Our First Blog, by Carrie Fleetwood

Hi Everyone
Well, I figure a first entry on our blog might as well address the subject that is on most of our minds right now: Yikes, Christmas is only 2 1/2 weeks away!!!

According to the news today, 92% of us Canadians celebrate Christmas.  So, how about some tips to ease your stress and save your marriage at the same time! 

Men, if you want to have a happier wife over the next few weeks, gather the family together this evening around some cookies and hot chocolate (made by you and the kids:) and ask your wife 'what can I and the kids take off your plate over the next week or two?'  Get everyone writing on sticky notes what they have agreed to do, i.e. cleaning, decorating, buying, writing cards, baking...and you Dad, need to follow up and make sure the things agreed to actually get done.  Then watch your wife's countenance light up like the Christmas tree!!

Don't get me wrong.  This is not a sexist statement.  I'm not suggesting that Dads don't do enough or kids are lazy.  It's just a fact that women carry all the details of Christmas around in their heads, or on their lists, and often get overwhelmed and tense.  And when Mom's not happy, well you know...nobody's happy.   And bonus, if you so this, the kids will take more ownership of making a holiday a truly celebratory time.  They will learn that family traditions are important to family cohesion and that everyone has a part to play. 

A couple more quick ideas: 

At your family meeting, take up a collection from everyone (warn them ahead of time to bring their 'giving' money) and designate someone (preferrably an older child) to send off the funds to a third-world charity to purchase a mosquito net or a goat or fresh drinking water for children who are in desperate need.  If you want some ideas where to start you could try  www.WorldVision.org, www.SamaritansPurse.ca, or High Adventure http://www.hagcm.org/page36/rapidcart-24/

Designate two screen-free (TV/computer) evenings/week until Christmas (other than for homework needs) where everyone hangs out together...perhaps doing some Christmas preparations followed by some board games or out-loud reading.  There are some great heart-warming Christmas stories that are fun to read together no matter the age of the kids...if you have a good storyteller in your family, get them to read, or take turns and let everyone have an opportunity. 

Have fun trying these and enjoy the season a lot more!! 
Check back in a week or so for our next entry.
Sincerely,
Carrie