New England Mamas

Eliot and Barry save The Enchanted Village from the Island of Misfit Toys

In the past week, I've spent $70 mailing gifts to far-away relatives, about $50 on stamps, and I'm-not-talking-about-it on gifts. . .let's just say that my entertainment budget is pretty much shot for the rest of the month.

But, free? I can do free! And earlier this week, my family and I took a trip up to Jordan's Furniture in Avon, MA to check out their Enchanted Village for a big dose of vintage Christmas cheer.

Did I mention that it's free?

Santa - A great big guy or a great big lie?

My oldest daughter, at four years old, is what you could call... Practical.  Even her imaginary friends, despite the rich fantasy life she has with them, are emphatically “Not real, Mommy.  Sheesh.” [eye roll]

In this season of elves and flying reindeer and the fat man in a red suit that magically comes down the chimney, I have to admit that I’m a little worried about her lack of wonderment. 

Last minute Christmas gifts inspired by nature. Because us New Englanders, we loves us some nature. Ayuh.

Only ten more days until Christmas?? Eek!

(Yes, eek. I don’t know what your reaction is when you find out you’re quickly running out of shopping days before the family invades your house for the holidays, but mine is eek.)

Need some last minute gift ideas? My Etsy addiction and I are here to help.  Most of these items are inspired by nature, because if there's anything we have around here in abundance, it's nature.  Hurry, most of these shops stop shipping in a few days.

And as always, these gifts are made right here in New England.

What's happening this weekend - Family friendly holiday events throughout New England

Looking for something holiday related to do with the family this weekend? We've got you covered.  Here's a sampling of what's going on around New England Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13:

Just in time for the holidays - gift ideas for teachers that deserve an A.

My oldest daughter started preschool last year, and we all couldn't have been happier.  A couple of days a week I would leave her in the care of the most wonderful women I could ever hope to ask for and know that not only would she be learning but that she would be cared for and doted on... along with the 19 other children in her class.

Seriously, how do these women do it?  Twenty kids??  I get the shakes when I have more than one over for a playdate.  Those women need gifts, pronto.

*checking calendar*

Well lookie there, it’s the holidays!  The perfect time to let your favorite educator know how much you appreciate them.  But with what?  Cookies?  Pssh.  Please.  These people help to expand your child's mind!  The least you can do is expand your own past the typical pastry gift.

Etsy to the rescue!

There are many New England artisans and crafters on Etsy, so finding a suitable gift for your kid’s favorite preschool, elementary, or secondary education teacher is a snap, right?

Put down the flour!  Let me help you find something.  I love Etsy.  Some may call it an addiction, I call it... an addiction.  But one person’s time suck is another person’s boon.  I’ve scoured Etsy to find some perfect gift ideas for the teachers in your life, gifts good enough to guarantee your child a good grade.  Not that you would bribe a teacher or anything.  That would be wrong...

Hey, look over there!

Making new memories at Bright Nights

Growing up, Christmas always meant a visit to Whipple’s Chapel.  Every year.  Whipple’s Chapel was a vast Christmas display of over 6,000 lights in our current hometown.  It featured Macy’s window style displays of Christmas scenes.  Occasionally, a new display was added, but it always remained almost the same.  Run entirely by volunteers, it was a holiday tradition.  I looked forward to visiting with my family and meeting Santa Claus.  For 35 years, people traveled from all over the country to visit.  Father Christmas, Mr. Whipple himself, was there every night, shaking hands and counting visitors, always with a smile on his face.

One reason for the season is at La Salette in Attleboro

OK, first a quick disclaimer: I am not religious, so the title of this post is not my sly attempt to cram religion down anyone's throat. But, I do think there is something to be said for reflecting on the story of Christmas, so it was in this spirit that we went to visit La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA.

I'd heard of La Salette for years but it was usually along the lines of, "Oh my goodness, you wouldn't believe the traffic jam to get into the parking lot" which doesn't exactly get me rushing anywhere. But, this past Tuesday, just after sundown, the kids and I went to see what so many people go to see year after year.

Buckle Up For Safety!

Do you know your state's safety belt use/child restraint laws?

I am ashamed to admit that I didn't know what the rules were in Massachusetts and I figured we were probably breaking the law when it came to the boyz and their boosters seats and sure enough, we are.  But I do now!

Checking off my list with our Advent Calendar

I used to approach December with a mixture of dread and excitement---there are so many things I want to do with the kids, but it always seemed that I'd try to cram all that "Christmas cheer" into the few days leading up to the 25th.

Razzle Dazzle Light Parade

Who doesn’t like a parade?  Have you ever been to a parade at night?  We have!  This Sunday will be the eighth year that our family will attend the “Razzle Dazzle Light Parade” in Putnam, CT.