I am sitting here tonight remembering Christmas when my children were small. As with many kids, mine celebrated Christmas in several different homes. Their Dad and I lived apart, and then there were a mix of grandparents and step-grandparents. While the early years were sometimes awkward, eventually we all fell into a comfortable routine of sharing holidays. Of course my kids loved all the 'extra' Christmas days that this created.
What I came to understand is that arguing and fighting over who gets the kids Christmas eve versus Christmas morning is not what "Peace on earth, goodwill to men" is all about. So, if you are in that difficult negotiating phase of a separation or divorce, remember that peace and compromise will make your children happier.
December 25 is just an arbitrary day on the calender. I intentionally chose to celebrate Christmas with my family on December 27. It gave the visiting children time to calm down a bit from spending Christmas day with their other families. My kids became so accustomed to this arrangement that even as adults they enjoy prolonging the holiday through the week.
So. as you are making plans for the Holidays, remember this is a season of joy and find creative ways for everyone to enjoy Christmas.
This little back pack can be found in our Dance Bags, Purses and Totes category and is great for overnighters. 
I hope you find time to stop in at Kidoodles by Kim and look at our many Personalized Kids Gifts and Personalized Baby Gifts.
One of Kim's elves,
Helen
Filed under Backpacks by on Nov 15th, 2007. 
I am still in the list making phase. Every time I think I am done there is someone new to add. Since I am on a budget like every one else, I spend the most on my grandkids and give token 'thinking of you gifts' to every one else.
I have 6 grand children by my step daughter and foster daughter and a couple extra 'honorary' grand daughters as well. One of these girls turned 3 this year so I have a very special gift picked out for her. This peg rack, in our Room Decor category, is painted soft pink with creamy white lettering. In addition to the pink 'jewels' it has 3 very useful pegs.
Personalized with her name and birthdate, I know she will love it and her mom will too when she hangs up her coat every day!
At Kidoodles by Kim, we have so many gift ideas like Personalized kids gifts, Personalized baby gifts and much, much more.
One of Kim's elves,
Helen
Filed under Room Decor by on Nov 14th, 2007.
This is my first blog on our baby gifts at Kidoodles by Kim. With Christmas on the way I know you are all working hard on making lists and trying to come up with unique and special gifts for your family and friends.
My first step is always to write out my lists. One for the adults and couples, and one for the children.
Then I begin to browse the web and start filling in the blanks. I keep a box in my closet with potential gifts that I have purchased during the year and so, some of the blanks get filled in easily.
The next step I do is to find some shipping boxes for each family I will ship to, and as I find the perfect item I put it in the right box.
Since I do all of my shopping online, I start this process early. I never direct ship any gift, in case what I order is not what I expected and need time to return, exchange or re-order.
My niece is having a baby early next year, so her Christmas gift will be on a baby theme. Here are a couple of ideas I am considering.
Won't this Picture Frame be adorable with a pic of her and her husband in the large frame and for now a snippet from her ultra sound in the small frame! I can have it personalized with their names at no extra charge!
Or maybe embroidered t-shirts for her and her husband! 
Well, there are lots of ideas for Christmas Gifts at Kidoodles by Kim.
Kim carrys Personalized Baby Gifts and Personalized Kids Gifts, and so much more!
One of Kim's elves,
Helen
Filed under Adult T-shirts, Picture Frames by on Nov 9th, 2007.
