Countdown Daily Messages

We did it! Time to look ahead to the holiday season ... because it's here! 

For the past six weeks, we've been preparing for Christmas together. We've assembled a Christmas planner, organized gifts and giving, and conquered holiday chaos in the kitchen. Each day, we've pondered new innovations and old traditions, moving ever closer to our goal: a serene, joyous holiday season.

We're nearly there!  December is here, and we're ready to wrap up the last few chores, and prepare to celebrate.

Today, look over lists, planners and inventory pages.  Are you ready?  Assess gift lists, check mailing dates, and look ahead to holiday menus.

It's time to finish up the preparations, and open the door to the holiday season.  

Christmas. For many of us, our picture of this holiday is a static one: we've "always" done this or we "always" do that. 

Indeed, that idea of tradition and stability and connection is one of the deepest and most meaningful themes of the holiday!

Today's guest editor, Cub Reporter Perry Bear, takes on a ticklish parenting dilemma. 

How do you teach children to give during a holiday focused on receiving? 

Today's essay focuses on how to model and teach giving during the season.

Perry has a suggestion, too, which is not so bad for a little teddy bear!

Santa's coming ... will there be room to store new toys? 

Adding Santa's bounty to overstuffed kids' rooms is a recipe for January clutter disaster--and don't even try to tell this Nana to scale back on presents for the grandchildren. Bah, humbug!

About this time of year, it's a good idea to contemplate the toy situation in your child's room.

Here at the brink of the season, many of us find ourselves gasping for breath. Where did the time go--and are we ready?

Right about now, take a moment to consider your family's holiday traditions. Do they still fit, or have you outgrown them? Will each celebration add joy--or stress--to the season's celebrations?

We're in the home stretch! It's Celebrate Week at the Christmas Countdown, a time to tidy up our preparations and shift gears into full holiday mode.oday! 

This week, we'll complete and mail Christmas cards, finalize gift-buying and gift-making, and plan any holiday gatherings. 

It's coming, it's really coming ... it's here? Oh, NO! The Saturday after Thanksgiving can be a time of flagging motivation. How is it that, despite cooking for three solid days, the leftovers give out less than 48 hours after the Thanksgiving feast?

Who says holiday traditions have to be "sweet"? Thinking about Christmas trees, I can't help but laugh at my childhood memories. 

We are thankful! Today, America celebrates faith, family, feasting and football. It's the purest of our holidays: a day set aside to be grateful.

Gratitude is an attitude. Psychologists have proved that Pollyanna was right: counting your blessings creates a blessed heart. Those who are grateful weather life's minor storms more easily.

So be thankful, America!