Posts Tagged ‘christmas’

YES, I know it’s too early to think about this stuff. YES, I know the kids just went back to school a few days ago. This is not my fault. I just read an article about how to do Christmas shopping when you have many many people on your list. On top of that some of the bigger stores have started running commercials to let us all know that they’re starting their lay-away programs early this year. I don’t want to be thinking about this. I can’t help it (they started it).

I have to admit that I enjoy the holiday season. There’s nothing like falling back into the childlike joy of seeing the lights, the tree, and the celebrations. I do love giving gifts to my family. It’s something I do because I want to. It makes the holiday special for me to see the smile on their faces. That said, I am not caught up in the cycle of giving gifts to everybody I have ever known. For me, my immediate family is the perfect quantity. Early in my marriage we were sucked into the family exchange of gifts. It was not a rewarding experience. Seemed more like another chore. With some tactful explanations we soon were left with our gift list of choice. Not to say that people are not acknowledged during the holidays. They are. It just doesn’t have to include a purchased gift. Read the rest of this entry »

As is the case every day of the year, and perhaps felt more dearly over the holiday season, donations to the Oregon Food Bank are always appreciated. This 2011 holiday season, won’t you take the time to drop off some food items or make a monetary donation to the Food Bank.

Since 1982 the Oregon Food Bank has been leading the fight against hunger – believing that with sufficient public will and support it is possible to eliminate hunger and its root causes. The OFB Network helps nearly 1 in 5 households fend off hunger.

For more information about the Oregon Food bank go to their website. For more information about drop off locations check out this page on the Oregon Food Bank website.

Oregonlive.com just posted a great list of  Portland Holiday Events. Concerts, holiday lights, the Nutcracker ballet, and more. Fun, fun, fun for the entire family!

If you know of other holiday events you’d like us to post please email us at and we’ll post the event.

It’s not too early to consider how you might participate in charitable activities or decide how you might donate to an organization. Oregonlive.com recently posted a great article with some suggestions.

Here’s a quick rundown of the article’s content:

• Feed the hungry
• Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
• Angel Tree
• Charity runs
• Organize a drive
• Salvation Army
• Toys for Tots
• Holiday caroling

If you know of another charitable organization or wish to promote your activity, please contact us atand we’ll post your info.

It’s that time of year again.

Metro Toy Drive raises donations, toys and books for children in need year-round: birthdays, holidays, medical situations and personal loss. This charity, founded in 2010, was successful in raising 6,500+ toys and books during our first holiday season with Starbucks’ support.

Won’t you support Metro Toy Drive and put a smile on a kid’s face?

For more info: Metro Toy Drive Website, Find Metro Toy Drive on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Most parents understand the importance of childproofing their homes. Gates on stairs, using smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keeping medicines and poisons out of reach are fairly standard in many homes.

In addition to the risks of holiday decorations, younger children can get into trouble if they visit a home during the holidays (or anytime of year) that isn’t childproofed. Read the rest of this entry »