• Last updated 12/20/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Trying to think of a last minute stocking stuffers for the kids?   Here are 100 great suggestions from the Mothering community to help you complete your holiday shopping!   We've chosen suggestions that are mostly inexpensive and can be purchased locally or ordered as a subscription without having to plan ahead.    For more ideas check out all of the great threads in the community!     Crayons and Markers Paints and Brushes Construction Paper Yarn Knitting Needles or Crochet Hooks Sewing Needles Fabric... read more

• Last updated 12/20/12 by Melanie Mayo

  We recently asked the members of the Mothering Community to tell us about their favorite family Christmas movies and received some great responses! Here is a list of our top ten faves from that discussion.    Head over to the original thread to see all of the recommendations and to share your own must watch Christmas list!        A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Starring Ann Altieri and Chris Doran   "I haven't watched A Charlie Brown Christmas in a long time. I should, because... read more

• Last updated 12/12/12 by BernadetteNoll

I wrote this a couple of Christmases ago, and it has guided us every year since...          So there we were Christmas Eve. The kids were in bed, maybe not dreaming of sugar plums for they know not what they are, but sugar in some other modern day form none the less: candy canes and gingerbread houses and ice box cookies and whatever other sugar cometh their way. We had to really convince the 12 year old non-believer that she too had to go to bed, even though she KNEW.  We had opened all the shipped in packages on Christmas Eve, as is our tradition.... read more

• Last updated 12/19/12 by Melanie Mayo

Every year Mothering runs a community-wide Holiday Helper program to lend a hand to families in need during the holiday season. Over the years the program has helped thousands of families and we are proudly continuing the tradition this year.    However, despite the generous donations of our community members, we still have many unmet needs this year.   We want to thank the very special businesses who have come forward to donate goods to help fill those needs! Please help us show some appreciation to these generous businesses by checking out their... read more

• Last updated 12/6/12 by Cynthia Mosher

  “Mothering Handmade Gifts Ideas Photo Contest” OFFICIAL RULES   Sponsored by (“Nature's Fabrics”).   NO ENTRY FEE.  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  The Contest begins at 12:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) 12/6/12 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT 12/19/12 (the “Contest Period”).   1. Eligibility: The “Mothering Handmade Gifts Ideas Photo Contest” (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, and Canada, aged eighteen (18) or older as of the date of entry, who have an active e-mail account and... read more

• Last updated 12/6/12 by Melanie Mayo

By Beth Berry     I wrote this piece two years ago during our first Christmas out of the country. This year - our third holiday season in Mexico - I am more convicted than ever that simplicity and togetherness are what it’s all about, and that the joy we long for is actually more confused than complemented by the notion of merry making as kind-hearted consuming. Deviating from family traditions is not always easy. Never mind factors such as religious preference or family values, even questioning grandma's dessert line-up of pumpkin pie, fruit cake and... read more

• Last updated 11/29/12 by Melanie Mayo

By S.K. Valenzuela   Ahhh, the holidays.  That joyful riot of candles and lights and smartly-wrapped packages, the sound of silver bells and sleigh bells jingling on the road to grandmother's house.  There's so much to love about the holidays...but sometimes, the bustle of it all can become overwhelming.  If the prospect of checking your list twice and decking your halls is filling you with anxiety, try focusing on the three R's...holiday edition.   If you're a birthy person like me, you may already be familiar with Penny Simkin's Three R's for childbirth.  (If... read more

• Last updated 11/26/12 by BernadetteNoll

      It’s amazing to me how the holiday season seems to arrive so suddenly. Partly I think it’s because I grew up in a cold climate and now live in a warm one where I still can’t quite believe Thanksgiving day could touch into the 80s. And partly it’s just because the older I get and the busier our house gets, the faster time seems to slip on by.   But alas, here it is, The Holidays.  A season that over the years I have come to love and that we as a family have definitely made our own. Being a huge fan of setting intentions and creating ritual the... read more

• Last updated 12/12/12 by Melanie Mayo

    Welcome to Mothering's Annual Natural Toy Guide: a selection of the very best natural and eco-friendly toys and children's gifts of 2012.      Proudly sponsored by STRIDER Bikes. Learn about what Mothering moms think about STRIDER no-pedal balance bikes here or visit their Facebook page.                                                             Our Top 20 Favorites                                                20 Toys Under $20                                                                      Imaginative Play            ... read more

• Last updated 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites    Ping Pong Catapult   Why We Love It: This naturally made catapult might be simply designed but it is super sturdy, powerful and so much fun! Any child will adore shooting off the included ping pong balls or other small items from around the house to see where they land. Set up a target for a little challenge. Made in Oregon,... read more