This Etsy shop sells art blocks with lots of vintage and retro Christmas art, such as this poinsettia art block. These wooden tiles would look great when grouped together on the wall, a mantle, or a bookshelf. Mix and match the different designs to suit your taste and to complement your home decor.
Established in 1992, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is devoted to helping find adoptive homes for children currently in foster care. Dave Thomas himself was adopted, so throughout his life, Dave spread the word about adoption and encouraged folks to consider foster care adoption. Unfortunately Dave passed away in 2002, but his legacy lives on with DTFA and Wendy’s. [Yep, Dave Thomas was also the founder of Wendy’s!]
There are many ways you can get involved with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, such as by donating money, starting a DTFA kickball team, or supporting them at Wendy’s. [Psst… most of the ways to support DTFA at Wendy’s involve a Frosty—yum!]
Another way you can get involved and learn more about adoption this month is to watch the CBS special “A Home for the Holidays.” Presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network, this show features heartwarming stories about adoptive families, along with performances from popular artists. The 16th annual “A Home for the Holidays” will include entertainment from Jennifer Hudson, Train, Earth Wind & Fire, Rixton, Katharine McPhee, Ashley Monroe, Dan & Shay, and Jillian Michaels. Tune in on Friday, 19 December at 9pm ET/PT to catch this uplifting television special. Perhaps watching this will become a new holiday tradition for you.
“A Home for the Holidays”
CBS
Friday, 19 December
9–10pm ET/PT
Handmade in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this soap is created with pure goat milk, balsam fir essential oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and soy oil. Goat milk helps maintain skin’s proper pH balance, and it is gentle and moisturizing—plus it’s produced by cuties like the goat below!
With its Christmas tree scent and design, this 4oz. soap would be a great stocking stuffer. Mountain Farm also has plenty of other scents to choose from, such as peppermint, oatmeal & lavender, and clove orange cinnamon.
A couple months after we visited NYC, Raymond and I went out of town again to celebrate another birthday. This time we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC for my best friend’s birthday. All of us enjoyed relaxing while surrounded by nature, as it’s very peaceful in the mountains. While there, Raymond pointed out that the crisp mountain air was almost as refreshing as the air at the North Pole.
Where else do you think Raymond went this year? Stay tuned to find out! 🙂
Experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas when you board the Polar Express! The whole family can participate in this magical holiday activity at select train stations across America.
Children are encouraged to dress in their pajamas just like the kids in the book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Aboard the train, you’ll hear a reading of that famous book as you enjoy yummy cookies and cups of hot cocoa. You’ll also get to see Santa—who will give each child a special souvenir, a silver bell.
The round-trip ride to the North Pole generally lasts around 60–120 minutes, but varies by train line. See a list of participating railroad stations below. For a comprehensive list of Polar Express train rides, click here. Don’t wait too long to get your tickets, as they sell out quickly.
Passengers on this train can expect lively entertainment from Santa’s elves and chefs. Remember to bring your camera, and come prepared to sing along with classic holiday songs.
Williams Depot & Ticket Counter
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
Williams, AZ 86046
928-635-4253
On this train ride, passengers in the first class car will be able to spend time with Mrs. Claus! If you’re not in first class, don’t worry because Santa will meet each family on the return trip.
Utica Union Station
321 Main Street
Utica, NY 13501
800-819-2291
The vintage train cars of this railway are festooned with holiday decorations, providing a nice backdrop for memorable pictures. As you snuggle into your seat, make sure you have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming by to punch your ticket. Oh, and one other thing—don’t be alarmed if you see the Hobo, as he has been known to appear from time to time.
Saratoga Springs Railway Station
26 Station Lane
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
877-726-7245
Edaville USA has 2 different Polar Express train rides: one in Hopedale and one in Carver. Please take note of these two locations when purchasing your tickets.
Edaville USA
5 Pine Street
Carver, MA 02330
508-866-8190
The Polar Express train ride at this station is already sold out! Because it’s so popular, you may want to go ahead and purchase your tickets for 2015.
French Lick Scenic Railway
8594 West State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432
800-748-7246
Looking for a Polar Express experience that isn’t listed above? Click here for a more comprehensive list of participating train lines.
