Green Treehouse

Today while stuck in traffic, I noticed that the vehicle in front of me had a license plate that read “Elf” followed by a number.  I couldn’t help but chuckle.  Could this have been one of Santa’s elves, perhaps running errands on Santa’s behalf? 

I’ve been feeling a little Elf-ish lately, particularly as I put the finishing touches on my gift giving.  I’ve done so much wrapping lately that I just dread the idea of wrapping any more gifts.  At this point, should I have forgotten anyone on my list, e-gift cards are the only gifts I’m willing to give (and, it’s not too late to give them)!  Thankfully, though, my kids are old enough now to help out with gift wrapping–and boy, do they ever to want to help out!  Little fingers are great for holding pre-cut pieces of tape.  They also are great for holding ribbon before the final tie!  When they help me out, I really feel like we’re our own team of elves. Obviously, if I were to wrap gifts alone, I’d be much more efficient, but there’s no substitute for that elf-ish laughter and silliness.

Not all parents enjoy having their little ones around when they wrap gifts.  Do you mind wrapping presents with your little ones?

Making charitable donations this time of the year goes hand and hand with the holiday spirit.  Each holiday season, my little ones and I prepare food and toy donations for drop-off at a local charity.  Although we engage in other charitable endeavors at other times during the year, I use this time of year to teach the point of the holiday season–giving to others.  This year, like every year, charities rely upon donations of all sorts.  Money.  Food.  Clothes.  Time.  Toys. 

When it comes to toys, though, in light of recent recalls, charities are reminding parents to properly dispose of recalled toys.  Disposing of recalled toys does not mean bringing them to a charity. 

Many charities, such as the Salvation Army, rely extensively on volunteers to help sort toys and weed out recalled ones.  This season is keeping charities especially busy.  

When toys are recalled, proper disposal of toys is essential for child safety.  The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (”CPSC”) and manufacturers usually provide specific information on what should be done with recalled toys, such as contacting the manufacturer for replacement or refunds.

Check out the CPSC web site for additional information about recalls.