For better or for worse, if you've experienced any significant life changes recently, the holidays can amplify those shifts. While returning to traditions can be one of the most comforting parts of celebrating a holiday, adopting and adapting to new ones can be a positive way to adjust to fluctuations in our individual lives and family structure.

More

Do you have 8 dozen cookies to cut out, bake, and decorate? Or 37 cards to stamp and address? Or perhaps a million pom poms to make and string into garland? If you're finding yourself faced with cozy but repetitive and endless holiday tasks, you're going to need some festive television to keep your spirits bright.. More

Long before the Elf on a Shelf was a glint in parents' eyes, my family used to hide knee hugger elves for me and my brother to find on Christmas Eve. It was a December version of an Easter egg hunt, and it's just what we did. I don't know how the tradition started, or who came up with it, but it was a staple of our holidays throughout childhood. I didn't realize until I was an adult that others didn't do the same thing, and had no idea what I was talking about.
More

If all goes according to plan, I'll be spending the end of December visiting faraway loved ones, so decorating my own apartment is one of the projects I had to cross off my holiday to-do list. Luckily, a few of my across-the-street neighbors have big, beautiful Christmas trees covered in sparkly white lights, and they generously leave their curtains open for all — or at least me — to enjoy! More

The natural world offers so many ways to decorate our homes this time of year, from fresh greenery and vibrant fruits to warm spices and rustic pine cones. You don't have to spend a lot of money or time either. Sometimes the best ideas are also the simplest ideas. More

For over a decade now, I've been a shopgirl. I've worked in flower shops, coffee shops, home goods and gift shops, a major organic grocery store, and the world's prettiest candy shop, and I've picked up a few holiday shopping lessons over the years… More

Getting ready for a holiday cocktail party and thinking of putting the ole iPod on shuffle? The convenience may seem tempting, but take an hour and make a playlist instead. Cocktail parties are the time to break out the red lipstick, the fanciest drinks, the funniest stories, and the bounciest music. If you can make a playlist that will have your guests shimmying, singing, and flirting, then you've set the stage for a swinging night. More

Holidays are that time of the year when you traditionally gather with your beloved friends and family to celebrate. If they live far away, it might be the only time all year you see each other face to face. Some people cherish this time, while others dread it. What I'm wondering is, do any of you just skip it altogether? More

The holidays are approaching, and I want to do it all! Make wrapping paper, make and send cards, bake treats for work friends/faraway friends/family/parties I'm attending, find the perfect gift for everyone I love, and so much more. But December has arrived, and I'm slowly admitting to myself that I can't do it all. Someone has to put her foot down and cross — not check — things off her to-do list, and I guess that someone is me. More