In a recent interview with Dr. Jeffrey I. Dolgan, PhD, Senior Psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, we asked how to manage children’s expectations during the holidays. Here’s what Dr. Dolgan had to say about how to deal with holiday let-downs if Santa, Mom or Dad come up short.
What do kids expect at Christmastime or Hanukkah?
Kids [...]

Once, Christmas cards represented a tradition so widespread that extra holiday mail required the U.S. Postal Service to hire seasonal help to sort through the annual paper blizzard.
Lately, that storm is decreasing into flurries.
“We only get about 20, 25 cards by Christmas,” says Elissa Auther of Denver.
“When I was growing up, we got dozens, and [...]

Through Saturday. The holidays are extra sweet at the Candy Cane Festival at Hammond’s Candies. The historic candy factory hosts the party for two days this year, beginning today with a miniature version of the annual festival—think of it as a sneak preview. Visit on Saturday for the full experience: cookie decorating, caroling, storytelling, trolley [...]

December Daily Calendar of Holiday Fun in Colorado
2 Lights on parade, Denver and Boulder
The 9News annual parade follows a 2-mile route in downtown Denver. 8 p.m. Dec. 2 (also on TV) and 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Free or purchase a grandstand seat. Visit denver paradeoflights.com. Downtown Boulder’s Lights of December Parade begins at 6 p.m. [...]

Dear Mama Drama:
Last year I noticed that my daughter had a really difficult time managing her emotions and behavior during the holidays. She would fall apart at the store, family gatherings, and even at school. She is four this year so I’m hoping things will be better, but am wondering if there is anything I [...]

Ah, the question that has haunted women, particularly moms, likely originating from the Fall of Man as Eve pulled the first leaf from her closet of nature, looking around, thinking “I have nothing to wear” and feeling certain that the foliage was unflattering in most every way – unfashionable and adding ten pounds in all the [...]

**Contest closed. Congratulations to winner Heidi Olivera!**
For the next 25 days leading up to Christmas, we need to shop so why not do it online for a great cause that gives back to your child’s school?
You’ve probably heard of General Mills’ Box Tops for Education where you earn cash for your child’s school by clipping [...]

It’s the yearly holiday list of the baker’s dozen of clever, thoughtful and creative gifts for everyone in the family. Black Friday is over (thank goodness) and now it’s time to shop locally. Of course every product or idea on this list is Colorado-based. From coffee and chocolates to theater tickets and donations to charity, [...]

On Cyber Monday
Shopping while in pajamas
encouraged by all.
Nobody will know
I fill my baskets with things
Probably won’t buy.
“Free Shipping!” stores claim.
But I must spend hundred bucks?
No thank you. Really.
Nothing makes me scream

Today is supposedly the day when retailers offer their best online deals, with office workers feverishly snatching them up in between spreadsheet reviews and PowerPoint presentations.
In 2010, the Monday after Thanksgiving ranked for the first time as the biggest online shopping day of the year, according to market research firm comScore, lending credence to the [...]