5 ways to teach children about helping others this holiday season

I think that my most important job as a mother is to teach my boys to be good and caring people.  I want my children to be kind to family, friends, and other people in our community.  It's a big concept for little people, but here are 5 ways to teach children about helping others this holiday season:

1)  Talk to them - Children need to be told how fortunate they are, and they need to understand that not everyone has the things that they do.  It's simple... but it's important.

2)  Put them to work - One important tradition we have incorporated into our family is an annual "Letter Writing to Santa" party/fundraiser.  My boys host a party, we charge people to come, and we donate the money to a charity that they choose.  They are able to bake the cookies, assemble the craft kits, help set up, and take money at the door.  "Doing" the work really helps them to feel like they are making a contribution.

3)  Volunteer - There are always organizations that could benefit from a visit from little helpers.  Pick something that interests your children.  My boys have sung to seniors at a local nursing home, and it was a great experience for everyone.

4)  Do something small - Little gestures of kindness can make a big impact.  I like to have my kids bring treats or little gifts to their classmates during the holidays, and we always bake and deliver treats to our neighbours.

5)  Send a card - This is a simple thing that you can do with your little ones right now.  They can make their own cards to send to family and friends.

How are you going to teach your children about helping others this holiday season?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Breakfast

Our Elf on the Shelf used to come on December 1st, but last year he came for my son's birthday on November 20th.  This year, he arrived early again, and this time he brought a special birthday breakfast.

I have seen a lot of Elf on the Shelf Welcome Breakfasts on Pinterest, but I like this one because it is simple.  Here is what our elf brought:

1)  North Pole hot chocolate and colored marshmallows. 
2)  Candy canes (which make great stir sticks for hot chocolate).
3)  North Pole pancake mix (which looks a lot like regular pancake mix with colored sprinkles added).  

To download and print the recipe for North Pole pancakes (below): click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

Fun, right?  How do you welcome your Elf on the Shelf?  Do you think your little ones would like our simple North Pole Breakfast?

♥ 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in the 40+ fantastic Elf on the Shelf ideas here.

Birthday Letter to my Eight Year Old (First Born) Son

Today my oldest son turns eight, and I am continuing my tradition of writing my boys letters on their birthdays.  I wish all of you could meet my sweet birthday boy.  He really is one of a kind.  :-)  

To my sweet boy,

I can't think about you without the word "angel" popping into my head.  You really are a special boy with a kind heart, and you make me proud every day.  Here are a few of the things that make you the darling eight year old that you have become:

• You love to watch, play, and talk about hockey.  I see a lot of cold rinks in my future.
• You are very talented musically.  You love choir and playing the guitar, and you even write your own songs -- and they are really good!
• You love to draw and write stories.
• You try hard at everything you do.  You have incredible focus and love to practice when you are learning something new.
• You still call me "Mommy", and I love it.
• You still aren't embarrassed to kiss me good-bye when I drop you off at school.
• You have a lot of friends, but your brothers are definitely your best buddies. 
• You are reading Harry Potter, and you are excited about the fun stuff we are doing for your Harry Potter birthday party. 
• You would eat peanut butter sandwiches for every meal if I would let you.
• Your favorite color is red, your hockey number is 11, and you want to be a hockey player when you grow up.

Happy birthday my sweet angel.  You may be eight, but you will always be my first baby.

Lots of Love,

Mommy

xoxo

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever. -- Winnie the Pooh

Quick Tip Tuesday #26 - Simple Reindeer Ornament

During the hectic holiday season, sometimes it's helpful to have a "quick craft" on hand to keep the kids busy.  Here's a simple reindeer ornament the kids will love to make.

Little ones can make it in four easy steps.

1)  Glue three popsicle sticks into a triangle.
2)  Glue on googly eyes and a pom pom nose.
3)  Twist two pipe cleaners into antlers.
4)  Add a ribbon hanger.

So cute and simple, right?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Writing a Letter to Santa Party/Fundraiser Tutorial

This year my boys held their 3rd Annual "Writing a Letter to Santa" party/fundraiser.  They raised $238 for Cystic Fibrosis (in honor of their baby cousin who has the disease).  It's one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and I am hoping that some of my readers may be inspired to throw a similar party with their children.  So, today I am sharing all the info you need to host your own "Writing a Letter to Santa" party/fundraiser.

First, you'll need to decide on all the details of your party.  (We made this little poster.)

Then, on the day of the party, put your little ones to work.  My boys worked really hard before, during and after the party, and they were extremely proud of their efforts. 

And, of course, you'll need to make some cookies.  We had three types of cookies and juice boxes for our guests.  You can download a cute sign for the cookie table here.

And every guest was able to make some reindeer food to take home.  We used oats, Cheerios, and red sugar sprinkles.  You can download the tags for the reindeer food here, and you can download a cute sign for the reindeer food table here.

The kids were also given paper and envelopes to write their letters, and the supplies they needed to make a simple craft.

Finally, as a parting gift, every child was given this cute Santa beard.  You can download the template here.

I would be delighted to have you use my downloads to put together your own party.  If you do, I'd love to hear all about it!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Easy & Cozy Entertaining

I recently had the opportunity to chat with some fantastic lifestyle bloggers about ideas for easy and cozy entertaining at home.  I just love to hear great tips from others, don't you?  You can read our conversation on the McCain All Good Blog here.  And if you are still looking for inspiration... here are a few more of my "dos" and "don'ts" for easy and cozy holiday entertaining.

1) Don't stress about the mess.  Most people understand that a busy mom is not going to have a spotless house.  If someone drops in unexpectedly, shove the toys in the playroom, dim the lights (to hide the dust), and relax.

2) Don't be afraid to take shortcuts.  If you don't have time to make something fancy, grab something pre-prepared out of the freezer or the pantry.

3) Do keep it simple.  You don't need to limit entertaining to elaborate meals.  Simple brunches or coffee dates are fun too.

4) Do include the kids.  Save on babysitters and spend time with parents and their kids.  Why not set up a "movie night" for the kids while the adults have some grown up conversations?

5) Do pay attention to the details.  Sometimes something simple (like milk in wine glasses or a hot chocolate bar) can add a really fun festive touch.

What are some of your ideas for easy and cozy entertaining?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure:  I’m a contributor to the McCain All Good Blog, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group, but (of course!) the opinions on this blog are my own.

DIY Harry Potter Invitation

Next week, my son is turning 8, and we are having a Harry Potter themed party for him.  Today, I thought I would share the adorable invitation I created for him.  Isn't it the cutest?  

I wrote a Hogwarts acceptance letter, and then I printed it on some "scroll" paper I found at the Dollar Store.  Then, I rolled it up, tied it with a ribbon, and attached a tag containing a picture of my son dressed as Harry Potter.

I am seriously delighted with how it turned out... and so is my son.  I can't wait to share the rest of the fun party details with you.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)