If you didn’t get around to sending out holiday cards, don’t worry! New Year’s cards are an option for those who have too many holiday activities to get everything they want done. Sending out a quick note to say “Thinking of You” or even a long letter getting your friends and family caught up on what your family has been up to this past year is a great way to spend the first few days Read more…
Many people do not think of walking outside when the weather is colder but if you bundle up, it can be a refreshing experience. If you have young children, prompt them to talk about how differently everything looks when it is a different season. Ask them questions such as, “What looks differently now than in the summer?” or “How does the air feel on your face?”
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions this year, spend the next few days thinking of all the things that make you happy. Write each one down on a small slip of paper (or type them into a text program, such as Word) and fold each one so that you can’t see the writing. Put them in a jar, box, or other container with a lid to make a Happiness Jar (or Box). Any time you Read more…
If you didn’t have time to send out Christmas cards, send a New Year’s card. Catch up with friends and family by giving them all the best news from your family. Let your kids make the cards using paper, stickers, crayons, markers – whatever you have on hand.
Beaded candy canes are easy to make when using white and red pony beads and a pipe cleaner. Both items can be purchased inexpensively at dollar stores. Just slide each bead onto the pipe cleaner, alternating each color as you go. When you have reached the top, it can be bent over into the familiar hook shape. These crafts would make a great decoration in your home, on your tree, or to give out as Read more…
Do you know our Iuka branch has lots of cake pans you can check out? If you don’t live near Iuka, don’t worry! Any of our other branches can request one for you. They have a Christmas teddy bear, a Christmas tree, and even a Santa face. There’s two sizes of snowmen and several wreaths. To see what other pans are available, search for “cake pans” in our online card catalog. More Suggested Family Activities
Here are two ideas for making a Christmas tree craft today: Turn a paper plate into a Christmas tree by cutting it apart into 3 wedges (imagine a watermelon slice). Glue the wedge pieces on top of each other with the fluted part of the plate pointing down and the pointy piece on the top. Then color the tree green and decorate it with stickers, sequins, beads, and other craft supplies. Or use an empty Read more…
Does your favorite bookworm have everything? I know it can be difficult to figure out what to get us. Books seem obvious, but you have to worry about getting something we’ve already read — or worse, decided we’re not interested in. You don’t know any of the book world discourse, and as hard as you try, you might not know all of their favorite authors, even if you are Goodreads friends. Read more at Book Riot Absolutely Read more…
Bundle up if it’s cold and have a backyard bonfire tonight (in a safe location, of course, such as a fire pit or old grill). You can roast hot dogs for supper and fix everyone’s favorite s’mores for dessert. Finish off the night with some hot chocolate or hot apple cider while you pull up your lawn chairs and cozy blankets to stargaze and enjoy the beautiful night sky.
As cooler weather arrives in our area, now is a good time to go over home safety rules with your family. In case of a fire or other emergency, where will everyone meet outside? Who grabs your family’s pets? Practice Stop, Drop and Roll with young children and do a fire drill to make sure everyone understands what to do. Help young children memorize their first and last names, address, and an adult’s phone number Read more…
