10 Festive Drinks For You & Yours This Holiday Season

Photo used under Creative Commons from izik

By Nigel Lawson

Well, my last blog was all about holiday treats and bonding with the kids.  This post is strictly for adults only.  Okay, at least the first part is.  I never like to leave the kiddies out, so I have something special for them too.

Is your Ex acting like a jerk right before the holidays?  Are the kids driving you up the wall? Will you be able to get your family members exactly what they want this holiday season?  Well, you can forget about all that for now.  If the "Seasonal  Insanity" seems a bit overwhelming, take a Jingle Bell Break and sample one of these festive holiday libations (provided by Whattodrink.Com).  These are just a few of the Holiday Cocktails listed on their website. 

And, don’t worry.  If you’re not big on alcohol, I have a special list of fun non-alcoholic drinks you and the kids can share during the holidays (provided by Family.Com).

For Adults Only (Alcoholic Drinks)  

1.  St. Nick’s Naughty or Nice Punch
2. Sassy Little Elf
3. Candy Cane Swirl
4. Homemade Eggnog
5. New Year's Sparkler
6. Midnight Kick

For Kids & Adults (Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

     7. White Christmas Hot Chocolate
     8. Quick Party Eggnog
     9. Cranberry-Apple Wassail
   10. Cold Chocolate Peppermint

Whether sampling one of the potent potables, or imbibing one of the calorie crammed kids’ drinks, moderation is always key.  Never drink and drive, or have a cup White Christmas Hot Chocolate and fall asleep on the couch.  Both are hazardous to your health.  Stay safe, and have a joyous holiday season. 

Best Wishes,

The Divorced Dudes Club

P.S.  Hug your children, and tell them you love them.

Divorce and the Holidays: Remember STRESSED Spelled Backwards Is DESSERTS!

Photo used with permission from Dailyville

by Nigel Lawson

The holidays can be a difficult time of  year, especially for single moms and dads. Stress over shared custody scheduling can overwhelm parents, turning joyous occasions into holiday nightmares.  Don't let this derail what is important --the quality time you spend with your children.  Yes, quality over quantity is always best when it comes to shared custody, so I want to provide parents with a holiday activity guaranteed for fun. 

Remember STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS!  So, what better way to bring smiles to your kid's faces than by making Chocolate Pilgrim Hats this Thanksgiving.  It's a great way to bond with your children and create a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Ingredients

• 1 package of Keebler Fudge Striped Cookies
• 1 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips
• A bag of large marshmallows
• A tube of yellow decorators' frosting

 

Follow the directions below, or check out the video for preparing these tasty, Thanksgiving treats  at Family Fun Magazine.  Remember to write your comments or other suggestions for creating lasting memories with your children this holiday season.

 

 Directions:

1. Place wax paper on a cookie sheet.
2. Set cookies upside down on the wax paper so the bottom chocolate side is facing up.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or use a double boiler. (Note: I prefer the double boiler because the chocolate doesn't clump.  You can make one using a sauce pot and stainless steal bowl. First, boil water over the stove in the pot, and place the stainless steal bowl atop the pot.  Place the chocolate chips in the bowl and stir them as them melt.) 
4. Use a toothpick to dip marshmallows into the chocolate, covering them completely.
5. Place marshmallows on top of the cookies.  Use a second toothpick to hold down the marshmallow as you pull out the first toothpick.
6. Next, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to harden the chocolate.
7. After the chocolate has hardened, use the yellow decorators' frosting to draw the buckle on each hat.

Divorce and Halloween: It Doesn't Need To Be Scary

Photo used under Creative Commons from wwarby

by Nigel Lawson

With Halloween just around the corner, fighting your way through department store crowds in search of the perfect costumes for the kids and bags of Hersey's Miniatures might not be the only thing your dreading this Fall. Dealing with an ex-spouse might be just as scary, especially if this is your first Halloween after divorce.

Well, no fear! Here are some tips to tame any ghoulish ex-spouse on All Hallows Eve.

1. Involve your kids.  Before making any plans, talk to your children.  Ask them what they would like to do for Halloween.  At this point you can ask if your ex-spouse has made any Halloween plans with your children.  It would be horrific if you made extensive plans and then found out your spouse has already promised to take your children to the neighborhood haunted block party.



2. Be ready to share.  If your ex has not mentioned spending time with the children on Halloween, don't assume he/she has no plans.   Speak to your ex and decide who will have the children that evening.  In some cases parents may opt to share Halloween duties.  One parent may purchase costumes and dress the children while the other takes them trick or treating.  A second scenario for children may be trick or treating separately with each parent in two different neighborhoods.  I'm sure your children wouldn't mind doubling their candy supply.

3. Plan early.  Halloween is one of those holidays that often slip our minds.  Before you know it, its October 30th.  If you haven't spoken to your ex by this time, calling the night before will probably result in an argument.  If your custody agreement includes certain holidays, and Halloween is one of them, you're in the clear.  But, if you're like most people, Halloween is often forgotten.   Plan ahead of time.  If you would like the children for the whole evening, call your spouse at least a month before.  This gives him/her plenty of time to make plans of their own.

 4. Speaking of plans... If you agree to having the children stay with your ex-spouse the whole evening, don't sulk at home alone.  Keep busy with relative and friends.  Take the opportunity to pass out candy at a neighbor's house or dress up and go to a Halloween party with friends. 

5. Play nice with Mom or Dad.  What every your arrangement is with your ex-spouse for that evening, always be courteous.  Children are deeply affected by negative comments made by one parent about another parent.  It confuses them and results in resentment of the offending parent.  Be considerate around your ex-spouse and children.  Halloween is a time for costumes and fun.  It may also be a time to put on a mask and set our differences aside to get through the evening.