Fun for the Family

Christmas Eve is officially only one week away!  I hope everyone is enjoying this busy time with family.  Unless you're lucky enough to be all done with your Christmas shopping.....I highly recommend finishing it up, so you can relax next week, and not spend your time running around looking for last minute gifts.  Although I started my Christmas shopping on Black Friday, I still have one last present to buy.

I believe it's important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.  Donating to a charity is a great way to teach your children about giving to others.  One of my favorite charities is the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  They help less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas!  Babies R Us and Toys R Us are still accepting cash donations (toy donations ended on December 5th). All toys are distributed locally and given to children within the communities they are donated.  Every bit helps and the donations start at just $1.  Making a difference in a child's life is priceless :)  If you want to donate online click here.  

The HRCA has finished the judging for the Christmas Lights, and if you are interested in checking out the winners, click here for a map!  I remember last year driving by a house that had their Christmas lights choreographed to music.  I found out two of the winners (that I know of) will be doing that this year.  When you are driving past the house on White Oak Ln, tune your car radio to 88.5.  The home on Meyerwood Cir has a donation box out front to benefit cerebral palsy, and be sure to set your car radio to 97.7.  Don't forget the hot cocoa! 

Another fun idea for this weekend is to get your family together for a Christmas craft.  Gingerbread houses are very festive and so much fun to make.  Michael's sells gingerbread house kits that have everything you will need to make a one of a kind decoration that your family is sure to enjoy.

Unfortunately I have not heard of any places Santa will be visiting in Highlands Ranch this weekend, I guess he is just too busy at the North Pole.

If you are hosting Christmas this year, take time this weekend to get one or two little things out of the way like your centerpiece or place cards, hopefully that will make next week a little less stressful - if that's possible :)