Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1541378
PARLOR TALK COMING HOME MAGAZINE 29 PARLOR TALK READERS SHARE REAL WAYS THEY MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT. "We have a lot of annual traditions that the kids look forward to. We do special activities—like wear matching pajamas, see The Nutcracker, and bake gingerbread cookies—and the holidays aren't the same if we skip one. I hope these traditions continue when my children have their own families." – Sharon S., NJ "Throughout the year, when something good happens, we write it on a slip of paper and put it in a gratitude jar. At Thanksgiving, we read the notes aloud. It's fun to relive all the memories!" – Paul M., OH "I make everything a really big deal. Think: pancakes, but with fairy dust (edible glitter) and snowflake sprinkles." – Emma B., MX "We get heavy snow around the holidays. If there's any chance school will be cancelled, we wear our pajamas inside out, flush ice cubes down the toilet, and do a 'snow dance' to make the snow day happen." – Seth Q., MN HOW DO YOU MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MAGICAL FOR KIDS? "We adopt a family and buy the gifts on their wish list. My kids love picking out presents and spreading the joy and magic of the season to others." – Susan S., CA "When my kids were younger, we'd let them stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve—or at least let them think they did! In reality, we set all the clocks a few hours later and broadcasted the London New Year's Eve celebration instead of the one in New York City. They thought it was midnight, but it was only 7 p.m. Their 'late night' was such a treat for the kids—and the adults." – Jon J., PA "The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has a Santa Tracker. We download their app and watch his Yuletide journey around the world on December 24." – Bob L., TX COMING HOME MAGAZINE 29