep baby’s airways clear.

Recommended Baby Carriers

In order to narrow down your search, here are our favorite baby carriers for healthy hips:

• Tula: this soft structured carrier is a cult favorite due to their fun patterns and wide selection; they also produce woven wrap carriers.
• Ergo Baby: this soft structured carrier caters to active lifestyles.
• Lillebaby: another cult favorite, Lillebaby makes adorable structured carriers in a wide array of colors.
• Boba Wrap: our favorite wrap carrier is a must-have.
• Baby K’Tan Wrap: these minimalist baby wraps are stylish but practical.

However, no baby carrier is truly one size fits all. Since a good carrier can be quite an investment, read customer reviews to learn more.

Take Your Baby Everywhere You Go

We hope this guide had helped you decide which carrier is best for your lifestyle. Protecting your little one’s hip health is crucial at their early age. Baby-wearing has a multitude of benefits, but must be done right.

For more advice and opinions for the modern parent, check out our blog. We pride ourselves on up-to-the-minute blog posts about everything you need to know while navigating parenthood. Read through our other articles to learn more!

 

There is no doubt that the most precious thing that nature can bestow upon us is the gift of a child. They bring us joy, happiness and pride as we watch them grow and develop healthy and strong. From day one, they are dependent on their parents, as such, we nourish, protect and care for their every need. There are, however, times when parental love and care is not enough.

There will be times when sickness or accident befalls a child. It is at these times that non-parental skills are required, the skills of a trained physician. It is almost instinctive in knowing when a child is in need of professional help from outside the parenting circle. A parent knows when it is time to take their child to a doctor or to call for emergency help.

But where, in a vast metropolis like Bangkok, should a parent go. A parent needs to be sure their child is in the care of fully trained specialist doctors. Doctors that understand the unique circumstances that sickness and injury can present when befallen to a young developing body. A wise parent will already have these eventualities covered, but how do they know where to go and from whom to seek help for their child?

Bangkok is now recognized as one of the world’s leaders in quality medical health care, all across the vast spectrum of disciplines that make for a comprehensive service. The city has some of the most modern hospitals to be found anywhere in the world. All the major hospitals are furnished with state of the art equipment and utilize cutting edge technology and techniques to deliver a world beating service.

What is a Pediatrician?

Pediatricians are doctors that specialize in the health and wellbeing of children up to the age of 18. A pediatrician is specifically trained to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses and injuries. This can range from minor health problems to serious multi-faceted diseases with complex and protracted treatment programs.

After graduating as a doctor from medical school, to become a pediatrician, a three-year residency program must be completed in pediatrics. Medical board certification is only given after the passing of extensive and rigorous exams. Once qualified, a pediatrician is required to undertake ongoing, regular education.

Finding Your Pediatrician

Finding a doctor to treat your child will depend on numerous factors and every parent will have their criteria from which they make their choice. A useful tool is the “Thailand Medical News”. On this collaborative platform there is a register of doctors along with their professional credentials and specialist area of medicine. The platform is easy to navigate, informative and invaluable for those who may not be overly familiar with Bangkok’s medical facilities.

It is also important to research the hospital from where a doctor practices. Fortunately, Bangkok has some of the world’s leading hospitals, all of which have qualified Pediatricians. Within the capital there are hospital groups, such as Samitivej, that have designated children’s hospitals and well-baby clinics.

Searching for dedicated facilities such as these is advisable. Being singularly focused on the health and wellbeing of the young ensures that all efforts and resources are channeled in one direction without distraction or deviance. The diagnosis and treatment of our children’s health issues should never be compromised, by choosing a dedicated children’s hospital or clinic, that can be assured.

At these dedicated facilities, there are practicing doctors in all the sub-specialist areas of pediatrics. For example, Dr Parichat Khaosut specializes in allergy immunology at Samitivej Hospital following her residency at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Associate Prof’ Suroj Supavekin whose specialist area of medicine is that of pediatric nephrology.

Location an Access

Location and access to your chosen pediatrician and the hospital from where they practice may not be the first thing that springs to mind when searching for a pediatric doctor. But it is an important factor to be considered. Is the facility close enough to your own place of residence and accessible to you given your own transport options?

This is a pertinent question, not only for the indigenous resident population, but also for foreigners residing in the kingdom, be it on a short or long term basis. It is also a vital for the growing number of people that recognize Bangkok as now being the first choice for medical tourism.

In recent years, medical tourism has become a realistic choice for more and more people from countries where medical treatment has become excessively expensive, inadequate or unavailable. Bangkok is now looked upon as the primary destination for exemplary care offered with a policy of realistic, affordable pricing.

When all Factors of Choice Come Together

Who, where and what will it cost? These are the pertinent questions is finding a pediatrician to treat your child. Who can I trust with my child’s health and well-being? From where do they practice, can I easily access the location? Will the care be affordable and offer value for money? There is one way in which you can ease you own thinking as you try to make sense of a complicated conundrum.

The Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA) may hold big sway in your decision making. Choose a hospital group that has consistently been hailed as the best in Asia year on year and is consistently ranked in the world’s top ten. The accolades and accreditations from the MTQUA are not given out lightly. Hospitals are ranked through careful assessment of all factors associated with medical care, from assessment, diagnosis, treatment and cost.

With a city so blessed with fine medical establishments, choosing a doctor for your child may be seen as something of a minefield. So, keep it simple. Check out the individual pediatricians on the platform operated by the Thailand Medical News, their qualifications, residencies and certifications. Research the hospital from which they practice, check out their accreditation, such as from the MTQUA. Also, quite simply, use maps. Look at the facility’s exact location, its accessibility and transport links.

Only when you can tick a positive box against these three sets of criteria, make contact. It should always be borne in mind that, in putting the health welfare of your child in someone else’s hands, is a big step which should seamlessly develop into a journey of trust. With the best pediatricians in Bangkok, you can be assured of a journey of trust, care and respect.

 

Are you looking for new technology to help you watch over your little bundle of joy? Do you have a first-born on the way and need a way to keep a watchful eye on them while you work? If so, then you need to be sure and shop around for the best baby monitors.

Doing so can ensure that you find a baby monitor with all the newest features. Whether your baby is sleeping soundly or stirring, you’ll be able to watch them no matter where you are in the house.

See below for several of the best baby monitors around. Use this guide to find your next purchase.

1. BabySense Monitors

Perhaps you’re interested in the latest technology that provides you with an interactive video baby monitor. If so, then BabySense has you covered.

There are many different types that you can choose from, all of which offer a high-definition display on the monitor.

If you have multiple children you need to watch, then you can invest in a split-screen video baby monitor. For those of you that only have one (so far), you can either purchase a monitor with 1 camera or 2 in order to have a view from either side.

There is a monitor at almost every price point. You can purchase a BabySense compact video baby monitor with 1 camera for $69.99 or spend your money on the top-choice HD video baby monitor with 2 cameras for $159.99.

If you’re looking for a monitor that fits somewhere in the middle, there are several “goldilocks” monitors you can try as well.

2. Infant Optics DXR-8

Some of you want a full view of the room that you place the baby video monitor’s camera inside of. For example, if you place it in the nursery, you want to make sure you can see every corner of that room.

If that’s your top priority, then you don’t have to purchase a monitor with 3 or 4 cameras to do so. The DXR-8 by Infant Optics provides a fully-functional camera. It allows you to zoom in or out, tilt the camera, or pan across the entire room.

If you want some peace of mind that the baby is breathing in the middle of the night, simply use the DXR-8 camera to zoom in and check. If you think his/her hand might be caught in the railing of the crib, you can tilt the camera to double-check.

The camera isn’t the DXR’s only bragging right. Its monitor also features a perfect size-to-weight ratio, making it easy to transport from place to place. The camera controls are easy to use with no delay in operations.

This monitor runs for anywhere between $165 to $150 on retail, so it’s sure to fit in almost any baby budget. A perfect item to add to the baby registry as well!

3. Google Nest Cam

Technically speaking, this isn’t a baby monitor. However, it’s accessibility to your phone and the rest of your smart house is too good to pass up.

It can offer all the same benefits as a video baby monitor and is able to sync up with Alexa to watch your baby from anywhere in the house. From your TV, your phone, and so on.

The Google indoor Nest cam also offers night vision, so you can turn off the lights to help your baby sleep while still being able to fully see them. You can set it to detect any action and alert you whenever the baby is moving significantly.

The only problem with using the Google Nest Cam is the price. The 3-pack of cameras is $349.00 and requires Alexa to use (so you’ll have to purchase an Amazon Echo to use them). There’s also a $6/month service fee.

4. Arlo Baby Monitor

Unlike Nest, Arlo is a smart home security company that cerated a security camera with the kiddos in mind.

It has all of the essentials that you need: HD video display, a night light, night vision, and a 2-way talk feature to talk your baby back to sleep or give it some white noise while they doze off.

Just like the Google Nest cam, the Arlo baby monitor works with Google Assistant, Alexa, or the Apple smart home kit.

The video arrives on your phone, so you can watch them from wherever you are, whether it be the bathroom, the living room, or at your job. You’ll be able to pull the video out at any time in order to gain full peace of mind!

5. Safety 1st Baby Monitor

Last but certainly not least, we have the cost-efficient Safety 1st monitor. It allows you the chance to hook up a camera to your smartphone and adjust the motion sensitivity levels to your preference.

It has a 2-way talk feature, allowing you to communicate with your child at any time.

You’ll also love the default security chip which provides cybersecurity for your baby monitor and your house’s WiFi network. Those of you that want to capture every moment will love the recording feature as well.

As the name of the company would imply, this monitor is all about prioritizing your family’s protection, keeping a sharp eye on your child for help.

Shop for the Best Baby Monitors to Fit Your Needs

Now that you’ve seen a list of several of the best baby monitors on the market, it is important that you use it to your advantage.

Be sure to start by looking at the first one on this list and working your way to the last. Remember to factor in functionality, price, and your home’s layout while you search.

Also, please browse through our website for more articles on baby essentials, as well as many other helpful topics that you will enjoy.

 

Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard enough, but it’s only made more difficult by the aftermath.

Only around 20% of people tell their loved ones their preferences regarding funeral planning and other important events following their passing. With so little information to go on, knowing what to do after someone dies can seem overwhelming at first.

Even if you don’t know where to begin, following the right funeral planning tips will ease this process. By approaching things step-by-step, you can minimize the stress of figuring out what to do after a loved one dies.

Keep reading to learn nine funeral planning tips to follow after you’ve lost a loved one.

Planning for a Funeral: What to Expect

Before we go over funeral planning tips, let’s begin with a brief outline of what to expect when you’re planning for a funeral.

There are three major components of the funeral planning process:

• Preparation of the remains
• Coordination of the ceremony
• Handling of the cremation, burial, etc.

Within these components, you’ll have to make a series of decisions. For example, will it be an open or a closed casket? When and where will the ceremony be held? Who will attend?

If your loved one had a plan for their death, be sure you locate any relevant paperwork to help determine what they would have wanted. Otherwise, try to base your planning around what you believe (or know) they desired following their death.

Funeral Planning Tips

Once you’ve had some time to grieve and come to terms with a loved one’s passing, you’ll need to start thinking about planning for a funeral. This might seem like a lot at first, especially if there isn’t a solid death plan to follow.

However, by approaching it one step at a time, you can make things a lot easier. Remember to be kind to yourself and use these nine tips to get through the funeral planning process with minimal stress.

1. Get Paperwork in Order

Before you begin funeral planning, gather any relevant paperwork for carrying out the deceased’s wishes. Find their life insurance policy, will, financial documents, and information for any prepaid funeral services they may have set up.

2. Compare Funeral Homes

If your loved one did not specify where they would like their funeral to be held, shop around different funeral homes in your area. Figure out what their basic packages are and how much the services cost.

You can round up a list of price quotes by either calling funeral homes or checking them out in person. Search for the average funeral prices in your area and use this information as a basis for comparison.

3. Look at Packages

Once you’ve selected your funeral home, they will likely offer a variety of funeral packages to choose from.

Before making any decisions, one of the most important funeral planning tips is to get an itemized list of the package’s components (e.g., casket, burial, etc.). Make sure the package you’re selecting has everything you need in it (and nothing you don’t).

4. Consider Other Options for Caskets, Flowers, Etc.

While purchasing a complete package from a funeral home is certainly the easiest route, it isn’t often the most cost-effective. Even if you’re holding the funeral at a specific funeral home, you can still choose to shop elsewhere for the flowers, memorials, and even the casket.

Once you’ve seen the itemized costs of the package, compare prices elsewhere to see if you can find something you like that will cost less. For example, you might find caskets or urns online that cost significantly less than what the funeral home charges. You can also purchase funeral flower arrangements from an outside source, too.

5. Settle on a Final Arrangement

After looking at what your funeral home offers versus what else is out there, settle on a final deal with your funeral home. If you have chosen to get flowers or burial vessels elsewhere, be sure to coordinate that into your plan.

One of the most important funeral planning tips to remember is this: you don’t have to select one of the funeral home’s packages. You can opt for individual items instead, creating a custom cost-saving package that works for you.

6. Consider Casket Rental

If your funeral offers it, renting a casket can save you big. This option works for those who have planned a cremation instead of a burial, but still desire a viewing for the memorial.

7. Alert Loved Ones of the Funeral Arrangements

Once you’ve solidified when and where the funeral and burial will take place, alert your loved ones. You may wish to print an official death announcement in the newspaper. You can also use social media to let everyone know when they can come to pay their respects.

8. Create Memorials for the Ceremony

If desired, you may wish to discuss with your other family members about creating visual memorials to display at the ceremony. For example, many families like to create photo collages to put up around the wake.

If the deceased had any other significant personal memorabilia, such as awards or military achievements, you can also display these at the wake. Plan to have a table or display case ready as needed.

9. Practice Self-Care

Coping with the passing of a loved one is an extremely difficult process. Dealing with funeral planning on top of it only makes it harder.

As you navigate these steps, be sure to be kind to yourself. Try not to take on too much stress. Allow yourself breaks as needed.

It also helps to reach out to other loved ones if you have any questions, or if you just need a little extra help. If you become overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

Dealing with a Loved One’s Passing

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is one of the most painful processes that a person can encounter. Arranging for a funeral shouldn’t have to be another source of added stress. Now that you know our best funeral planning tips, you’ll be prepared to get through this difficult time.

For more topics, see our other articles.

 

Did you know that in 2019 retail sales passed the trillion-dollar mark during the holiday season for the first time?

The holiday season is not only about buying things for the ones in your life that you care about. There are a lot of great ways to spread holiday cheer without gift buying.

Read on to learn about eight ways you can spread holiday cheer to your friends and family this Christmas season.

1. Write a Letter

Spreading holiday cheer can be more personal than sending a holiday card to everyone you know. This doesn’t mean don’t send a holiday card this year, after all, it is the easiest way to spread cheer to the ones you know.

However, go a step further this year and write a letter to those special people in your life that deserve more than just a regular holiday card.

Handwriting a letter can be especially valuable as it has become something of a lost art. This unique way to spread holiday cheer is easy and fun.

2. Call an Old Friend

Your holidays now may look a little different than they did at one time. When you used to spend the holiday season with your friends, you now spend it with your own family.

Don’t let your old friends think you have forgotten about them during the holidays. Extend some cheer by taking time out of your day to catch up with someone you don’t see or speak to as often as you’d like.

A simple phone call can go a long way for some people. Especially for those that you know don’t have the greatest time during the holidays.

3. Leave a Great Tip

Going out to eat during the holiday season may be fun for you, but this is not the case for everyone. Often those who have to work during the holidays are bummed because they don’t get to spend the time with their family.

Leaving a generous tip for your servers can turn their frown upside down. These people work to make ends meet and/or support their families. During the busier times of the year, an extra $5 or more can go a long way for someone else.

4. Bring Breakfast to the Office

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet it is one that is often skipped. Before heading into work, stop by your local donuts store to bring some goodies to your coworkers.

This is a great way to spread holiday cheer because it will put others in a good mood too. Who doesn’t love free breakfast?

You could also step it up a notch by making your homemade pastries to bring into work. Anything warm and delicious will be sure to give off the best holiday vibe.

5. Decorate!

If you haven’t already, start decorating the inside and outside of the house. This is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer within your family. Invite them all over to help out and have a nice dinner afterward.

The holidays don’t feel real until the decorations are up. Take that tree out of the shed and start decorating now! If you don’t have anything to decorate with, there are a lot of cheap Christmas decorations out on the market.

Of course, you could always DIY some decorations, even if you aren’t the most creative of people. There is a step by step guide on creating easy natural Christmas decorations for the holiday season.

After the inside is all spruced up, don’t forget to do the outside. Having decorations on the outside of your home can spread holiday cheer because people love to spend time driving around and looking at decorations during the holiday season.

You can even DIY outdoor Christmas decorations to avoid breaking the bank.

6. Sing the Songs

As soon as the holiday months hit, all you hear on the radio are those songs that put you in a cheery mood. You know the songs, they come on every year!

Don’t be afraid to sing along in the office, in your car, the store, or wherever you happen to come across them. These catchy tunes are sure to put you and others in the holiday spirit.

7. Make Holiday Goodies

Making holiday goodies is a great way to bond with the family and get in the holiday mood. Something like a nice gingerbread or warm cookies for Santa always brings the holiday cheer. This could be the perfect opportunity to make something to bring into the office.

You can even get creative with your holiday goodies. There are a lot of recipes out there that are made for the holiday season. From snow globe cheesecakes to peanut brittle to peppermint meringue pie, the possibilities are almost endless.

8. Give a Little More

Selfishly enough, giving during the holiday season can make you feel good along with others. Instead of relying on just gifts to make others happy, give a little more. A gift that keeps on giving will spread holiday cheer like no other.

If you or your loved ones have an intense passion, think about it hard during the holiday season. What more can you do to help out?

For example, if you want to end animal cruelty, try volunteering when you have extra time or making a donation. You could also search from companies that donate their profits to a worthy cause and shop from them this season.

This can be a great gift for those who are hard to shop for. If they have a passion that you know of, donate to that cause in their name.

Get Your Holiday Cheer On

Spreading holiday cheer can be something as simple as being kind to others. The holidays should be a time of happiness and joy. Spread cheer the best way you can by following some of these tips.

Keep coming back for more family articles that can help you along in life.

 

 

Family movie night is a relaxing and fun way to spend time with your loved ones, but did you know there are a variety of benefits that come along with it?

From strengthening family bonds, promoting self-confidence, and improving children’s communication skills, there are many reasons to throw some popcorn into the microwave and pile up on the couch.

Do you think your family is due for a movie night? In this article, we’re going to show you how to host an unforgettable movie night for you and your family. Just keep reading to learn more movie night ideas!

Movie Projector

Need a change from the regular television? One of the best ways to up the ante on any movie night is to use a big-screen movie projector.

Project your family’s favorite movie onto a wall or onto your garage door for an outside viewing. Hunting for great family-friendly movies? Check out the best Christian movies!

Popcorn Bar

Kick it up a notch during your next movie night by offering a fun popcorn bar! Simply place a tablecloth or runner on the kitchen table and add bowls of various toppings such as the following:

• M&M’s
• Reese’s Pieces
• Caramel drizzle
• Chocolate drizzle
• Butter salt

Let each family member create their own popcorn creation! You can add decor around the table to make things even more special.

Marquee Sign

Speaking of decor, a bright and glowing marquee sign is the perfect way to announce your family movie night! Found here, you can customize this movie marquee sign to say whatever you’d like.

What’s more, this versatile marquee sign can be used for many other purposes long after the movie’s over, like birthdays or graduations.

String Lights

String lights are the perfect way to transform the ambiance of your living room. You can string them up on the mantle, wall, or drape them around the television to add a little flair to your everyday scenery.

Take It to the Floor

Make this movie night different than others by ditching the couch. How? Pile a ton of soft pillows and cozy blankets on the floor and jump on in!

You could also encourage your kids to build a “fort” to watch the movie under. Let them get creative and use furniture and blankets to build a structure!

Movie Bingo

Participate in a game of movie bingo and go head-to-head to see who gets bingo first. There are many different movie bingo games featuring different genres, so depending on what kind of movie you watch, there will be a bingo sheet for you!

Simply print out enough bingo sheets for each family member and use M&M’s as game pieces. Take the game to the next level by offering small prizes for winners!

Surprise Your Family With These Movie Night Ideas

What better way to bond with your loved ones than by snuggling up together and watching a movie? Now that you’ve got these great movie night ideas, you can make movie night extra special for children and adults alike. Have fun!

Did you enjoy this post? If so, be sure to read our other articles about all things family.