Mormon Life - Holidays tag

Traveling in the Winter

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

by Emergency Essentials
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Winter travel is unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Prepare yourself for success with these essential tips.

One of the most important concepts to remember when planning winter excursions: If there are winter storm warnings and watches don?t travel unless it is absolutely necessary! If you must travel or have traveled into a winter storm, we have compiled some tips to help you survive.

If you are nervous about driving in bad weather, it is recommended to use public transportation. If you must drive, stay on major routes that will be plowed and maintained. Let someone know the route you plan to take and call them when you arrive. This way your route can be checked and you could be found sooner if you get stuck. Once you are on your way stick to your preplanned route. Drive cautiously, leaving a greater than normal following distance between you and any cars in front of you. In heavy snow slow down until you can see for at least a few feet in front of your car. If the snow is so heavy that it prevents you seeing much at all take the first opportunity to stop in a town and wait out the storm.

The first key to traveling safely in the winter is to avoid getting stuck in the snow.

In order to prepare adequately, you need to be informed. Knowing the terms used to forecast winter weather conditions will help you know what to expect:

Traveler's Advisory. Snow or ice is expected. Travel and visibility may be difficult.

Winter Storm Watch. Severe winter weather is possible. Stay tuned to the TV or radio for more information.

Winter Storm Warning. Heavy snow or freezing rain is expected. Freezing rain is forecast when the expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.

Blizzard Warning. Heavy snow, winds of 35 mph or more, and temperatures of 20 degrees or lower are expected.

Severe Blizzard Warning. Very heavy snow is expected with winds over 45 mph and temperatures below 10 degrees. Visibility can be so poor that you will not be able to see for more than a few yards.

Another important key to traveling safely in the winter is preparation. If you know that you will be making a trip this winter, take time now to make sure your vehicle is in the proper condition for safe winter travel. Make sure you check your vehicle at least one week before your trip because some repairs (like repairs to a rear window defroster) may need to cure for a few days before you can use them. In preparing your car you will need to have a mechanic (or yourself if you are able) check the following:

Battery. One of the first problems that can occur during cold weather is a battery problem. If you are unsure about your battery, it may be wise to have a mechanic check it out.

Ignition system. It is important to be able to start your car in any weather predicament. Be sure to check for any damaged wires or cracks in your distributor cap that could cause a sudden break down.

Lights. Make sure both your front and back (including brake) lights function properly. Be sure your front lights are aimed correctly. A headlight that is aimed too high will only contribute to obscuring your vision because it lights up the snowflakes instead of the road, and the glare on the falling snow obscures your vision beyond it.

Brakes. Make sure they will brake evenly to help prevent skidding. Do you know how to use brakes on the snow and ice?

Tires. These are the only connection between you and the road. If they are worn or improperly inflated it will diminish your starting, stopping, and turning ability. Be sure to rotate your tires if needed.

Exhaust system. Have the exhaust system checked for leaks of deadly carbon monoxide gas. If you become trapped in your car this check could save your life.

Heating and cooling system. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump, and radiator are working properly. Check the hoses to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. Test the strength of your antifreeze to make sure it is not too weak. Make sure both the heater and defroster work well.

Windshield. Check the wipers and replace if necessary. Fill up on windshield washer fluid (make sure it is the kind that won't freeze in the reservoir), and make sure it can reach your windshield by checking the motor and making sure the nozzles are not clogged.

Oil. Check the oil level and make sure you have the right kind of oil for low temperatures. This should be specified in your owner?s manual. Check with your mechanic or an auto part store.

Gas. Try to keep your tank as full as possible (above 1/2 tank) so that if you are stranded you will have plenty of fuel to run the car and be able to use the heater.

Now that you have your vehicle checked out, you will want to make sure you are prepared with the necessary items in your car. It is recommended to store an emergency car kit. For more information, see the Insight Articles on Car Preparedness and Safety and How to Build an Emergency Car Kit.

In addition to the emergency car kit, we recommend having mittens, scarf and stocking cap. Also have 30 feet or more of drapery cord or strong nylon string. If you must leave the vehicle to inspect outside conditions, tie a long cord to the vehicle and yourself so you can find your way back. If you have a cell phone keep it charged.

If you do break down DO NOT leave your car. It is the best shelter you can have in a winter storm. Call for help on your cell phone if it is working. While you are stuck, start the car and run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to use the heater. Make sure you crack a window on the side away from the wind to get fresh air. Periodically check to make sure your tail pipe is not blocked by snow or other objects. If it is, you should clear it before using the engine to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid strenuous exercise or exertion. Sweating will only make you colder. When the engine is running turn on your lights so that rescuers can see you. Tie a brightly colored cloth (red, if possible) to your antenna for the same reason. If there is more than one person in the car you should take turns sleeping so that one of you can be alert to watch for rescuers. Make sure you ration battery power. Try not to use any of the car's electrical devices without having the engine running. If your battery does run done, you should be prepared with an emergency power generator. Your main goal if you become stranded is to stay warm until help arrives. After keeping warm, your priorities should be water, food, and then signaling for help.

Once the storm stops, you may be tempted to go for help. In most situations it is better for you to stay with your vehicle. Help may have been delayed by the same storm that trapped you, and your vehicle is easier to find than you are. Remember to ask yourself some important questions. Is your water and food supply portable so that leaving your vehicle won't create more problems? Do you have a way of maintaining a constant direction and not walking in circles? Could you leave a note for rescuers to tell them where you went? If you answered no to all these questions you should not leave your vehicle. You won?t increase your chances of being found and you decrease your chance for survival. If you must get out and do something then clear your car off so it is easier to see. Make a signal in the snow that passing planes could see. Spread out a brightly colored blanket on the snow to make a signal. In all these activities remember that cold weather makes exertion harder on your heart and your body, so don't sweat and stay warm. It is easier to stay warm than to get warm again.

Traveling in the winter can be a lot of fun once you have properly prepared. Hopefully this information will help you to prepare for winter traveling.

Corpus Christi

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:40:00 -0700

source: bycommonconsent.com

Mormon Life says: This brings up a really fascinating point: how do new Mormons with non-Christian backgrounds celebrate traditional Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter? I don’t think it’s insignificant that Mormons do not have religious holidays, even Christmas and Easter are drawn from western Christian traditions; and thus are usually celebrated by Mormons when the rest of Christendom celebrates them according to the region of the world they are in at the time of those holidays. For instance, Easter in Russia is celebrated by Mormons according to the Orthodox calendar, while Easter in Italy is celebrated by Mormons on the date accorded by Catholic tradition.

Holiday Safety Tips

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:04:00 -0700

by Emergency Essentials
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Many of the fun, added trappings and activities of Christmastime bring with them the added potential for danger. Take a look through this list to make sure you meet the safety check.

It is important during this holiday season to remember important safety recommendations. Here are some tips for making your home safe during the holidays:

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees can be a major fire hazard. We all have a responsibility to take precautions to prevent fires in our neighborhoods and communities. Here are a few basic ideas to keep your natural tree fresh and healthy, and to protect your family:

-Make sure the water level on the tree never drops below the bottom of the tree.

-Make sure your tree is securely fastened to the stand so it cannot be easily tipped over.

-Keep your tree away from heat sources such as a space heater or fireplace. Be sure the tree is also placed away from burning candles.

-Keep a fire extinguisher in a clearly visible place.

-Avoid placing your tree in high traffic areas or exits.

-If you choose to have an artificial tree, make sure it is fire retardant.

-Discard the tree as soon as it shows signs of drying out.

Decorations

-We recommend you not use tinsel. It is easy for children to swallow and can get wound around a small child's fingers, cutting off circulation.

-Glass ornaments should be placed high on the tree.

-Smaller ornaments should also be out of reach of children.

-Place non-breakable ornaments, ones without sequins or beads, on the lower branches. Tie them on with ribbon or string instead of hooks.

-Some plants such as mistletoe (and its berries), holly, and poinsettias, can also be toxic. Keep them away from babies and small children.

-Avoid using spray-on snow, which may give off harmful fumes.

-Put wrapping paper in the garbage immediately after opening presents. Dyes that are present in the paper can be toxic for small children, who may chew on the pieces of wrapping paper.

-Heavy stocking holders can be pulled down onto a child's head. Keep stockings up high, or use plastic hooks to hold them in place.

Lights

-Check for loose connections, frayed ends, bad electrical sockets and plugs, or other damaged wiring. Replace lights with any of these problems.

-Don't put more than three strands end to end--this can cause circuits to burn out.

Turn lights off when you go to bed.

-Small, new lights are safer than the older, larger bulb style that generate more heat and dry out your tree faster.

Toys

-As you finish up your Christmas shopping for the children on your list, pay attention to the details that may make a toy dangerous for children to play with.

-"Think big" when choosing toys. Avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard.

-Look for stuffed animals with eyes, noses, or other decorations that are securely sewn on.

-Most toys have an age recommendation on the label. Suggest that gift-givers look for the appropriate age level for your child.

Other Considerations

-Be sure to check batteries in the smoke detectors throughout your home.

-Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible place such as the kitchen, the room where the Christmas tree will be standing, or near a fireplace.

-Be sure to lock your home when you are away. The holiday season is a common time when homes are broken into.

-Keep a first aid kit handy in case there are any accidents. Also include Burnfree dressings and gel.

-Be sure to have an emergency car kit in your car while traveling to and from friends and family.

-Keep your emergency kit near a main exit in your home.

-Have a family evacuation plan in place, in case of fire or other emergency.

Being prepared is a valuable gift you can give your family this holiday season. We hope these tips will help make your home peaceful and safe for everyone. Remember to use common sense and think ahead for possible dangers that are unique to your family. There is always something you can do to make your home better prepared and safer for the holidays.

{Lifestyle} Holiday Etiquette

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:35:00 -0700

by SarahJo Ciotti
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Whether you are hosting or attending, with family and friends or just acquaintances, this holiday we can help you keep your napkin on your lap and your pinkies out with our holiday etiquette "do"s and "don’t"s!

The most wonderful time of the year is filled with social gatherings at family homes, friends’ apartments, and even offices. Some may be staying with their own families, but others may be visiting with roommates or the in-laws. In these and other social gatherings we don’t always know what is expected of us. So, cracking open our figurative book of holiday etiquette, we’ve compiled a few "do"s and "don’t"s for various holiday occasions.

Gift giving and receiving

On budget

Do talk to family about limitations. If your family is growing, buying for cousins, brothers and sisters, and their children can become more than you can handle. It is perfectly acceptable to bring up other options such as only gifts for the kids, secret Santas, or a dollar amount limit per gift.

Don’t overextend your budget. If you can only afford $13 gifts per family member, stick to it. Even if you get something more expensive from someone else, don’t feel obligated to price match. There is no need to run up a credit bill you will be paying off well into the New Year.

The unexpected

Do be gracious. Even if your Aunt Clara makes you a homemade pink-bunny onesie, smile and say, “Thank you, you must have put a lot of time into this. The stitches are tiny!” If the item is returnable (sadly you may be stuck with a handmade item like the bunny suit) taking it back to the store is perfectly acceptable later.

Don’t run out and buy a gift when you receive one from an unexpected source. Of course you can accept the gift, and even express embarrassment for not having something in return. Put the person’s name on the list for next year, and don’t stress about what stores are open where you can run out and buy something and have it gift wrapped before they leave.

At the work place

Don’t be overly extravagant. You are not required to give a gift to your boss, although a small token of appreciation is acceptable. If you go overboard, though, you may cause some awkwardness among co-workers who may believe you are kissing-up for a promotion.

Do find out whether anyone at work exchanges gifts at the holidays. If not, don't begin a custom that will make others feel uncomfortable.

For a visit

Do make the visit easy. As the host, sharing details beforehand about routines or traditions will make visits go smoothly for both your guest and yourself.

Don’t leave a mess. As a guest you want to clean up after yourself, fix your bed, tidy the bathroom when you’re done, help clear the table, and offer to help whenever possible.

Do show that you’re enjoying yourself. Being gracious and happy will make the holidays bright as well as make your host happy to have you around.

Preparing and participating in a holiday dinner or party

Before

Do bring a host/hostess gift. Candles, breakfast muffin mix, or even a bag of ice (just in case), would show the host or hostess that you appreciate the work they put into making you feel comfortable at their party or dinner.

Do offer to help. Setting the table, volunteering for a game, or serving dessert--there are many things guests can do to be helpful. But if your offer is turned down, the most help you can give is to enjoy yourself.

During

Do pay attention. While serving yourself, be careful not to spill or drop food. If you do, immediately dab or pick up the food to make cleanup easier on the host later.

Don’t refuse a dish. It is polite to take a small taste of each dish offered. However, when with a closer gathering of family and friends, a polite “No, thank you,” is acceptable for refusing a dish. When an allergy is the reason, it is never impolite to refuse.

Don’t season your food before you taste. Giving the cook the benefit of the doubt is a great compliment, regardless of whether or not you sprinkle some salt over the dish after the initial bite.

Do make conversation. Being social is the point of Christmas feasts. To reconnect and exude the holiday spirit, don’t get lost in the mashed potatoes; look up and connect with those around you.

Don’t be a lump. Participate in whatever the host has planned, whether it’s charades, new foods, or just chatting with people around you.

After

Don’t linger. As the guests begin to put on their coats and leave, take that as your cue as well. Typically dinner guests are expected to stay for about an hour after dinner, unless invited to stay longer.

Kid History Christmas

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:37:00 -0700

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: Another hilarious video brought to you by the "Kid History" Mormon family.

{Food Dish} Ultimate Guide: Ridiculously Cute Christmas Foods

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:57:00 -0700

by Kaela Worthen
source: MormonLife.com

I'm really good at making food taste good. What I'm not so good at is making it look pretty. I also happen to be a Pinterest addict, which means I get almost all of my food inspiration from my visual pinboard cookbook. The results usually go something like this:

(Thank you, Pinterest, for illustrating my life so well for me.)

However, that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy looking at pretty food and wishing I had such skills. And since I know some of you do actually have such skills, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite finds, in the hopes that someone will get to make and eat them.

Melted snowman cookies. Seriously. How ridiculously cute are these?

Christmas cheese party tray.
It's easy to make desserts decorative, but not so with many other party foods. This is great.

Brownie Christmas trees from Betty Crocker.
Not only are these possibly the most delish of the bunch, but I think I could possibly make them without messing them up too horribly.

Santa feet cupcake.
And several other cute cupcakes I could never be capable of making.

Christmas reindeer mini donuts.
I could SO make these.

Reindeer peanut butter cookies.
I might even be able to make these ones.

Santa hat pretzels.
Cute neighbor Christmas gift, anyone?

And for those of you with super food skills, you can check this link out for even more Christmas cupcake inspiration. (If you're like me, though, don't look. Please. It'll keep you from getting depressed.)

{Single Saints} 5 Secrets to Dating Success During the Holidays

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:04:00 -0700

by Alisa Snell - Dating Coach
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Avoid winter dating woes by studying up on common mistakes made during the holidays and learning the secrets to counteract them.

The holidays often have huge romantic expectations and disappointments. If you are in a relationship (or wanting to be in one), you canʼt afford to make these five common mistakes. However, if you apply the accompanying five secrets, you may instead find lasting love.

Mistake #1: Hibernating for the Winter

For some singles, the winter and holidays can be lonely and depressing, whereas other singles use the cold as an excuse to just wall-up inside and do nothing. In either case, hibernating for the winter can have a huge impact on your happiness and relationships and can make you less attractive to the opposite sex. Not only does a sedentary lifestyle add to depression, anxiety, and weight gain, but it also prevents you from meeting new singles. Additionally, when men and women hang out instead of being actively involved, they often feel less passionately toward each other. Thus, being actively involved in life and doing things together makes you and the relationship more attractive, interesting, and desirable.

Secret #1: Treat the winter as a time to step out of your comfort zone and do something new with other singles or a dating partner.

In other words, women, take up a new hobby such as indoor rock climbing, scuba diving instruction, marathon training, etc. These can be great places to meet men. Men, take a dance class or join a new exercise group or yoga class. Lots of women attend these types of classes, and being physically active increases the chance of one or both of you feeling more chemistry.

Mistake #2: Inviting a Date to a High-pressure Event

If you just started dating someone, now is not the time to invite him or her to your work or family parties for the holidays. Itʼs too much pressure and can make you appear too "into" them. Instead plan on going to these events alone this holiday season, unless your date invites you to one of their holiday parties.

Secret #2: Women, follow the lead of the men you date, and men, set limits when needed, but in a loving way.

Ladies, if he invites you to a holiday party, it is safe to invite him to one of yours (not two or three). Following his lead means that you match his efforts, not exceed them. Men, if the woman you are dating asks you to a holiday party and the pressure of this event feels too great, simply say, “Wow, thanks for wanting me to come, but if itʼs okay I would rather wait until we have been dating a little longer.” Then offer to take her out for a date on another night. By doing this you avoid rejecting her personally while also avoiding the pressure that could prematurely drive you away from the relationship.

Mistake #3: Engaging in "Define the Relationship" Conversations

If you are wondering where the relationship is going, the holiday season is not the time to ask. The holidays alone can create too much pressure, and asking, “How do you feel about me and our relationship?” often makes you look desperate and needy.

Secret #3: Focus on having fun over the holidays and saving any serious conversations about how your dating partner feels about you until January.

Instead of cornering the person and making them analyze what they are feeling (or not feeling) just have fun and assume that the relationship is less serious (even if they invite you to their family or work parties). If you assume less you will create less pressure, whereas if you assume too much, the other person may panic and run. And for those singles who were hoping to have a Christmas Eve engagement experience: Unless they were ring shopping with you before Thanksgiving, put such dreams out of your mind. Itʼs not likely to happen and pressuring them to move more quickly will only cause tension or break ups.

Mistake #4: Buying Expensive Gifts

You may want to buy your new dating partner an expensive gift, but unless you are in a clearly defined girlfriend/boyfriend relationship, keep your gifts to $50 or less (preferably $30 or less).

Secret #4: Give a gift that matches but does not exceed their efforts or the seriousness of the relationship.

If you fear that they may buy you something expensive and you donʼt want to look cheap, then buy two gifts (one that is more expensive and one that is less expensive) so you can pull out the appropriate gift based on their gift, and then return the other. And, if you have only been on one or two dates, forgo giving a gift altogether and instead prepare a simple treat, like something you would give a neighbor. Such a gesture is enough to show you are thinking of them but are not assuming that the relationship is more serious than it is.

Mistake #5: Introducing Your Date as Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend

When attending a work or family party, it is reasonable to assume that others will ask you or your date if you are serious or just friends. Anticipate this problem beforehand so as to avoid an awkward moment that could create too much pressure. You need to look confident and comfortable with the least serious description of your relationship so your date doesnʼt feel shocked by any descriptions that donʼt match their feelings.

Secret #5: Express that you intend to introduce your date as a good friend (or just a date) until they say they want to be introduced as more (boyfriend/girlfriend or fiance).

Determine the least serious description you think you could both agree on, then make sure to share this assumption with your date before the event so that they also donʼt feel hurt. To do this, say, “Just to be on the safe side, if anyone asks about us, I plan to say that we are just good friends [or just dating]. Let me know if you would prefer that I introduce you as more than this.” Then smile, act confident, and change the subject. They will appreciate the less-pressure-filled description while feeling free to jump in with a different description (i.e., “Iʼm okay with you saying Iʼm your boyfriend”) if they prefer it.

For more dating techniques like these and to help you avoid hundreds of other dating mistakes or issues, visit itsyourtechnique.com. After all, regardless of your dating past, itʼs NOT you--itʼs your technique. With the right knowledge and skills, you can find the relationships you are looking for.

Alisa Goodwin Snell is a licensed marriage and family therapist and dating coach with 17 years of experience. She is the author of the Mormon Dating System. Visit itsyourtechnique.com/specialoffer to get amazing discounts on her books, DVDs, and audios (only available on her website).

The Mechanics of Christmas: The Gingerbread Cookie Machine

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:55:00 -0700

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: This awesome display is in Deseret Book just across the street from Temple Square.

A personal invitation to the '12 Days of Service'

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:05:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: This article gives great ideas of what to do for each day of service. When I was a child, my family practiced the 12 Days of Christmas tradition. No doubt many readers have too.

The tradition takes many different forms. In our case, my father wrote clever stories for each of the 12 days and made accompanying, often elaborate, handmade gifts. Even now, the sometimes zany childhood drop-offs are etched in my mind as some of my favorite Christmas memories.

It’s my turn as husband and father, and my own family has dabbled with this and many other traditions. The Christmas Jar, of course, has become a central part of our annual celebration, but we’re still exploring all avenues to impress upon our children the true reason for the season and the value of living a service-oriented life.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:05:00 -0700

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Don't forget to watch it tomorrow! An invitation to all Church members, non-members, family and friends has been extended to take part in the annual broadcast of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. The program will transpire in front of a live audience and originate from the Conference Center on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. mountain standard time. Traditionally, the devotional includes a Christmas message from each member of the First Presidency along with music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.

{Lifestyle} Christmas Crafts for Kids

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:59:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: 10 Christmas crafts to keep your kids entertained this holiday season.

Photo from Parents magazine Christmas Finger Puppets

Photo from Martha Stewart Snow Globes

Photo from The Other White House Handprint Christmas Tree

Photo from Pepper Design Blog Paper Ornaments

Photo from Back to the Drawing Board Stained Glass Tree Art

Photo from Classic Play Homemade Christmas Cards

Photo from Craft Rookie Footprint Christmas Tree

Photo from Parents magazine Simple Ornaments

Photo from Martha Stewart Peppermint Ornaments

Photo from Macula Paper Toy Elves

Christ-centered Christmas Advent activities

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:07:00 -0700

source: mormonwoman.org

Happy December 1! We’ve had people searching on the topic of Christ-centered advent calendars, so we’re posting Christmas advent activities posted in years past. Enjoy!

{LDS How-to} Throw the Perfect Ward Christmas Party

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:53:00 -0700

by Whitney Sorensen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Christmastime is here. While you may already have most of your ward party finalized, check out these ideas for wrapping up some of the details and taking your party to the next level.

Carols. Candy canes. The ward Christmas party. These signs of the season are just about to arrive. Since wards no longer have formal activities committees, the coordinators of this annual event will vary from ward to ward, but the following tips will help anyone host an unforgettable Christmas bash.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The holiday season is full of neighborhood and work get-togethers, so how do you find the perfect day for your ward family’s celebration? Earlier in the month may be more convenient since families are still in town and kids are still in school. Plus, not stressing about the details of the ward party later in the season leaves you time to enjoy it, too. Weekend evenings or Saturday mornings work well, but coordinating with the young men and women leaders to host the party on a mutual night lets you accomplish two purposes in one evening.

Deck the Cultural Hall
Don’t let finding decorations for your party seem like a chore. Instead of spending time and money assembling brand new centerpieces, borrow holiday decorations from a few ward members. Maybe someone has a collection of holiday tins to display or those spare ornaments and bells would look great presented in a jar. Edible accents for centerpieces like red and green M&M’s are always a hit—and they practically clean themselves up!

To make the decorations more interactive, hold a decorating contest. Get each table the same centerpiece—like a small Christmas tree or a box to be gift-wrapped—and tell guests to come prepared to decorate for their dinner. Award extra points for arriving on-time, and have the bishopric or a ward-decorating expert select the best of the bunch. The winning table gets to go through the buffet line first.

Décor could also center around the theme of your party, if you choose to include one. To stage your own Christmas in Bethlehem, for example, set up booths like a street market and create your own manger.

Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding
Although the party is more about fun and friendship than food and flavor, you’ll want to include treats or a meal in the festivities. For a variation on traditional holiday fare, host a Christmas potluck. Ask ward members to bring a dish that signifies the holiday season at their home. Have people sign up to bring either an appetizer, a salad, a entrée, or a dessert so all tastes are satisfied. All you need to prepare is a buffet table for all the goodies and a seasonal beverage to complement the food—anything from cider and hot chocolate to eggnog and milk.

Have Yourself a Merry Christmas Party
Adequate time for socializing is a must, but entertaining activities will make your party memorable. Outgoing wards might enjoy a Christmas relay race, but others would be happier with a simple Christmas talent show. If you combine your Christmas party with a New Year’s celebration, you can commemorate the big events of the past year—families that have moved in, memorable ward activities, and Scout or Young Women service projects—with a photo slide show that plays all night or at the beginning or end of the festivities.

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Don’t forget to have a spiritual element to the celebration. Singing carols is a simple standby, but if you want a different activity, reading a brief but uplifting story can highlight the purposes of Christmas in a new way. Incorporate service by assembling hygiene kits or care packages. Set up a table where people can write brief notes to missionaries. And instead of anticipating the visit from Santa, primary children can draw what they would leave for Christ at the manger.

For more ward Christmas party ideas, visit our list in "The Annual Ward Christmas Party."

{Single Saints} Surviving the Holidays after Divorce

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:05:00 -0700

by Jessica Carter
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The holidays can be an especially difficult time for the recently divorced - what with all the family, traditions, and memories that will certainly be affected. How can you bring back some of the cheer? Earlier this week we ran an article on what to say (and not say) to the recently divorced. But the holidays can be an especially difficult time. If you’re facing the holidays for the first time as a divorced person, try the following tips to brighten the season.

Accept the invitations. Resist the urge to sit home in your pajamas feeling sorry for yourself. Take every opportunity to have fun and socialize. If the party invitations aren’t pouring in, plan your own get-together.

Recharge. Social gatherings are a great way to lift your spirits, but pampering yourself is also essential. Treat yourself to a massage or that new novel you’ve wanted to read. Do something that makes you happy, and don’t feel guilty for taking a little time for yourself.

Make goals. The holiday season is definitely not the time to dwell on the negative. But with the New Year fast approaching, meaningful reflection and sincere resolve to improve yourself in specific areas can give you hope for a happier life in 2012.

Create new traditions. Undoubtedly, the holidays will conjure memories of your ex spouse, and the traditions you loved can make the season more painful for you and your children. Take the time to plan different activities and create new, positive experiences for everyone.

Coordinate with your ex well in advance. If you have children, make sure you plan the holiday schedule early on so everyone knows what to count on. Where will the children spend Thanksgiving? Christmas Eve? Christmas Day? Are there any family gatherings planned? Working out the kinks as soon as possible will make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone involved. Be flexible. And above all, be civil.

Stay positive. I know, it’s definitely easier said than done, but it is possible. Surround yourself with upbeat people and avoid those friends and family members who love to commiserate and complain. A positive attitude is especially important if you have children—like it or not, your mood will set the tone for their holiday, too.

{LDSL Blog} Our "Thankful" List

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:03:00 -0700

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Just a quick list we're sharing with you of the things for which we're grateful during this Thanksgiving season.

After an eventful year, LDS Living is feeling really grateful – and that's a contagious emotion. So we're sharing our thankful list with you:

Erin Hallstrom, Associate Publisher: After dealing with an unexpected medical diagnosis this year, I can unequivocally say I am grateful for good health and a strong body. Our bodies are resilient and can do really hard things. For that (among many other things) I am thankful.

SarahJo Ciotti, Intern: I’m thankful for social media that makes the distances between family and friends seem a little smaller.

Bradley Hayes, Marketing Graphic Artist: I am thankful for good music. Whether playing it on an instrument or listening to it, nothing can melt away my cares the way music can. It invigorates my mind and energizes my soul. 

Kate Ensign-Lewis, Online Editor: I could try to be clever and say that I'm most grateful for a big five-bum kitchen to cook in (which I am grateful for), but this year perhaps more than any other year I am most thankful for family. I look around me and see all the evidence of a blessing for which I waited – a child. And every time I look at my baby's sweet face, or kiss his cheeks, or simply stop to think about him, I can't help feeling overwhelmingly blessed to have been entrusted with him. How sweet it is.

Ruthann Cunningham, Circulation Manager: I’m thankful for the small miracles I see every day when I stop and look up.

Ashley Evanson, Online Editor: Of course I'm grateful for the big things: family, the gospel, my job; but I'm grateful for the not-so-big things, too. For example, my space heater. I would freeze without it. Or butter. Life is better with butter. Oh, and mail – real mail, that is. I love getting letters and magazines in my mailbox; they make me feel special. What would life be without the small stuff?

Jamie Lawson, Managing Editor: After making it through the most difficult year of my life, I can honestly say that I’m thankful for each of the trials I have faced. I am stronger, wiser, more compassionate, and more patient because of them, and I appreciate the personal growth that can come from life’s twists and turns if I am willing to learn.

What are YOU thankful for?

Preparing for a Christ-centered Christmas

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:04:00 -0700

by Eric D. Hunstman
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Do you want to focus on the true spirit of Christmas this year? Consider celebrating Advent, a celebration that uses the four Sundays prior to Christmas as a time to contemplate Christ’s birth. Get ready to start this Sunday!

Stores and radio stations have already begun to prepare us for Christmas, trotting out their decorations and playing seasonal music much earlier than the day after Thanksgiving that was once the traditional beginning of the Christmas season in the past. For families and individuals who want a less commercial and more spiritual period of preparation, here are a few ideas, some arising from long-standing Christian traditions and practice and others having developed from our own family’s practical experience.

Decorating . . . with a Purpose
It is no secret that so many of our traditional Christmas decorations actually have pre-Christian antecedents. While few today look at Christmas trees, lights, mistletoe, and Yule logs and think of the early pagan midwinter festivals and practices they came from, these decorations can be more than just festive if we take the time to think and talk about the Christian meanings that we have since given them.

In our family, we decorate the tree and put up most of our decorations on the Monday after Thanksgiving. That gives us a chance to use our Family Home Evening to talk about the symbolism that we have given each of these decorations (see, for example, Sherry Dillehay “On the Symbolism of Christmas” from “The Sixth Word,” Especially for Mormons, Vol. 2, and Eric D. Huntsman, Good Tidings of Great Joy, 8). We talk about how the green Christmas tree and wreaths represent the eternal life that Jesus was born to bring, and we point out how the lights, both outside and inside our home, represent that Jesus, the True Light, came to light up a world in darkness. Likewise, the stars on our trees and even in the shapes of our cookies remind us of the Star of Bethlehem, calling us, too, to come to the newborn King.

But in addition to these kinds of trimmings, we have decided to make one set in particular the center of our Christmas decorations. While the tree and other decorations go up on the Monday after Thanksgiving, the day before, on Sunday, we set up our Nativity scene. Setting up this crèche has become a treasured tradition in our family. Elaine and I bought the stable and the figures of the Holy Family, a shepherd, and the wise men for the first Christmas in our first home. Since then we have established the pattern of buying one new figure each Christmas season to add to the set—which is fast becoming quite a crowd! But by putting the Nativity out first, it helps the children, and us, remember what the holiday is all about throughout the season.

Celebrating Advent
While stores use a month (or more) to prepare us to shop for Christmas, we try to use that month as a season of spiritual preparation. Many Christian traditions have long used the four weeks as a period to celebrate the Advent, or coming, of Jesus Christ into the world. While celebrating Advent is not a common Latter-day Saint practice, many with German or Scandinavian roots or those who are converts from other faiths may be familiar with the practice of using the four Sundays before Christmas as a special time to gather and look forward to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent can also look forward to his glorious Second Coming that still lies ahead.

In 2002, our family decided to add a modified version of Advent to our Christmas traditions. Like many who observe Advent more formally, we purchased a simple green wreath and set in its circle four candles and placed a single white candle in the middle. On the fourth Sunday before Christmas we light the first candle, and each Sunday thereafter we light another until Christmas Eve, when we light the center candle as well.

Lighting these candles each Sunday of Advent and then again on Christmas Eve provides us with an opportunity to hold a family devotional that helps us keep our Christmas focused on the birth of Jesus and the joyful hope of his return. One tradition holds that these candles represent the Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, so on each of the four Sundays before Christmas we read selections from the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, and talk about how they relate to those themes. After singing a seasonal song, we have our family prayer and then move to more fun traditions, such as opening that day’s pocket in our Advent calendar and then sharing a treat together.

Having a Scripture-Centered Holiday
Reading scriptural passages together on each of the Sundays of Advent is only one of the ways we have tried to keep the scriptures the center of our holiday season. Borrowing ideas from others, we have put together a list of scriptures about the coming of Christ and use it together with a collection of Christmas stories and carols that we draw upon for each of the days in December leading up to Christmas Eve. Before our family prayer each night during that month, we gather to read a story, read a scripture, and sing. These daily Christmas devotionals have done much to keep all the commercialism and other festive holiday practices from squeezing out the true meaning of Christmas.

But in addition to this use of the scriptures with my family, I have found that in-depth personal study of the coming of Jesus Christ does more than anything else to bring the Spirit into my life and help me focus on the meaning of Jesus’ birth—and his later suffering, death, and resurrection. There are four weeks in the Advent season, and there also happen to be four chapters in the so-called Infancy Narratives of Mathew and Luke. So part of my personal study each December is to read, study, and think about Matthew 1 the first week, Luke 1 the second, Luke 2 the third, and finally Matthew 2 the fourth. When I do this, I am better able to teach and bear testimony of what Christmas is all about when we finally arrive at Christmas Eve.

Remember What the Gifts Are All About
The happy custom of exchanging gifts first and foremost is a recollection of how God so loved the world that he gave us the greatest gift, the gift of his only Begotten Son (see John 3:16–17), and how Jesus so loved us that he was willing to die, and rise, for us (see John 15:13). Like many, we use the story of the wise men bringing gifts as a precedent for our own gift-giving (Matthew 2:11), but in addition to thoughtfully making or purchasing gifts for our loved ones as a way of showing our love, we also talk about what gifts we can offer our Savior that year. A few years ago we adopted the tradition of some friends who hand out a small card with a picture of Mary or Joseph with the Baby Jesus to each member of the family on Christmas Eve. We then take time to write on the back of that card what we can offer the Savior that year in return for His love and mercy.

The True Meaning of Christmas
Recalling why Jesus came into the world reminds us of an important fact, that “there would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.” As a result, as we decorate, I always point out that besides green, the other traditional color of Christmas is red, reminding us of the blood that Jesus would shed for us. Likewise, when we celebrate Advent, we use the fifth candle, which we light on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day, to represent a new Advent theme, that of the salvation that Jesus Christ came to bring.

Finally, just as I make the Infancy Narratives of Matthew and Luke the focus of special study during the four weeks before Christmas, I also read with them beautiful prophecies about the coming of Christ from the Book of Mormon such as 1 Nephi 11:12–33, Mosiah 3:1–13, Alma 7:9–14, Helaman 14:1–8, and 3 Nephi 1:1–21. These passages not only talk about birth of Jesus, they also tie it directly to his atoning sacrifice and Resurrection, making the “good tidings of great joy” of the Christmas story as much about the “glad tidings of great joy” of Easter.

Ideas for the Sundays of Advent

First Sunday of Advent: Hope
•    Scriptures about hope: Isaiah 61:1–2; Jacob 4:4–5; Romans 5:1–5; Moroni 7:41; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
•    Read the Annunciation to Zacharias: Luke 1:5–17
•    Suggested song: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
•    Week’s study: Matthew 1, Son of David

Second Sunday of Advent: Love
•    Scriptures about love: Isaiah 49:13–16; 1 Nephi 11:14–22; John 3:16–17; Moroni 7:47–48
•    Read the Annunciation to Mary: Luke 1:26–38
•    Suggested songs: “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night”
•    Week’s study: Luke 1, Promised Savior

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
•    Scriptures about joy: Isaiah 12:2–5; Mosiah 3:3–4; John 16:20–22
•    Read the Visitation of Mary to Elisabeth and Mary’s Magnificat: Luke 1:39–55
•    Suggested songs: “Joy to the World,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “The Holly and the Ivy”
•    Week’s study: Luke 2, Babe of Bethlehem

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Peace
•    Scriptures about Peace: Isaiah 11:1–4, 6–10; Mosiah 15:18–20; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7
•    Read the Annunciation to Joseph: Matthew 1:18–23
•    Suggested song: “It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
•    Week’s study: Matthew 2, King of Israel

--
Eric Huntsman is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He has authored or co-authored many books, and his most recent book, Good Tidings of Great Joy, is a book of ideas for celebrating Christ’s birth throughout the Christmas season, and is a companion volume to God So Loved the World. Click here for more information.

{Food Dish} Ultimate Guide: Pumpkin Pie

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:42:00 -0700

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Thanksgiving is nearly here! In honor of the quintessentially harvesty pumpkin pie, check out our guide to some tasty variations.

My family takes pumpkin pie seriously. Since childhood I can remember no less than 10 pumpkin pies each year (and that's a conservatively low number). We eat it for breakfast starting the day before Thanksgiving, and eat it throughout the day (usually while making more pumpkin pie).

In honor of the (arguably) most delicious and most memorable part of Thanksgiving, some delicious variations on the traditional fare:

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust (Photo from Our Best Bites)

Throwdown Maple Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Streusal (Photo from FoodNetwork.com)

Three-layer Pumpkin Pie

(This NYT recipe is nearly identical to the one my husband's family uses (pictured), except ours doesn't call for brandy. You can omit it. The pie is a "megillah," as my father-in-law famously calls it, but it's worth the effort.)

Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (Photo from Find Your Happiness)

Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart (Photo from FoodNetwork.com)

Layered Pumpkin Pie Toffee Cheesecake (Photo from Our Best Bites)

Pumpkin Bread Pudding (Photo from Epicurious)

(Wouldn't this be great with pumpkin bread substituted?)

Paula's Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle (Photo from FoodNetwork.com)

Thanksgiving FHE's

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:37:00 -0700

source: sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com

Now that the month is almost over... maybe I should post some Thanksgiving FHE ideas.... ugh, real slick Sofia. Thanks.

This is one of my absolute favorites because I really get to see what my children have learned Gospel wise and what some of their favorite scripture stories of the moment are.

{Lifestyle} New Twists on Old Holiday Traditions

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:46:00 -0700

by Molly Gray
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This wonderful holiday season, with my brother out on a mission, I want to celebrate family even more – so here are my ideas for three new Christmas traditions that celebrate family. The holiday season is upon us shortly, and I am just so excited. One thing I love about Christmas is that it brings out the love. People are more willing to tune out the world and focus on family, Christ, service, and, of course, love.

I’ve been thinking about family a lot this year, especially because for the second Christmas in a row, my brother is out on a mission. Having my brother gone has made me want to celebrate family even more, so here are a few new traditions that focus on the family:

Holiday Time Capsule
The idea behind the holiday time capsule is to create a record of the love within a family and watch how it grows and changes over time.

Starting this Christmas, have your family members write letters describing what they love about each other and the memories they have from the past year. Young children can draw pictures to represent the love they feel in their family.

Spend a night reading through the letters and sharing thoughts with each other. Once you have gone through all of the family members, seal the letters in a decorated envelope, Mason jar or whatever else would fit in your home and display it prominently on a bookshelf or a mantelpiece in your home.

Next year, before writing new letters, take out the old letters and reflect on how the love in your family has grown and evolved.

Christmas Dinner Wishes
This is a twist on an old Victorian Christmas tradition in which family members all took turns stirring the Christmas “pudding,” which was a stew with beef and mutton and all sorts of spices and vegetables.

Each family member took a turn stirring the pudding and making a wish.

This would be a great tradition to reinvent with young children. Have them help you prepared Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner—sifting flour, washing vegetables or kneading bread dough—and then when everything goes into the oven everyone gets to make a wish that gets cooked up as the ham turns golden!

Not only is it fun to makes wishes at all ages, this experience can be full of quality family time and kitchen education.

Christmas Morning Photo Book
Another fun thing to do, especially with young couples, is to start a Christmas morning photo book. Every year on Christmas morning, pause a moment before the gifts, before the mess, and before you get out of your PJs.

This is a great way to commemorate Christmas morning and a fun way to display family photos around Christmastime. It would also be really fun to take goofy pictures!

Collect them all in a holiday-themed photo book and put it on your coffee table or near the Christmas tree. As your family ages and grows, so does the photo book!

--

Molly is a 2011 graduate of Ohio State University, where she graduated with a journalism degree. She is now working on a master’s degree in digital journalism at the University of Southern California. She loves exploring new places, reading, crafting and meeting new people.

Sane Family Gatherings

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:03:00 -0700

by Jonathan Swinton
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Preparing for family gatherings is par for the course during the holiday season. But did you realize you should also be preparing for the impact such gatherings can have on your marital relationship? Bringing all the family together can be extremely rewarding, but it can also test the relationships of all those who are present. Here are four tips that can help minimize the negative impact that family and family gatherings can have on your marriage.

1. Have realistic expectations.
Most couples have an idea of what types of issues are likely to annoy them or hurt their feelings when the whole family gets together. It is important to realize that in most situations, you will each be more patient with your own family. You and your spouse will likely each be more excited to spend time with your own family. This is logical. However, often people are not realistic enough about how they or their spouse will feel about family and family gatherings or unrealistically expect things to be different than they were before. Change your expectations, and you and your spouse will be better able to take the irritations in stride.

2. Open the lines of communication.
In anticipation of family gatherings, talk with your spouse about what sort of things you may face and how you can understand what may cause issues for her. If you go into the events knowing what may or may not cause issues for your spouse, you can prevent dealing with ramifications. If there have been problems before, talk with your family members and set boundaries so that similar problems are less likely to occur in future. In most situations, families get together because they want to enjoy each other’s company. Educate them if something upsets you. Be open, honest, and patient. They will likely appreciate knowing how to help make things more comfortable for you and your spouse. If a problem arises, nip it early.

3. Avoid the temptation to smooth things over.
Smoothing is the term I use to illustrate when a person tries to fix things between their family and their spouse. For example, when your spouse’s feelings are hurt by one of your family members (even if it was unintentional), it is tempting to try to diffuse the situation by explaining that your family member did not intend to hurt your spouse’s feelings. You may also try to help your spouse look at the situation differently so that your family member is not put in such a bad light. You may think explaining that to your spouse will help him feel better. The reality is that you may make the situation worse. Your spouse may feel that you are taking the side of the family member and that your family of origin is more important than he is.

A better way to deal with the situation is to listen to your spouse and validate what he experienced. You don’t have to agree with his interpretation. Do your best to put your feelings of loyalty to family on the back burner.

4. Put your marriage first.
If you are faced with a situation where you have to side with your spouse or another family member, choose your spouse every time. I hesitate to talk of it like you have to take sides, but the reality is that if your spouse’s feelings have been hurt or you decide to spend too much time with your family instead of your spouse’s, your spouse may feel that you are taking sides. Protecting your spouse protects your marriage. You may need to spend less time with your family than you want and more time with your spouse’s family than you want.

Family is and should be the greatest joy in our lives. That is why it is so great to get together and celebrate the birth of the Savior together. Following the tips I have provided can help you and your spouse happily navigate potential negatives you may face so you can truly feel joyous about your family and your spouse’s family.