Festive family DIY activities, ideas for giving back this holiday season, my cold weather shopping picks, and more mom stuff from around the internet
How are there only FOURTEEN days until Christmas?!
December is flying, and I feel like I am treading water just trying to keep up. We picked out our tree at Sunnyside Gardens this past weekend while Florence ran around the property chasing Santa (literally, see photos below). Turns out she’s a big fan! Confession: our Christmas tree is still netted up on our back porch…but we’re hoping to put it up in our living room tonight and decorate tomorrow. I did mail out our Christmas cards yesterday (this is the one I picked!), so I am making some progress. I hope you’re being more productive than me and that you’re getting excited about all of the festivities on the horizon! Even with the chaos, I still really believe it is the most wonderful time of the year.
HOLIDAY GIVING
Looking to give back this season? Here are some ways to consider:
If you have unopened packs of diapers your kiddoes have sized out of, find a diaper bank or food pantry near you that may accept donations.
Pick out a book (or a few!) at Barnes and Noble’s Holiday Book Drive. It’s easy: at checkout simply let the cashier know which books from your purchase you’d like to donate, and they take care of getting the books to the recipients.
Join a local mom Facebook group and post items for free that you no longer need or want, such as gently used clothes, unused breast pump parts, or even larger items like strollers.
If you’re local to Upstate, NY, a great annual fundraiser is Toys for Toga. Many participating businesses have a large bin where you can drop off unwrapped toys until December 12. I’ll be dropping off some toys today, but if you miss the deadline, you can also make a monetary donation, here.
FESTIVE FAM ACTIVITIES
Here are a few fun DIY projects to try:
26 creative salt dough ornament ideas
An easy guide to making popsicle stick Christmas trees
How to make a snowflake salt painting
COLDS & COLD WEATHER FINDS
This week we’ve been recovering from a congested cold at our house. So, here are some of my go-to items for chilly weather & sick days…
For us moms & our kids
The coziest mom coat for snowy stroller walks & school drop-offs | The ultimate winter UPPAbaby stroller accessory (Trust me, they’re worth every penny and currently 20% off) | Large Stanley mug to keep your coffee, tea, or Theraflu warm for hours | The best socks (sizes newborn to 5yrs and on sale for only $7!!!) | Vapor bath bombs for those stuffed & runny noses | If you haven’t caught on yet, I pretty much collect every single Cat & Jack coat for my toddler, and this one is a fave | We love cuddles with these stuffies that you can warm up in the micro for a cozy cuddle | My daughter lived in these fleece one pieces during her first winter | Our favorite thermometer that connects to an app on your phone for easy temp & symptom tracking | My go-to slipper socks for chilly days at home | The only mittens my daughter will keep on her hands (Lucky for all of us, they’re only $5 for three pairs and come in tons of colors)
SOCIAL SCROLL
Sharing some of my fave social media posts I scrolled upon this week…
This study definitely surveyed the parent who is not leading the holiday shopping effort (Make sure to read the comments — I’m still laughing)
A clever, holiday hack for getting the kids to eat their veggies
Absolutely trying this strategy for our 2+ hour Christmas week drive to my in-laws
Kylie Kelce credits good childcare for her ability to reach the number one podcast spot this week
If you recently tried to take a holiday photo of your toddler girl, get ready to feel seen
I’m absolutely trying the “Grinch” food hack, and will report back
Happy holidays & thank you for subscribing to Mom Mail! Until next week. ❤️
Xo, Mads