Spend More Time With Your Family This Holiday Season: Host A Caroling Party

Too often we forgo entertaining because of the mere thought of all of the preparation that is involved. And more is not better. Often we try to out do each other with lavish parties and expensive gifts. Stop and remember for a second what was important from your own childhood. Was it an outing? Baking cookies with your grandmother? Building a snowman with your dad? We need to connect. This doesn't require more time, just shifting the focus of the time we already have. Here, a casual party and a very simple activity were the catalyst that brought everyone together.

To get the entire neighborhood into the Christmas spirit we planned a caroling party.

The day before our guests arrived, my kids and I spent an afternoon making decorative candleholders to give to each caroler, to light the way for our caroling expedition.

Dad, dressed as Santa, provided our very own photo opportunity. Little ones whispered their Christmas list in Santa's ear. Grown ups, as well as kids, had their pictures taken in Santa's lap.

Adults, kids, and even a few dogs then joined us on our merry way. Our numbers grew as we made our way caroling through the neighborhood.

As the carolers returned, we welcomed them with Mexican hot chocolate and ginger spice cookies. This party was a great way to engage everyone in an activity that the whole family could enjoy. And for a few short hours we were able to turn our attention away from the commercial marketing of the holidays to something much more personal.

Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate

Recipes are one of our most cherished traditions. Passed down from one generation to the next, they conjure up memories of holiday preparations or time spent with a favorite relative. Cooking provides a quiet time to pass on the wisdom of family lore.

Ingredients:

4 cups whole milk

4 ounces Mexican chocolate such as Ibarra

or

3 ½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 tablespoons sugar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla, preferably Mexican

2 eggs

1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until scalding.

2. Break the chocolate into pieces. Add to the hot milk along with the sugar and salt. Stir until melted. Beat with a wire whisk until frothy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Continue to whisk.

4. Pour into 4 mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

1. Printed in its full form with no changes
2. Includes an active link
3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact
4. And the byline, including "About the Author" appears at the bottom of each article.

About The Author

Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com. To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp

info@togetherparenting.com

---

15 Ways to Create Some Extra Holiday Money

Originally this was going to be a list for my... Read More

Valentines Day is NOT only for Lovers

Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More

Valentines Day ? Where Did THAT Come From?

Just as soon as the stores put away their Christmas... Read More

2 Quick and Easy Halloween Crafts

Making Halloween crafts can really get you into a festive... Read More

Easy Costumes Kids Can Make

The kindergarten class I was teaching was scheduled to perform... Read More

10 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day for remembering those who have... Read More

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More

Jeweled Shamrock Pendant

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and according to tradition... Read More

The Origins of Mothers Day

Most people mistakenly believe that Mother's Day is an invention... Read More

Mothers Day, Do You Know What Youre Giving The Woman Who Gave You Life?

Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman... Read More

The Origins Of Mothers Day

Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More

Get Organised for Christmas... NOW!

Hasn't time flown? Only six weeks to Christmas!Now you may... Read More

Dress To Impress! Find Your Sexy Halloween Costume And Shake What Your Mamma Gave You

Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More

Wake Up ? Its Almost Fathers Day

Father's Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

Home Made Gifts, The Best Way To Teach Your Kids The Value Of The Holiday

To a large extent the holidays have come to be... Read More

Three Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Kitty

The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for... Read More

Making Gifts A Pleasure

As we reach the time of year when Christmas items... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

Mothers Day Love Letter ? The Best Way to Express Your Gratitude and Appreciation for Mom!

Abraham Lincoln said ? "All that I am, or hope... Read More

How to Save Money at Christmas

Do you know how to save money at Christmas and... Read More

Gift Giving During Thanksgiving Adds That Special Touch

Many of us believe Christmas is one of the most... Read More

Traditional VS. Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More

Orlando, The Vacation Station

If you were asked to name 10 reasons why you... Read More

Easter Flowers

Easter is Sunday, March 27th! Don't forget the flowers! Your... Read More

Saint Nick to Santa, the MOST extreme makeover?

It's the holiday season, and the first thing that comes... Read More

Gift Shopping Tips for Tight Budgets

Have you seen the prices of greeting cards lately? It... Read More

Tis The Season

I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk... Read More

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, both for kids... Read More

Survival Kit for the Holidays: Grace, Gratitude and Random Acts Of Kindness

If you*re like me, the holidays always have a way... Read More

Seven Valentine?s Day Tips for Spouses in ?Less-Than-Perfect? Marriages

Valentine's Day can be a depressing day when you're in... Read More

Contact Lenses for Halloween

It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect... Read More