Christmas-time Community Service

In addition to the usual holiday baking, caroling, and shopping, one of things I enjoy doing most with our children at Christmas time is helping others. The past few years we have volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army through the Clearwater Bar Association. I am fully convinced that adding my two sweet cherubs increases the donations significantly, especially when they sing. The other thing we enjoy is strolling around looking at the lights in our neighborhood. Not only are they beautiful but they are used by the community to raise money for the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, an amazing organization. If you're in Largo drive through anytime after dark until 10 p.m. but be sure to follow the directional arrows so you can get in and out without trouble. Check out Lake Park Lights for directions and Merry Christmas!

Carolina Christmas

When I was a kid, back in the dark ages as my children think, my parents usually took us down to Wilmington to see the "World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree." Now I kind of doubt it really is the world’s largest but when I was a kid it sure seemed like it. And actually looking at the picture posted on the web this year it really is impressive. The 79th annual lighting of the tree was earlier this month at Wilmington’s Hilton Park. I read that the massive oak tree covered with Spanish moss is believed to be more than 400 years old and is covered with 5,250 bulbs. It was first lit in 1928 with over 500 lights. Merry Christmas!

Divorce & Christmas

Christmas is almost here. I know many families who are dealing with their first Christmas without the traditional family gathering. There are often disagreements as to where the children are going to go and how the holiday will be divided. As a general rule I ask my clients to put their children first and think about what they want. Remember that its important to start new traditions with your children so they can help adjust to how life and the holidays are going to look when the divorce is final. If anyone has any suggestions on how to help children with their first "divorce" Christmas, I encourage you to post those suggestions here for all other readers.

Happy Holidays!

The season is upon us. We have hung our stockings on the mantle. This year we have seven - my children, my Husband, my in-laws, our puppy and my Sister who we have the good luck to have with us this year. Our family's tradition is to go to church on Christmas Eve and then drive or walk (depending on the weather) through our neighborhood to look at all the lights. Our community raises money for Hospice with the neighborhood light display and it is a family party atmosphere with most neighbors outside visiting and chatting. My children always look forward to it and so do I.