Christmas

Evergreen boughs! These can be used for centerpieces, mantle displays, arranged around candles, displayed on your wall with bulbs and other items. Add some pine cones, silk pointsettias, birds, etc. as well.

One of my favorite decorations is a pretty glass bowl or basket filled with colorful glass balls, pine cones, and little evergreen boughs. This makes a wonderful centerpiece or coffee table display.

Make a pretty potpourri basket filled with pine cones, evergreen sprigs, dried oranges/apples.

Decorate empty canning jars and turn them into Christmas lanterns with votive candles.

Decorate your dining room chairs with pretty ribbon.

Turn old cds into mini-wreaths for your tree. Glue small pine cones, glitter, cotton (for snow), evergreen boughs, ribbon, stars, tiny glass balls.........the possibilities are endless. You have never seen all those free CD's put to such good use and what a fun project for whole family!

Look around your house and use your imagination. Almost everything can be turned into a pretty decoration with a little creativity and work. ;-)

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I recently overheard a woman talking about her 12 year-old son. She confessed to laying out his clothes each morning, packing his school bag with books and food and then she said, “Because if I don’t, he’ll forget.” This shocked me and here is why…

My own children, since age of five have done all things that a lot of mother’s still do. Why? Because I am their parent – their guide and leader, not their nanny – and as such I have a responsibility to first nurture, then educate, then, as soon as they are ready, hand over responsibility for their wellbeing to them. Children who take part in their own life – pick up their dirty linen, contribute to dinner and tidying their home – go on to become confident, well-rounded, respectful kids; and children who don’t… well they’re ones you might moan about to your friends when you witness them disrespecting both other human beings and environment.

Begin by directing your children to take on small tasks. Ask them to put their clothes in a washing basket or hang a towel up. Ask them to bring their plates to sink and wash them after dinner and tell them they are helping you and that you really appreciate their help. Give them a hug for their help and they might do even more! As they get better increase tasks. Ask them to cut grass for you, iron clothes or cook dinner. And if you think that is too much responsibility then think about this…

A Maasai tribe leader appointed a seven year-old girl as person in charge of two-thirds of his village’s wealth. The wealth was not held in money, but in three camels. The girl was responsible for ensuring that these camels stayed safe and well fed and she knew if she failed to do this properly then villagers may end up starving. Maybe we could trust our children with a vacuum or a mop or a duster once or twice a week!

Help your children to find purpose in life. Find more time for your ‘self’ so you can to define your own purpose more strongly.