Munich, Germany (PRWEB) November 14, 2005
In honor of National Family Week Nov. 20-26, 2005, which is coincident with Thanksgiving, Christine Louise Hohlbaum, mom expert and parenting book author, suggests ways in which families can enjoy the holidays without killing each other.
“Food shop early,” advises the American author of 'Diary of a Mother' and 'SAHM I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe', who lives just north of Munich, Germany, with her husband and two kids. “You don’t want to wrestle your neighbor for the last Butterball right before company comes.” That includes making some type of meal plan to feed the troops. Use decorative paper plates and napkins. Advise relatives where the trash can is.
If you have to travel this holiday season, travel light and ship gifts ahead of time. “There is yuletide joy in ripping opening a UPS box, too!” says Hohlbaum.
Low-cost family activities such as sledding, building a bonfire and playing football help get the blood pumping while lowering your stress level.
“Exercise is the opiate for the mildly over-stressed during the holidays,” suggests Hohlbaum whose daily walks have kept her children among the living for several years.
If you have to brave the malls this year, leave your jacket in the car to avoid over-heating.
“You only have two hands; more than likely, they’ll be filled with shopping bags.”
Online shopping is convenient and fast. But don’t leave all your shopping to the last minute to avoid out-of-stock items.
Other helpful family tips, including her two books, Diary of a Mother and SAHM I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe, can be found at Hohlbaum’s Web site at http://www.diaryofamother.com.
Christine is available for holiday interviews at 011-49-8444-919270 (6 hours ahead of ET) or via e-mail.
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