Grieving is a unique experience. It’s a process that is as individual as the people it affects. Oh yes, there are predictable stages … but the experience of loosing someone  dear to you is truly a very personal journey. Recently I said goodbye to my dear Dad. It’s hard to believe it was only a couple of months ago. I’ve processed a lot...

In these uncertain economic times, we’re all looking to save a little money, especially if we can do it without changing our lifestyle. Here are ten ways you can do just that. Taken together and applied over even a few months, they could make a noticeable difference to your family’s budget. The “small stuff” pays off. Pennies and nickels...

Last year I received a card, which was truly symbolic of this Christmas. Through a frosty window pane, the illustrator depicted a family sitting by a fire. The light flickered over tiny pajama-clad figures, with rosy, starry-eyed faces upturned, eagerly listening to their father as he told a Christmas story. As serene as the portrayal appeared, I...

I never did believe in Santa Claus. My parents rejected the materialism that is so often peddled in the name of Christmas and kept the holiday pretty low key. I've always been grateful for this lesson, and rather cynical about those wild eyed Christmas fanatics running amok in the malls. Since the thought of receiving gifts from a fat, bearded...

Every year, with weddings and new babies, our family seems to grow by at least one. Now, with in-laws, nieces and nephews, my Christmas list has swelled to 18 "immediate" family members. Since we live hundreds of miles away from one another, not only does exchanging gifts mean shopping and wrapping, but also mailing all the parcels. Kinda makes gift-giving...

Oh no! Christmas is almost here! Have you ever had a difficult time trying to decide what to buy for your family at Christmas? If you're like millions of other people, the answer is yes. What if the grandkids simply toss your gift aside and mumble a "thanks"? What if that happens to you this year? What if the cookbook you wrapped so nicely...

Robyn was angry and confused. She had just discovered that her much beloved roly-poly red robed Santa Claus was a marketing ploy invented in the early 20th century by Coca Cola to encourage consumerism. She was angry because she had been duped by the commercialization of what should be the most meaningful season of the year. She was also confused...