Christmas Vacation In Lancaster County

With the kids off 12 days from school for the holidays, I'm going to break up the week by taking them back to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Not only does it take care of the usual let-down the day after Christmas when there are no more gifts to look forward to, but there are such fantastic things for the boys to do in Lancaster County even in the winter that it'll be a guaranteed amazing trip.

We'll first head right to the Strasburg Rail Road for a cozy steam train ride through the rolling hills of Lancaster County, then head across the street to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania so the boys can spend three or four hours (seriously!) looking at the huge old steam trains and playing with the hands-on children's trains and tracks. Then we'll check in at Willow Valley Resort where we'll enjoy one of the best buffets in the area, then put on our swimsuits and play in the indoor kiddie water park and pools until well past our bedtime. And if the weather is good, we may even get lucky and be able to spend some time at Dutch Wonderland, where they decorate the whole kiddie amusement park in a holiday theme.

The surprise for my boys this time time around is that we're going at a time of year when Willow Valley holds its indoor winter carnival......picture part of your favorite Jersey Shore boardwalk brought inside so the kids can have fun! Willow Valley will also hold an amazing New Year's Eve party. With the rooms there being so incredible it's a great way to ring in the New Year and then just head to your room rather than having to drive home.....then wake up to a great breakfast buffet, brunch, or trip to their incredible bakery.

This time last year I remember checking in at the front desk of the hotel and getting recognized by a listener who was also bringing her family there to enjoy the holiday season. Everywhere I go people tell me it's a great trip for the kids, or ask me for details on what I do with my kids when I'm there. Each time is different and special, and each time creates memories my children will cherish forever! Whatever you do this season with your family, enjoy it and have a wonderful and safe holiday! I'll see you in '08!

Firefighter Fundraiser

A listener and friend of mine, Dennis, asked me to pass along this great way to help the firefighters that help us in times of need. It's a football game (Giants vs. Buffalo) fundraiser and cigar event to benefit the Goodwill Fire Company of Belmar. A $20 donation includes hors d'oeuvres and buffet. Cigars by Senor Juan Tabacalero (Main Street, Belmar). It's December 23rd from 12:30 - 4:30pm at Goodwill Fire house, 610 7th Ave. in Belmar (across from St. Rose School.) Please call 732-280-1444 to reserve seats. After all the hard and heartbreaking work our local volunteer firefighters did with the recent house fire in Belmar, let's help them out as best we can. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of those killed in the fire.

Starve A Cold, Honey A Cough

A new study shows that a teaspoon of honey before bed can calm a child's cough and help the child sleep better. That remedy did better than cough medicine and also did better than no treatment at all in the study. Experts say honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat. This news comes amid recently federal health advisories warning that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be used in children younger than six, and manufacturers are taking some products for babies off the market. Keep in mind, though, that although honey might be great for most kids, it should never be used in children under one year old because of a rare but serious risk of botulism. The research appears in the archives of Pediatrics And Adolescent Medicine.

Banning Words On The Playground

The principal of a school in Michigan didn't like what she was hearing on the playground, so she had students stay after class. She then read a list of curse words and phrases that she heard on the playground and will no longer tolerate. Four-letter words are obviously on the banned list, but she also won't let her students say 'stupid' or 'boring'.

I think that it's a good concept, but to put it into practice might be tough, especially if as parents we can't eliminate those words from our own vocabulary. And as much as I hate (there's another word that could be considered bad enough to ban) the words boring and stupid, there might actually be a proper time and context for them.

Holiday Tipping

I always get confused around the holidays about who I should tip and how much. Here's one list I found that might be helpful:

Holiday Tipping Etiquette suggestions:

Mail carrier: $10 - 20
Manicurist/pedicurist: $15 or more
Hairdresser: $15 or more
Garbage collector(s): $15 - 20 each
Baby sitter: two-to-three night's pay, plus maybe a gift
Maid: one week's pay
Apartment building superintendent: $20 - 100
Shampoo girl: $10
Massage therapist: $15 or more
Newspaper delivery boy: daily - $25, weekend: $10
Regular overnight delivery person: $10 - 30
Full-time nanny: one week's pay
Day care service: $25 - 70 plus a gift
Parking attendants: $10 - 20 each
Personal trainer: $60 -100 upon reaching your goal

Holiday Shopping Safety

Some reminders when shopping for the children this holiday season:

Choking is still the leading cause of death related to toys.

Be sure to inspect toys for small removable parts or balloons, especially with children under three years old.

Toys that are too loud can cause hearing loss with repeated exposure. Avoid buying toys that produce high decibel levels.

Look for toys that are age-appropriate, sturdy, and constructed without sharp edges.

Beware of long strings or cords that can strangle children.

Always read the warning labels before making a purchase.

If you purchase a bike, skateboard, or in-line skates, buy a safety helmet, too.

Toys sold online don't always include all the necessary safety warnings. You should not assume that a toy bought online without a warning label doesn't need one.

Revisiting Asbury Park

I never thought I'd have such a great time in Asbury Park! I haven't been there in years althoughI know it's been making a comeback in the past few years. Friday night was a revelation when I hosted an event at the Paramount Theatre for the Premiere Theatre Company's "Scrooge". Not only does the theatre look beautiful, but the Grande Arcade (which you enter through the theatre entrance) it's a great place to visit on the weekends, on your way to Cookman Ave to pick up some unique and original gifts for all those on your holiday list. The shopping is amazing. And the restaurants are fantastic! There must be at least 20 hip and delicious places to dine now.....with a great crowd hanging out at each one. So if you haven't been to Asbury in a while, try it again!