December 6, 2024

December 06, 2024

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'Tis the season of Spotify Wrapped... the once-a-year reminder that our playlists are officially dominated by our littles. This year, my top tracks were Julie Andrews classics—Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music—a refreshing change from last year's endless Let It Go marathon. But what does all this kid-friendly music really say about our mom life? If your Wrapped is full of Daniel Tiger and Frozen, keep scrolling—we've got a fun article that breaks down what your 2024 Wrapped says about you as a mom!

  • Agree to Disagree? How to Stay Friends Across Party Lines

  • Jingle All the Way: Fun Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Holiday Break

  • Gifted Fun: 3 Holiday Exchange Games to Make Spirits Bright

FRIENDSHIP

Politics schmolitics.

Ah, politics—the conversational minefield that can turn even the calmest brunch into a battleground. But don’t let your friendship crumble just because you and your buddy check different boxes on Election Day. The secret to navigating political differences? Boundaries, empathy, and a little bit of humor. Here’s how to keep things friendly when the conversation gets… political.

1. Remember: Your Friend is More Than Their Vote

Sure, they have opinions, but so do you! Your friendship is probably built on deeper things—shared memes, favorite shows, or that time you road-tripped across three states without GPS. Focus on those good vibes instead of turning every coffee date into a debate.

2. Set the Ground Rules

Boundaries aren’t just for toddlers. Say something like, “Hey, I love chatting, but let’s skip politics tonight—deal?” You’ll thank yourself later when the conversation stays light and your heart rate stays normal.

3. Listen More, Argue Less

Hot take: Not every conversation has to be won. Ask questions like, “Why do you feel that way?” and actually listen. You might not agree, but you’ll understand more. Plus, they’ll appreciate not being treated like a debate opponent.

4. Know When to Hit Pause

Feel your blood pressure rising? Is your voice one octave higher? That’s your cue to take a breather. It's okay to say, “Let’s table this for now.” Walking away can be more powerful than powering through.

5. Find Common Ground

Chances are, you agree on more than you think. Whether it’s local issues, a shared disdain for parking meters, or your mutual love of tacos—find it, embrace it, and build from there.

At the end of the day, a healthy friendship isn’t about converting each other. It’s about respect, even when you disagree. And who knows? Navigating these differences might make your friendship even stronger.

PARENTING

No more “I’m bored.”

School’s out, and the kids are bouncing off the walls. Don’t panic! Here’s your go-to guide for keeping them busy (and giving you a break).

🎨 Get Crafty

Set up a DIY station with paper, glue, and markers for endless fun.

  • Arts & Crafts: Let their imaginations run wild with holiday decorations or DIY gifts.

  • DIY Science: Turn the kitchen into a mini lab with easy, hands-on experiments. Check out Little Bins for Little Hands for fun STEM ideas.

🍪 Bake Together

Turn baking into a learning experience!

  • Get them involved in mixing, measuring, and decorating cookies or making pizzas. It’s fun and teaches valuable life skills.

🌳 Outdoor Adventures

Fresh air + energy = happy kids.

  • Park & Nature Trails: Pack a picnic and explore local parks or hiking trails.

  • Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of things to find in the yard or park—bugs, leaves, or rocks.

💻 Screen Time with Purpose

Make screens work for you.

  • Educational Apps: Find apps that teach math, reading, or problem-solving in a fun way.

  • Online Courses: Let them explore new interests, like coding or art, with online classes.

🤝 Social & Group Activities

Keep them socially engaged.

  • Volunteering: Look for family-friendly volunteer opportunities like helping at food banks.

  • Community Classes: Check for local workshops in pottery, dance, or music.

Need more ideas? Head to Waterford.org for 50+ independent activities to keep your kids entertained!

AND ALSO

Wrap it up.

Tired of the same old gift exchanges? This year, shake things up with some festive fun. Here are a few quirky gift exchange games to try:

🎲 Dice Gift Exchange

Supplies: Dice, wrapped gifts
How to Play: Players roll the dice and take actions based on the number they roll. For example: 

  • Roll a 1: Swap with the person on your right

  • Roll a 6: Unwrap your gift

🎉 Christmas Never Have I Ever

Supplies: Wrapped gifts, Never Have I Ever questions
How to Play: Players take turns asking a “Never Have I Ever” question. Anyone who’s done the activity swaps spots then unwraps their gift! Keep going until everyone’s gifts are open.

💰 Holiday Gift Auction

Supplies: 2 gifts per person, Monopoly money
How to Play: Bid on gifts with fake money—one gag gift and one traditional. The auction ends when all gifts are claimed.

For more ideas, check out seven more fun games here.

🎵 Spotify Wrapped: Moms Edition
Spotify Wrapped is back—and for moms, it’s less indie rock, more Disney karaoke. If your top tracks scream “kids in charge,” you’re not alone. Check out what your Wrapped says about your mom life and this year’s new features. 🎧

SNIPPETS

Alyse Ogletree, a 36-year-old Texas mom, set a Guinness World Record by donating 89,457 ounces of breast milk—enough to fill nearly 13,000 bottles. Her contributions to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas have potentially fed over 350,000 preemie babies. Ogletree began donating in 2010 after discovering her high milk production could help countless moms and babies.

Instagram is testing a new algorithm reset button, allowing users to clear their content recommendations across the Explore page, Reels, and main feed. This feature offers a fresh slate to discover new and diverse posts, helping users reshape their content experience from scratch.

Oxford University Press named “brain rot” the 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting the rise in concerns over mental decline from trivial online content. Usage of the term surged 230% this year, beating out other finalists like “romantasy” and “dynamic pricing.”

The #1 App That Helps You Fall Asleep In Minutes

BetterSleep, the 5 star app that focuses on helping users sleep better and feel better daily.

Build and layer a unique personalized mix from over 300 unique sounds such as: green noise, ocean waves, heavy rain, arctic storms or even background bustle in a city cafe! Use sound science to send yourself to sleep and improve your restlessness.

By building your perfect dreamy soundscape and watch your sleep and your mornings improve in just 7 days!

Preschooler gift guide.

Looking for something that’ll actually keep your preschooler busy (and happy) this holiday season? We’ve rounded up the best gifts that spark creativity, boost motor skills, and bring on the fun. Here's how to win the gifting game this year:

🧀 Mozz vs. Cheddar. Dietitians reveal which cheese takes the health crown.

🎄 Wreaths galore! 20 ways to deck your doors, halls, and more this Christmas.

🎅 Call Santa now! Here’s his number and 4 other ways to reach the North Pole.

💰 Treasure awaits! $2M hidden across the U.S.—can you find it?

🍲 Sloppy Joe remix. These bowls are quick, gluten-free, and ready in 15 minutes!

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