Inspiring Ideas for Your Elf on a Shelf

Remember when your elf was content just sitting on a shelf? Those days are over! We live in a Pinterest perfect work and our elves are not immune! Over these past few years with the elves making our Christmas more stressful — I mean, more magical — they have had some breakout moments. I caught a few […]

How to Find Out if You’re on the Naughty or Nice List

Here’s are a few fun ways to keep kids on their best behavior during the month of December. North Pole Times Put in the child’s name and they will give them a rating with fun notes like “has been pretty good but needs to pick up their room more.” Thanks for the nudge, Santa! I was starting to […]

The Most Spectacular, Over-the-Top Holiday Lights…You’ll Ever See!

The last two years, we’ve made a trip to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see the absolutely over-the-top spectacularly decorated houses–and I am not exaggerating. I know–Brooklyn seems like a trek but the one hour drive is totally worth it. It feels like a Brooklyn version of Disney with blinking lights, moving snowmen, characters to take photos with, Santas […]

My Must-Have Gift for the Whole Family

Amy recently wrote a post with gift ideas for the grandparents. One of her ideas was a DNA Kit. My kids are fascinated by their genealogy. My husband is Indian and and I am a mutt (Irish, Italian, Hungarian, some German and god knows what else. Some of the family tress get a little murky when […]

Our Favorite Family Pajamas

Every year, my daughter begs to get matching pajamas–for the whole family–for Christmas morning. This year, she insisted on footed fleece pajamas from PajamaGram. Will we look ridiculous? Yes. But it always makes Christmas morning a little silly and fun. As our family has grown, we’ve gotten them as gifts for our little cousins too. At least, we […]

My Favorite Holiday Game: Mr. & Mrs. Right

Every year on Christmas Eve, before we read about the story of Christmas, we play a silly game called “Mr. and Mrs. Right.” Before playing, I make a trip to The Dollar Store and buy a gift for every guest that comes. Buy things from books, ornaments, small toys to silly things like giant ladies’ underwear, fake nails or anti-itch cream.  Here’s […]

When Sitting on a Shelf Isn’t Enough

Out of ideas?

This is a Holiday Must!

One of my favorite things to do in December is to take a trip to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see the completely over-the-top decorated houses. Last year, we brought out of town friends. I worried that it wouldn’t live up to being a tourist-worthy event but it was spectacular! My friends liked it more than the window […]

E.S.D: Is it Real and What Can You Do to Prevent it?

Elves come forward and express stress on the job. “No matter what I do, it’s not enough.” -Anonymous “The stress was real. I started to believe that I wasn’t good enough.” Buttercup, Ridgewood, NJ “I never knew going in that I would one day…I would consider quitting.” Sugarplum, New Hyde Park, NY This week, we’re discussing […]

Tips is Tracking Santa!

The kids love knowing exactly where Santa is so we use noradsanta. It tracks Santa’s route in 3D. It also tells how many gifts he has delivered so far. The kids can even learn more about different locations around the world. They love it when a spot comes up that they know or have visited. The Perfect […]