Family Bond Paper™

Now that another Christmas season has ended, I am taking down my tree.  I realize, now,  that I still have Christmas-themed wrapping paper that hasn't been used. Do you? I realize that perhaps such recycling usages are limitless. Here are five suggestions for unused Christmas-season wrapping paper that I have learned, over the years: Fill in those drafty spaces around the window sills, or door seals. Wrap cords, lights, or string around a wrapping paper-roll holder. Use as a liner in your cabinet or dresser drawers. Save and use to wrap dishes or glasses to protect them when storing or relocating. Stuff inside puffball homestyle curtains.

Kids and millenials love to place pictures and post videos on their social-media choices. They are encouraged to use such popular tech-trends at school. Today's youth want to participate socialization. They want to share images of productive family-bonding. So what's the problem?! No problem until . . . little David shares a picture of Mommy cooking dinner in her bra and panties, or Dad in his man-cave watching TV with interesting sounds of actors being heard. When posting uploads invade privacy of parents or adults, kids may be sternly told,                     "Enough with posting our family pictures  on Facebook [mostly used by global families]. Take it down!" Parents/Guardians, here are a few suggestions for those pictures or videos captured at the wrong moment: Until you have set household rules of when and what may be posted, no scolding.  Have you ever considered that your parenting style is differen...

Many families, who are people of color, do not celebrate Christmas in the U.S. During the Christmas-season, what should these parents say to their child(ren)? Or should they express their beliefs at all to their child(ren)? If so, when is a good age to discuss such beliefs? Should communities become more sensitive to such faith-believing view-point? Should community schools, public schools, be forced to acknowledge all (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhism)  faith-believing holidays? or none at all? There are many faith-believing families who are teaching their child(ren) to understand --"It's not about the gifts, it's about the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour." Such families are teaching such specific morals or values in their unique home style. Why should others or neighbors care? I, personally, care about said understanding (by young children) of such actions. Do you think these children secretly desire to have a few gifts--not necessarily all of the Chri...

For many marriages, the holidays can be a burden to dysfunctional marital relationships. Did you know that most dysfunctional married-couples separate, during this time of year? Such data reveals that these couples tend to follow through with the formal divorce actions.  There are many reasons as to why it is believed that couples struggle to remain married--just before and during traditional holidays. I have spoken to "many" straight married women who, let's blame it on the traditional holidays, complain of declines of spousal-bonding and productive emotions. Out of such discussions, these women truly believe the following actions are sure signs that believed straight-husbands may actually be gay or bisexual: Such men refuse to take time out of their plans to be with their wife or immediate family or wife and child(ren).  Such men plan quality time with their male friends instead of with the above mentioned. Such men whine that their wives spend too much time wit...

These are just a few suggestions that I am sharing with you, your family or family business: Do not use a potato that has a stem or leaves growing from it, is turning green, or is rotten. It may make you sick. Try cooking some items the day before. Store in fridge or in a non-heated room. How long have you had spices? sugars? salt? These items are preserved to last for years. Over time, however, they begin to lose their original flavor. You will know because it seems like you have to use more to get the taste that is familiar to you. To avoid pots boiling over put a wooden spoon on top of the pan, instead of a lid. Store milk- or butter-based dessert items in the fridge. You may also freeze most dessert items up to at least three months. Applesauce should be prepared and stored in the fridge until usage. Allow your turkey to thaw in the fridge or fill your kitchen sink with water and cover. Avoid placing food in direct sunlight or near a window. Sodas and prepared drink...

It's almost that festive time of year--again! This is the time of the year when friends and families visit each other's homes.  What do you do when your mate doesn't want any visitors for the approaching holidays? Try This Discuss with your mate your feelings; Choose a different place to meet up, and make it a tradition when it's your turn to host; Suggest you meet at their homes: take something special to share including the usual items; Meet the day before or after the traditional holiday; or,  If necessary, apologize for your mate's attitude towards such festive occasion. Be sure to include your mate's name on all gifts that you give.  (Afterall, such gifts are still an expense out of your household's budget that both you and your mate share.) Happy holidays!