3 Tips for Packing Away - by Trish Berg

Well, we have taken down the Christmas tree and packed away all the ornaments. The house seems a little bare, but life after Christmas goes on.

I have learned a few tips to keep the joy and decor of Christmas alive and well.

#1 Leave snowmen out - I have quite a few snowmen I decorate with over Christmas, and always leave them out through February. That way, the house is still decorated.

#2 Leave small trees out- I have 2 smaller pencil trees I leave out through February, and decorate with valentine's lights and ornaments. Keeps the lights going a little while longer.

#3 Keep giving - We tend to give so much at Christmas, and then we forget about giving to others and get on with our own busy lives. Take time to find several ways to give back as a family, to a soup kitchen, Goodwill or your church. Giving will make the spirit of Christmas decorate your life with love.

Everything I Need To Know I Learned On Christmas Break - By Trish Berg

It has been a long time since I have been in Kindergarten, but I have been schooled by my family over Christmas break this year. Life is a journey of learning and loving, forgiving and forging ahead in spite of challenges. So, here are 5 things I learned over Christmas break in 2010.

#5 TWO WEEKS FLY BY - Time flies. We looked forward to Christmas break all month long, and the time just flew by. So enjoy what you have while you have it.

#4 BEST LAID PLANS SOMETIMES FAIL - No matter what you plan, it might fail. Santa brought our kids sleds and snow tubes this year, and at Christmas, we had no snow. Like washing your car causing it to rain, plans schmlans.

#3 TRADITIONS MEAN A LOT - We have had several family traditions, and its funny how our children hold on tightly to those familiar things every year. Our family traditions mean a lot to our children, even the small ones. They bring consistency to your life and bond you together.

#4 THE BEST GIFT IS TIME - All the presents that were under our tree were great, but what our children wanted most from us over Christmas break was our time. So spending time with your family will mean more than anything you can wrap up.

#5 JESUS ROCKS - I asked the kids what their goals were for 2010, and my teenager told me this morning that she wanted to not be as influenced by her friends, and make better decisions in 2010; making decisions Jesus would be proud of. Your faith matters to your kids. Know that the gift of Jesus, the love He gives, is the real joy of Christmas, and that lasts all year long.