Countdown Alert: Only 10 days left until the jolly guy in the big red suit makes his way down your chimney. The funny thing, though, my kids have never questioned how Santa manages it with no chimney in sight. 🤔😂 Anywho, amidst the Christmas chaos, I'm also juggling plans for my husband's and my second child's birthdays, conveniently right after Christmas. Is anyone else out there questioning their family planning decisions? 😅 Oh, my birthday too, almost forgot…

• Holiday Blues: Strategies for coping and finding holiday cheer.

• Green Cleaning: Tackling messes with eco-friendly power.

• Date Night: Unwrapping the magic of an at-home date.

MENTAL HEALTH

Finding joy amidst the holiday blues.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, joy and celebration often coexist with stress and emotional challenges. Combatting the holiday blues is a crucial conversation that encompasses both self-care strategies and ways to support loved ones navigating through difficult times.

❄️Approximately 14 percent of Americans experience the “winter blues.”

How can you beat the holiday blues? A few tips here, if you are looking for more, check out this article by Healthline.

🚫🍷Limit Alcohol Intake: Control your alcohol consumption and avoid keeping it easily accessible at home. If you're attending a party where alcohol is present, limit yourself to one or two drinks to prevent negative mood amplification.

🙅‍♀️Master the Art of Saying "No": Prevent emotional breakdowns by avoiding overscheduling. Learn to confidently decline commitments that infringe on your personal time.

If dealing with the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be more painful. the absence of a loved one can cast a shadow on the season. Psychotherapist Gina Moffa and psychologist Sherry Cormier offer advice for navigating holiday grief.

• Modify Traditions: Update traditions to honor your loved one. Create new rituals, like wearing their favorite sweater or cooking their preferred meal, to focus on celebrating their life.

• Volunteer for a Meaningful Cause: Channel grief into positive action by volunteering for a cause your loved one cares about. Personalize the experience to keep their memory alive.

• Treat Yourself: Show kindness to yourself during grief. Consider indulging in a small, festive treat like a concert, massage, or a new book.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate your boundaries during social events. Don't hesitate to leave early or skip gatherings to prioritize your well-being during this challenging time.

🤝Seeking to lend a hand to someone facing challenges this holiday season and unsure about how to offer support? Here are a few resources to assist you.

How To Support A Loved One With Holiday Depression

What not to say to someone with depression during holidays

LIFESTYLE

Become a mean green cleaning machine!

Thinking about leaping natural cleaning products? CNN says it best, “The biggest benefit of switching to natural cleaning products is reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the home.” 

Making the switch to green cleaning can make your home safer, protect your health, and even clean up your indoor air. Dive into the green scene and save some serious green by using DIY cleaning products. 

🌍✨ All-Purpose DIY Natural Cleaner

🌍✨ Natural DIY Stain Removal Guide

Toxic Cleaning Products Beware 🚫

We’ve uncovered the most toxic cleaning products and their fantastic natural alternatives. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a cleaner, safer home. 

💚Alternative to Bleach: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

💚Alternative to Glass Cleaner: Vinegar

💚Alternative to Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Baking Soda

💚Alternative to Furniture Polish: Olive Oil and Vinegar

Must-Have All-Purpose Cleaners 🌈

Not a DIY-er? Take a look at this list of natural cleaning products you can purchase.

Natural Cleaning Tips Galore 🌟

You can never have enough tips when it comes to cleaning. Here are 19 natural cleaning tips (with easy recipes, too!) that will turn your cleaning routine into a wellness party. Extra points for the tips on cleaning the dishwasher and garbage disposal—cleaning has never been this much fun!

WEEKEND FOCUS

Home is where the heart is.

Feeling the holiday hustle? Time to hit the pause button on Christmas chaos and parenting mayhem.🎄✋ Let's talk about something crucial—investing in your partner. Yup, that special someone who's been your partner-in-crime through the gift-wrapping marathons and the endless carol-singing with the kiddos.

Taking a breather from all things festive is like a mini-vacation for your soul. This weekend, let's put the Christmas lists aside, shush the carol-singing, and focus on the two of you. Now, I get it—date nights sometimes seem like a distant dream. The babysitter fees and dinner costs? Oof! But, fear not, my fellow parents, because I've got a game-changer for you.

Date Night at Home Magic! 🏡💑

Enter the realm of at-home date nights. No babysitter hassles, no wallet weeping. If you're lucky to have family or friends in town or fellow parent pals up for a childcare swap, send those kiddos packing for the night. Now, you're ready to turn your humble abode into the ultimate date night haven.

💖 From pretending you are on a cooking show competition to planning your next trip, Country Living has a lengthy list of at-home date night ideas that will surely inspire.

💖 TODAY.com suggests having a fondue night and playing truth or dare. Learn something new about your partner all while having a good laugh.

So, this weekend, let the twinkling lights illuminate your home, put on your coziest PJs, and revel in some quality time with your other half. Because amidst the holiday madness, you two deserve a moment to cherish each other. Happy date night, lovebirds! 💑✨

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Unwrap Joy Every Month 

We've found the ultimate gifts that keep on giving—subscription boxes! Whether you're a makeup guru, a skincare goddess, or a mom on the lookout for the perfect kid-friendly gift, we've got the inside scoop on the best subscription services.

💄 For Glam Moms
Glitter on, mama! According to Byrdie, these are the best beauty subscription boxes for makeup, skincare, and more. Unbox beauty wonders every month, curated to make you feel fabulous inside and out.

🎁 For Every Kind of Person
Discover the perfect subscription service tailored to every personality with insights from NY Mag. Whether it's a fitness fanatic, bookworm, or gourmet guru, these boxes are not just gifts; they're personalized experiences delivered right to your doorstep. It's like a surprise party, but make it a subscription!

📚 For Little Dreamers
Calling all moms on a mission to spark curiosity in your little ones! Mommy Poppins brings you the lowdown on the best magazine subscriptions for kids. Each issue is a magical journey filled with stories, activities, and endless fun. Because learning is always an adventure!

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

⛪Not your grandma’s nativity. Here are 8 modern nativity sets that might fit your holiday decor a little better than the traditional sets.

✂️ Festive holiday activity. Help your kids decorate their rooms with these simple Christmas wreath ideas.

🧳Out of the office. CNN has delivered the 41 bestselling travel accessories.

🎁Stress-free morning. Blogger, Passionate Penny Pincher, shares her Christmas morning survival kit to make sure the morning goes as smoothly as possible.

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