Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Gift Guide
It has been told many times homemade is the best kind of gift for Christmas. I remember when I was young my grandma use to make us all slippers for Christmas and me and my four sisters would be upset, " ahh not another pair of slippers we would say". I now know it was the best gift we ever had because her fingers would knit love into each piece of wool and spend the time to ensure the right size and colour. This wasn't done just at Christmas it took months to make slippers for all her grandchildren.
By Darlene J Loft5 years ago in Families
2010 – The Year We Went ‘All Out’ On The Christmas Card
2010 – The Year We Went ‘All Out’ On The Christmas Card I’ve never really been bothered about Christmas cards. Even as a small boy I used to wonder why people bothered. I grew older, and more self-conscious, until eventually I was too cool for Christmas. Presents were still distributed amongst my nearest and dearest, obviously. But as my teens turned to twenties, the holiday season became nothing more than an excuse for a couple of good boozy nights out. Beyond that, I was 24 karat humbug.
By Dan Lever5 years ago in Families
I do... Celebrate Christmas
It's Christmas Eve and just like everything else, I'm celebrating in pretense because well, past this year, I've never celebrated Christmas! It wasn't really by choice either, my immediately family- Mom, Dad and brother, we have never celebrated Christmas. From as far back as I can remember, my family never celebrated anything, not even birthdays. I grew up in the Caribbean on a very small island named Antigua. I remember kids asking me how it felt to not celebrate anything because Caribbean people are very ceremonious. I don't recall ever "missing out," my parents did a great job celebrating life. We had parties at the house all the time, kids parties, potato sack races, racing with an egg on a spoon, a one-legged race where two people tie their legs together and try to run as a team. I had a great childhood, a lot of fun times and a lot of freedom.
By Leah Ella5 years ago in Families
Holidazed and Confused. Second Place in Holiday Card Outtakes Challenge.
Earlier this month, my mom and I spent a day decorating our living room for Christmas. After putting on Carrie Underwood's holiday album, setting up the tree and hanging multicolored lights, my mother opened a box of knick knacks to pretty up the hanging shelves just above our sofa.
By Kathryn Milewski5 years ago in Families
Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!
It's Christmas yet again and I must say that I miss being a child at times. So innocent. So naive. So full of hope. Although I always knew my parents were in fact Santa, everything felt light and full of joy then. From the Christmas movies to the Christmas music (and I'm not referring to the horrible covers we are subjected to as adults), Christmas was definitely my all-time favorite time of the year. Especially since my parents always went all out and bought us almost any toy we desired. Whether that was an American Girl Doll, an entire train track, game systems galore, you name it, they bought it! Let's go back in time.....
By Cassie Rage 5 years ago in Families
Advanture Begins
"Get up Raj" Tulsi woke her son in a sweet voice. "Mother, let me sleep a little more." Raj said while turning. "Right now it's five o'clock morning"
By Yugocean5 years ago in Families
A Reason For Giving
My little church group of forty plus ladies have been an inspiration to me over the years. Each have in their own way, done some amazing things for others from offering meals to our local food pantry, blankets & coats for the homeless and / or money that somehow found its way into someone's pocket. These are only a few of the things that remind me of the importance of giving of oneself.
By Blackbird5 years ago in Families
Peter Salzano - Wine suggestions to Increase Your Palette
When it concerns a glass of wine, you possibly recognize that it needs to simply taste great. Are you aware of all the means you can care for and choose the finest red wine? Otherwise, this post is jam-packed with terrific guidance by Peter J Salzano to help you get going with the world of a glass of wine!
By Peter Salzano5 years ago in Families
Don't try to capture the perfect photo, capture the moment
2020 has by far been the worst year for most of us with the Pandemic going on in full flow still in many areas, even after 12 months. Despite these tough times, we still had our friends and family taking our back and helping us get through it together. This is what the spirit of Christmas is all about. And not even 2020 is going to take this spirit away from us.
By Let's Discuss 5 years ago in Families
They stole them with my love
It was the end of July before I was able to see the children again. I was at the county building with bells on. I was so excited to see them; I have missed them so much. Before they even brought them into the room, Ms. McGross took me into her office and proceeded to tell me that AareOna has some bruises and swelling on her face. She said that another little foster boy had some anger issues and took them out on my daughter. I was upset by this. What mother would not be? She led me back to the visiting room without saying another word.
By Angie Metcalf5 years ago in Families
Falling for Christmas
One memorable Christmas a few years back, I was away at college eagerly awaiting the weekend when Christmas break began. I had one organic chemistry final to power through, then I was on my way to two weeks of freedom. This time of year family from all over the country return home to celebrate the holiday season. I have an older brother who was out a couple days earlier from his college than mine and home already. My parents had already set up the Christmas tree, this is usually done on my Dad's birthday on the 12th of December (12/12) as an annual tradition in our family. Truly an appropriate day to perform this special task as my Dad loves Christmas, especially all the Christmas lights.
By Carolyn Sumner5 years ago in Families
The Silent Writer
I always hoped the doctors were wrong. That he’d get older and talk like every other kid. Like normal kids. I’d tell him, whining won’t get you what you want words will. He’d try to talk, like open his mouth and hope words would come out. It hurt to watch him cry when they didn’t.
By myahh moné5 years ago in Families