It's not a horror flick, but tackling the clean-up mission in my kids' playroom and bedrooms almost gives off spooky movie vibes. Nevertheless, consider this your cue: dive into the Christmas chaos armed with a clear mind and an even clearer playroom🧘‍♀️. I did it a few weeks ago and let me tell you, I feel ten pounds lighter. I’m ready for Santa to come to town bringing lots of (mostly unnecessary) toys and goodies on his sleigh!

• The Power of Giving: Inspire generosity within your family.

• Sparkling Smile: Tips to showcase a bright, confident smile as you into the holiday festivities.

• Holiday Purge: It’s on your to-do list, so let’s get it done before Christmas!

PARENTING

‘Tis the season to encourage generosity.

In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, I kicked off one of my favorite traditions with my oldest child (the youngest, being just 3, would give me a blank stare). Together, we sifted through his toys, choosing ones to donate to kids less fortunate. Sure, it's a sneaky way for me to declutter before the holidays (check out the section below for more on that!), but I'm also hoping it imparts a lesson in generosity as we head into the Christmas season.

Encourage generosity in your kids this season by…

💌 Involving your kids in gift shopping and holiday cards.  Let them watch as you thoughtfully choose gifts or help them send cards to friends, playfully instilling a giving spirit.

🎁Participating in activities like Sponsoring a family through an angel tree or packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Getting kids actively involved gives them a sense of ownership and joy.

💫 Encouraging them to brainstorm how they'd like to show generosity and kindness this holiday season. You might be pleasantly surprised by their heartfelt answers.

'Tis the season to give and instill in our kids the true meaning of the holidays. Many wonderful companies out there contribute with every purchase, providing another avenue to nurture generosity within your family.

• Cuddle + Kind: For every doll purchased, 10 meals are donated.

• Bombas: For every pair of socks, underwear, or shirts purchased, Bombas donates that item to shelters.

• Warby Parker: If you buy a pair of glasses, another pair is donated to someone in need.

Move over Elf on the Shelf, the Kindness Elves are here to inspire kids with the joy of giving. Looking for ideas?  Check this out!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

All is merry and bright… and so should your smile.

December is the season of abundant smiles. From festive holiday cards to cheerful Christmas party snapshots, your teeth should sparkle just as brightly as the tinsel on the tree.

Let’s lay out the smile facts…

😁 Women smile 62 times per day, on average while the average man only smiles 8 times. 

😁 People have cited being critical of their smile as 48% of the reasons they untag themselves in Facebook photos. 

😁 A good smile also makes people seem more trustworthy and reliable.

😁 It only takes 17 muscles to smile. For a frown, you need 48.

Your teeth are the stars of your smile, and here’s advice from dentists.

• Excessive Alcohol: As the holiday party season kicks in, be mindful of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Since saliva plays a crucial role in cleansing the mouth, protecting teeth, and neutralizing acids, a decrease in saliva increases the risk of cavities.

• Opt for Soft Bristles: Choose toothbrushes with soft bristles to avoid gum abrasion and recession. Once a recession occurs, it's challenging to reverse.

• Choose Foods Carefully: Incorporate fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet to promote saliva flow, a natural defense against cavities and gum disease. Dairy products like cheese, milk, and plain yogurt, as well as green and black teas, contribute to restoring minerals and combating plaque bacteria for overall oral health.

💡DID YOU KNOW? In-office teeth whitening can cost upwards of $450.

Beat that price with these at-home options…

• GLO Science Glo Lit - At $159, this is the pricier option, but it includes an LED light and 10 days' worth of vials.

• Snow Teeth Whitening Kit - If you have sensitive teeth, this is a great option because it uses hydrogen peroxide, which is less concentrated. Currently 50 percent off for $74.50.

• Smile Direct Club Fast-Dissovling Strips - For $30 (18 strips) these effective strips dissolve in 15 minutes. You can even sleep in them! 

• Bite Whitening Gel - For $24, the Gel is great for sensitive teeth and easily painted on each tooth. 

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Christmas hacks you didn’t know you needed.

If you haven’t gotten to your Christmas decorating yet, don’t panic! We're here to unveil a few time and money-saving hacks that will have you immersed in the holiday spirit quicker than you can say 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’

Decorating hacks courtesy of the Krazy Coupon Lady…

• Evergreen Pipe Cleaners: Resembling tree branches, these are perfect for hanging heavy ornaments on the Christmas tree.

• Jingle Bells: Hang tiny bells at the bottom of your tree to alert you when little humans (or pets!) are tugging on the branches. Bonus use: include the bells in the wrapping to add a festive touch and disguise the gift within.

• Endless Ribbon: Simplify gift wrapping by using a tension rod to keep your ribbon easily accessible and tangle-free.

🌿In-Home Garland Hack! Tension rods have many uses this season. It makes for an easy way to hang garlands in your home without drilling holes.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Christmas Holiday Gift Guides

Navigating the holiday gift hunt for tweens and teens can feel trickier than picking out presents for husbands—unless, of course, they've crafted a Christmas list PowerPoint, a trend I've spotted on social media. Talk about efficiency! But fear not, if the teen you're shopping for isn't quite as organized as those TikTok trendsetters, we've got you covered with a few thoughtful suggestions.

🎁 The Mother Chic - Teen Girl Gift Guide; Teen Boy Gift Guide; Tween Girl Gift Guide

🎁 CNET - Best Gifts for Tweens

🎁The Strategist - Best Gifts for Teenage Boys

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🎅Let the games begin! 13 gift exchange games to play at your next Christmas party.

✨Add some sparkle. Elevate your Christmas tree this year with this very clean method of doing tinsel.

🧀When I dip, you dip, we dip. Whipped feta dip with a spicy honey recipe that will impress your guests.

🏋️‍♀️Ditch the dumbells. These 15 resistance band exercises give you the full-body workout you’re looking for.

🍪Christmas craft. Cookie cutters + baking soda + vinegar = endless entertainment for your toddler.

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