Just because you aren't dressing in your best party dress and tearing up the town, doesn't mean you can't make a big deal out of the night. You can make a big deal of it together as a family, and enjoy it through your children's eyes. Make a special dinner together, either going out to your favorite restaurant, or making something special at home, or indulging in all of your favorite appetizers throughout the night.

Besides making your dinner special, you can do a family game night, if the kids are old enough, and talk about what New Year's Eve means. Reflect on this last year, and let everyone share what they liked about it. I love doing this with the kids because while I always want to come up with something significant or profound to say, they don't overthink it, and just say what comes to mind.

Taking stock of the good things that came out of the year will keep you smiling and laughing while you start to look ahead to 2017. Talk about how we can each do better next year, make resolutions, promises to yourselves and each other. If your schedules are hectic, you may resolve to eat a sit-down dinner together at least x nights a week. The kids may decide to share their toys with each other or to do at least one random act of kindness a day.

You also don't need to let them stay up until midnight to feel the magic of new year's, going to bed in 2016 and waking up in 2017 sounds cool enough on its own. If like me you love that moment of happiness when the ball drops, you can stream a video of last years to watch with the kids. Build it up like it's the real thing, and make a big deal of it, and they'll enjoy every second.

Wishing the best to you and yours, Happy New Year!

1. Take a walk or drive to see the lights

The light displays this time of year are incredible. Whether you bundle up and take a walk to see the zoo lights or pile into the car to see the house that syncs it's light show up to music, it's bound to be an excellent time. Bring along a thermos of coco to keep you warm and because everyone loves coco this time of year.

2. Take the kids out for one-on-one holiday shopping (if possible)

This one can be tough for busy parents to figure out, especially if you have multiple children, but it's important throughout the year to try and give each child a little one-on-one time. If you can find a sitter, or have parents take turns, taking your kids out and letting them pick out gifts, and spending a night chatting will help strengthen your bond and build memories. I have many fond memories of shopping with my parents, and the ridiculous gifts they let me buy because it was what I wanted to give. Now I get to make the same memories with my children, and I know they will last just as long. Remember, the gifts don't have to be large, fancy, or expensive, as long as they come from a place of love.

3. Sit and watch a holiday movie with your kids

Don't just put the film on for them and walk away, I know this is an excellent time for you to get things done, but once in awhile, join them. Laugh at the funny parts with them, make some popcorn, wear festive pajamas. It's something so simple that you can make feel so special.

4. Let your children contribute to making the cookies

My kids love to help in the kitchen, no matter what I am making. Sometimes it is so easy to want to tell them no because I know they will make a giant mess, and likely be in the way more than they help. Holiday baking is one of those times that I always make sure to include them. We put on music, and we sing and make a mess, and get creative with our decorations. Then afterward we each get to enjoy one treat right out of the oven as a reward for all the hard work.

5. Read holiday stories

Reading stories is already one of my kids' favorite things to do, and as an avid reader, I love fueling this passion in them. The holidays are a great excuse to put away that story they insist on every night and bring out something festive and seasonal. 

Crafting is one of my kid's favorite things to do. I'm not sure if it is because they love the chance to make a mess, if they love getting creative, or if it's the quality time together that they love the most. Especially now that this cooler weather is keeping us indoors, it's an excellent way to keep them occupied and stimulated.

I saw this Reindeer Puppet idea on Pinterest shortly after the holiday's last year and have been eager to make it with my kids ever since. We had a blast making them, and then after they played with and raced theirs, entertaining themselves, while I got lunch ready.  

Supplies:

• Brown cardstock

• Googly eyes

• Scissors

• Glue

• Red or black bead/gem

• Small craft "clothespins" 

• Hole punch

Putting it all together:

1. Cut out two circles from the brown cardstock, one larger than the other. I printed a couple of circle "stencils" to use as a guide.

2. Cut two of the edges off of the smaller circle, leaving the "top" wider and the "bottom" more narrow. This will serve as the reindeer's head.

3. From the cutoff edges cut out little pieces to act as the reindeer's ears.

4. Glue the head to the larger circle, which serves as the body. Leave about 1/2 inch sticking out at the top.

5. Glue the ears to the head

6. Use the hole punch to get the finger holes started, then use your scissors to make them large enough for fingers to fit through.

7. Glue on the eyes.

8. Glue on the nose (red or black bead/gem)

9. Place craft clothespins on the top to look like antlers.

10. Enjoy!

1. Plan

Staying organized is a great way to eliminate holiday stress, with a plan laid out, you don't have to stress about trying to remember where you have to be and when. Whether you prefer a planner, a calendar or the calendar on your phone, keeping everything in one place puts less stress on your memory. Find a system that works for you, and make your game plan for the season. Be sure to schedule some time to do the things you love to do, and it's okay to say no when your schedule is getting to be too much.

2. Lists

Along with planners and calendars, lists are a great way to keep your tasks straight and keep track of what you have done, and what you have left to do. Shopping lists for groceries and gifts help make sure that you have everything you need to make each holiday event you host or attend run smoothly, marking off each item as you get it can prevent you from getting duplicates or overspending. To do lists for decorating, cleaning, preparing for travel can all help organize all the thoughts running through your head and prevent stress.

3. Budget

It can be tempting to go overboard this time of year, but set a budget for yourself and stick to it. The time spent with family is the most important part, set realistic gift expectations, and focus on the memories you can make together. Before you do any shopping, make a list of everyone you are shopping for, and set a limit for each gift, and again stick to it.

4. Meditate

Close your eyes, take a deep breath and clear your mind. Take a few minutes to do this each day. If you are feeling stressed at any time, just take a moment to meditate. You can do this as many times a day as you need to.

5. Enjoy This Time

When you break it all down, this time of year is all about spending time with people you love. It is meant to be a joyful time of year, so hug your family tight, and enjoy every minute you get together. Go for a drive with the kids and look at the light displays, bake cookies. Whatever it is you love to do during this season, be sure to make time for it. 

There is so much to get excited about this time of year, getting the whole gang together for Thanksgiving dinner, and knowing that with the holiday season, time will fly by before we're all together again. We have so many traditions this time of year in my family and sharing them with and passing them down to the kids is an amazing adventure.

Pulling out boxes of decorations and lights, and transforming our home, if only for a few weeks is magical. We take turns picking our favorite movies to watch, or stories to read, and we cuddle by the fire creating memories that we'll always hold on to.

Make more memories and find the perfect gift to make them smile this year during the 12 Days of Deals. Each day we'll have a new deal, with something for every kid on your list.

See the full calendar of BobbleArt's 12 Days of Deals below, day 1 is December 1st, and deals end on December 12th. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers and stay up to date on the latest promotions and blog posts from BobbleArt USA. 

Young children always want to know, why? While sometimes the question grows tiresome, I try to last a few rounds of the game, because I am glad that they are being inquisitive and questioning the world around them. When they ask why we make such a big deal, and why we are driving so far, it seems like a great question. 

There are so many answers I could give them, I could dive into the story of the first Thanksgiving, and the pilgrims and the Native Americans; however, I don't feel that, that answers the question they are really asking. That is quite a story, and has a variety of views, they'll learn plenty about it as they get older. They are looking for something much simpler all that. 

What they really want to know if why we all make such a big deal about being together for this specific dinner. My answer, is as simple as their question, to give thanks. 

My kids are too young to learn about this through deep conversation, and talking at them isn't going to teach them much either. My go to, craft time. My kids love making crafts, and we have a blast chatting away while we craft. For Thanksgiving we went with a classic paper turkey! To talk about giving thanks, I asked them tell me something they are thankful for on each feather. 

While we made our turkey's and while they told me what to write on their feathers, we talked about what it means to be thankful. We talked about all the good things in our lives, and the things that made us happy.

Paper Turkey Supplies:

• Construction Paper

• Scissors

• Tape (or glue)

• Crayons

It can put you in a hard situation, but it is important that you still take care of yourself, after all, you want to stay healthy and have as much time with your family as possible. One great thing you can do to get active and enjoy some time together is to go for a hike.

If your children are big enough to walk themselves, it is an excellent opportunity to instill healthy habits and passions in them at an early age. If they aren't fully mobile yet, strap them into a carrier, the extra weight works as resistance for you, and they still get the benefits of fresh air and bonding time.

Make sure you bring water for everyone, even if you are just going for a short hike, and take breaks if necessary. If you are planning a longer excursion, pack a few snacks, my kids have a tendency to get hungry at inconvenient times. Check the weather before you head out and make sure everyone has dressed appropriately and in layers.

If your kids are big enough, they can bring along their favorite BobbleArt USA bag to carry their water, snacks and extra clothes. 

Folds of Honor began in 2007 and has grown across the nation with nine local chapters each making its own efforts to help. Check out the map of local chapters to find your nearest one for local events. 

Learn more about Folds of Honor and their scholarships by taking a look at the fact sheet below. 

Get inspired by checking out the stories of some scholarship recipients. If you would like to donate to Folds of Honor you can make a one-time donation, or opt to become a wingman with recurring donation of $13 a month. If you make a purchase with BobbleArt USA this Veterans Day, we are donating 11% of our sales to Folds of Honor; to thank service members and their families for their sacrifices. 

Thank you Veterans, for serving our nation. 

Getting packed has always been the hardest part of travel for me, and now with the kids, it's just two more suitcases to pack. Luckily mine get excited when we need to pack, because they love their kids wheelie bags. My children have also taken an interest in helping to choose their own clothes, well some days at least, and they love "helping" pack.

Along with their luggage, I like to let them each pack another small bag (tote bag, purse, drawstring bag, or backpack) to put snacks and travel activities in. We do this whether we are road tripping or flying, because either way, I know they will be better behaved with something to entertain them. This is usually a good thing to let them "help" with, we pack coloring supplies, books, favorite stuffed animals and other small, quiet toys.

Keep in mind the time of day you will be traveling, when traveling at night, encourage them to close their eyes and relax while on the go. When we are doing a road trip, audio books help my kids to fall asleep with minimal fussing, as it helps mimic our pre-bedtime story. If you are flying, you can help them relax by quietly reading to them.

To see more BobbleArt USA videos like these head on over to our YouTube Channel.

It seems now more than ever we must keep food allergies in mind when choosing what to drop into the bags of each eager child to say "trick or treat?" at our door. When your own children don't have any allergies, I know it can be easy to over look them. I try to keep in mind when picking our candy that while my children may not have any allergies, many that come to our house may. 

The easiest way to avoid giving children candy they cannot eat, is to have a variety on hand. You can always ask a child or their parent if they have any allergies before dropping any candy into their tote. 

A few common allergies/sensitivities to keep in mind when shopping include:

1. Nuts

2. Gluten

3. Egg

4. Milk

Of course there are plenty of other allergies out there, but these are the big four. In your selection try to have an option that is free of each of these, or at least one that is free of all four. That way no matter what they say when you ask about allergies, you probably have something they can have. 

If your child has allergies, it is also important that you communicate with them about these and make sure they know which candies they can and can't have, and when you are out with them you can help keep an eye on what is in there bag. 

A few candy options that include none of the top allergens are:

• Mike and Ike's

• Dum Dum's

• Skittles

• Starburst

• Smarties

Happy Halloween, and safe trick or treating!