People Who Decorate for Christmas Early Are Happier

by Karly WoodSeptember 15, 2022

Christmas decorating spikes dopamine, which makes you feel good

The tree. The tinsel. The teeny tiny blinking lights that adorn your windows. Christmas decor is an annual reminder of the joy and excitement that jolly ol’ St. Nick brings.

Even though Halloween is still more than one month away, you’ve already got Christmas on the brain. If you find yourself sketching a green and red lighting design or dragging the plastic Santa’s out of storage, don’t worry—some experts say early decorating can actually make you happier.

“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” Psychologist Deborah Serani tells TODAY. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out … signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not.”

Thank you, dopamine, a feel-good hormone that’s increased as you hang the colorful lights and sip hot cocoa. But it’s not just the sights and sounds, it’s the good memories that bring an extra level of happiness.

“Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement,” Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown told British website Unilad. “So putting up those Christmas decorations early extend the excitement!”

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author, echoed this sentiment to Unilad. “The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity. For many putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhoods.”

But do we decorate for more than just our own internal motivations? Or perhaps do we slap up the Santas and reindeer to get approval from others?

The Journal of Environmental Psychology looked into how people “may use holiday decorations on their home’s exterior to communicate friendliness and cohesiveness with neighbors.” Participants in a study responded to photos of decorated versus non-decorated homes and whether or not they had the appearance of a home with friendly residents.

Overall, researchers reported that respondents ranked decorated homes as having inhabitants that are more sociable and cohesive with the community, while homes without decor were thought of as nonsociable.

Regardless of your motivations, its definitely a fact that decorating puts you in a happy mood. So why not drag out that fake Christmas tree for a few extra months of joy?

3 Mental Health Self-Care Tips to Try During the Holiday Season

By Kelsea Koenreich

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

December 19, 2019

Photo: Tara Tomlinson

The season of giving is one of the easiest times to get caught up in not taking care of yourself. Year after year you shift into a position of wanting to be everything to everyone to make sure your holidays are picture-perfect. You put so much pressure on yourself that instead of enjoying the holidays, you are drained and just waiting for the new year. Make this year and the coming years different with implementing just three things:

1. Set boundaries with friends & family. Boundaries and communication are an important part of your life year-round but during these times you are around more people at social events and family gatherings that you might not have close personal relationships with. We all have a grandma that insists you finish our plate or a family member you haven’t seen in a long time that makes a comment about your body. Setting boundaries allows you to enjoy these events without your values being disregarded. Remember, you are only treated as you allow yourself to be treated. To set a boundary, be short and concise: what you are doing, how you feel and what do you need? It could look like; “I am focused on eating in a way that makes me feel good, it hurts my feelings when people make comments about my food and body. I would really like your support because I love and care about you.”

2. Take breaks and practice self-care. Self-care may be challenging this time of year with so many things added to your to-do list but that is a big reason to be preventative with your practices. Taking regular breaks so you aren’t overwhelmed will allow you to complete things that are important to you but also make sure your cup is filled and you aren’t feeling resentful. You might need a shopping trip alone, for yourself. You might need to pick and choose which social events you really want to attend so you can have some quiet nights at home. When you know stress will be higher you can take a few steps and give yourself some time each day, even 5-minutes can make a difference.

3. Say no to things you don’t want. You feel like you need to say yes to everything in this season—going to every event, trying every dish at every social event, helping everyone close to you get through their to-do list all while having your own. I’m giving you permission to say no, without feeling like you have to justify it. It is your calendar, your life, and your body, the choices you make should be ones that you want. If you don’t want the cranberry sauce, don’t eat it. If you don’t want to finish your plate, don’t. If you don’t want to attend the 47th Christmas event this week, don’t. Just remember, when you say yes to something that means you say no to something else. Don’t let that something else be yourself.

In the end, your validation doesn’t need to come from pleasing others, you aren’t valuable because of the gifts you can buy, the parties you can throw or the food you can make. Playing your part in helping others to find joy and happiness is only fulfilling if we are doing it from a place of fullness ourselves. I encourage you to practice these simple tools and let me know how prioritizing yourself changes this season for you!

Kelsea Koenreich

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kelsea is a speaker and ICF certified life coach who gives women sustainable tools to run their lives without fear. Since 2012 she has worked with women all over the world through her coaching practice to establish better habits, develop self-confidence and see the possibility of the future.

Today’s Deal: Too Late! This Deal is Over.

by Erin LemNovember 16, 2019

Santa’s merry elves may be working overtime, but that doesn’t mean you have to. To ease your holiday shopping, we partnered with some of our favorite brands to offer you amazing deals and steals this season on products and gear you actually want (or want to give). From meal delivery to oh-so-cozy clothing and must-have toys, get your shopping done in a flash without breaking the bank.

Check out the entire 10 days of deals by clicking here.

Today’s Deal: Too Late! This Deal is Over.

The Scoop:
Make mealtime easier (and more nutritious!) this holiday season. With Nurture Life, you can spend less time shopping, prepping and cooking and more time enjoying all the holidays have to offer. Nurture Life offers freshly prepared meals (never frozen) with an appealing range of kid-pleasing choices. They also accommodate dietary choices and restrictions with all meals clearly labeled: vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and egg-free.

Scroll to peek some of Nurture Life’s offerings.

Check out the entire 10 days of deals by clicking here.

10 Must-Have Kids’ Items from IKEA

By Allie Ticktin

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 15, 2018

As an occupational therapist, I am very critical of toys and baby products. I prefer simple toys that are aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, I search for toys that help babies and children grow developmentally. Ikea’s toy section might be one of the best-kept mom secrets out there. They not only have beautiful toys and equipment, but they are extremely functional and safe as well!

I don’t work with Ikea and don’t get any benefit from sharing these, but you do deserve to know! Here are my 10 favorite children’s products from Ikea:

Mula stacking rings: Simple ring stackers are one of the best toys you can buy your baby. They help to develop your child’s fine motor skills from a young age and kids love them! Ikea’s version is beautiful and made of wood, which is always a bonus in my book (wood provides texture and is great for developing sensory systems!).
Mula Abacus: This toy is great for kids of all ages! They start playing with it as a toddler and grow with it into childhood, creating complex designs and patterns. It provides endless opportunity for creativity while promoting STEM, logic and math skills.
Busa Play Tunnel: Tunnels are great to promote crawling and develop your little one’s gross motor and balance skills! Kids also love the feeling of being inside the tunnel. Ikea’s tunnel is not only adorable, but it also fold’s up for easy storage!
PS Lomsk Swivel Chair: I must tell at least one parent a day to buy this chair; it is one of the best tools I know of to help provide sensory input at home! Your child can sit in it and spin or can shut the top to create a little hideaway and a perfect spot to calm down after a difficult moment or just a long day.
Leka Baby Gym: Anyone who knows me knows that I think most baby equipment is completely unnecessary. One piece of baby equipment that I do love is a good baby gym. Putting your baby on a mat with a baby gym is the perfect thing to do to promote development of gross and fine motor skills. I love Ikea’s sleek design, and the quality of their baby gym is top-notch. It’s also a great price!
Duktig Play Kitchen: It is important to give your little one plenty of opportunities for imaginary play, beginning from the time he or she is very young. A play kitchen is the perfect toy to encourage your child to develop the social play skills necessary for childhood and beyond. I love that this kitchen grows with your child and is easily cleanable.
Bunso Children’s chair: Okay, this might be a holy grail chair for me! Ikea markets it as an outdoor chair, but I love using it indoors for everything from circle time in school to simply reading books on the floor. There are so many overpriced floor chairs out there marketed at helping kids pay attention and avoid “w” sitting, but sometimes the best chairs are simple. Often times, kids don’t have the postural support to sit alone on the floor. This chair is perfect because it is low to the ground and provides just enough postural support to help your little one succeed.
Ekorre Rocking Moose: Could this moose be any cuter?! It is functional too! A rocking horse (or moose in this case) is great to help develop your baby’ s sensory system, and to develop a sense of balance while having fun!
Langur High chair with tray: The key to good baby products is keeping them simple! That is why I LOVE Ikea’s high chairs. There is no need for any bells or whistles. This chair provides babies with the postural support necessary to start exploring foods while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. As a bonus, it grows with your child and becomes a junior chair!
Ikea PS 2014 Balance bench: Ikea provides yet another great toy to work on balance and gross motor skills! It is perfect for preschool-aged children and will provide tons of opportunities for fun.

Alright mamas, happy shopping! But first, one more quick secret… do you know that many Ikea products can be found on Amazon now? You don’t even have to leave your couch!

Featured Photo Courtesy: Courtesy IKEA

Allie Ticktin

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Allie Ticktin is an occupational therapist with a specialty in sensory integration and early-childhood development. She is the founder of Play 2 Progress in West Hollywood, California, where her mission is to build skills for the journey through childhood using the power of play.

The New Book LA Babies All Need

by Jennifer O'BrienDecember 11, 2016

We’ve found the perfect gift for LA littles just in time for the hectic holiday season. Los Angeles 1 to 10, by Silverlake mom Sara Beth Greene, debuted this November and is one the most adorable board books we’ve seen in quite some time. It introduces numbers and counting to kiddos using pleasing rhymes and iconic imagery of our beloved City of Angels.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Filled with a lifelong passion for writing, Los Angeles 1 to 10 author, Sara Beth Greene, never attempted it professionally until now. While her family was temporarily living in Toronto, Canada after the birth of her daughter, friends gifted Greene with cute Canadian themed baby books. Excited to buy similar LA versions when her family returned to their hometown of Los Angeles, she surprisingly found very few children’s books that felt like anything more than auto-generated tourist guides.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Muscle Beach, yada, yada, yada—all the things tourists do, not the people who actually live here. She quickly realized nothing captured the true charm and diversity of LA and decided to create something herself.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Los Angeles 1 to 10 is geared towards newborns through age 5 and uses whimsical rhymes and cheery bright colors to celebrate the city’s immense diversity from the hills of Griffith Park and music of Mariachi Plaza to Watts Towers and the warm ocean breezes of the Pacific Ocean. It’s perfect as your baby’s first introduction to our vast and varied city, becomes a wonderful bring-along as they get ready for first outings and later is an easy to follow learn to read book that echoes the signs they see on your weekend adventures.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

When she’s not busy penning her first children’s book or tending to her regular career of producing music videos, commercials and films, Greene loves spending time exploring LaLa Land with her 2-year-old daughter, Cleo. As for her own LA faves, Greene says, “We love to have picnics and fly kites in the Silverlake Meadow. The Enchanted Railroad at Descanso Gardens is always a big hit. I can’t get over how cute that little train is! Also LACMA is always excellent since there is so much space to run around. Cleo loves Chris Burden’s ‘Metropolis.’ I love James Turrell. Everyone wins!”

For a list of LA retailers currently carrying Los Angeles 1 to 10 or to purchase a copy online, simply check out the book’s website. As for future kids’ books, Greene currently has two more in the works: one about Los Angeles opposites and a counting book about Portland, Oregon. We can’t wait!

Los Angles 1 to 10 by Sara Beth Greene
Online: losangeles1to10.com

If you’re looking for LA themed books for bigger kids, we’ve got a list of our favorites here.

What other LA themed kids’ books would you like to see in the future? Give us a shout in the comments below!

–Jennifer O’Brien

Swing Time: Make Music at This Super Summer Installation!

by Yuliya GeikhmanJune 20, 2016

Battery Park City’s Brookfield Place is making a name for itself when it comes to presenting fresh, fun — and frequently interactive — art installations the whole family can enjoy. Past hits for us have included beautiful and magical wishing stations and oversized, illuminated bunnies. Now, the downtown spot is hosting The Swings, a playful, musical sculpture that invites the public to collaboratively create an urban symphony. Read on and then get swinging — it closes July 7!

Collaborative Art
Walk into Brookfield Place and you find an oasis of calm away from the business and tourist bustle of the World Trade Center area — as well as some refreshing A/C and a killer food court if you need to recharge and refuel.

Step outside to the public plaza you’ll discover the center’s latest installation, The Swings. This interactive art exhibit brings music, collaboration and a little bit of physical activity to the space, turning it into a fun place for kids and adults alike.

Getting Into the Swing of Things
The Swings exhibit is the creation of Daily tous les jours, a Montreal-based design studio whose works aim to bring people together through collaboration and art. The exhibit is a giant swing set, designed to look, feel, and sound aesthetically pleasing. Each swing emits a sound when it’s used, and represents one of four instruments: piano, harp, guitar, and vibraphone.

A poster displaying the rules points out that The Swings are an art installation, not a playground; that is, they are meant to be played with collaboratively. (Most of the time, though, kids — and adults — just seem to swing to have fun, rather than composing a new musical masterpiece. That said, even with each visitor doing their own thing, the swings emit a pleasant tune, like a set of wind-chimes swaying in a gentle breeze. The effect is especially soothing thanks to the outdoor, waterfront location of the exhibit.

The Rules of Swinging
A set of swings naturally attracts plenty of kids, but adults are welcome to swing, too. Note: no matter how old you are, before you enter the area of the installation, you must sign a waiver. The waiver contains the usual “if you get hurt, it’s not our fault,” disclaimer and parents or guardians are required to sign for children under 18.

The installation is made up of 10 swings, so there is usually at least a short wait, and during peak hours, time on the swings is limited to five minutes per person. However when we stopped by, exhibit personnel were still determining when “peak hours” were, exactly. In other words, if you see an unusually long line, try coming back another time for a longer turn at the swings.

The exhibit area itself is large, with plenty of space in front of the swings to park your stroller, or stand back and let the kids enjoy themselves. Parents of kids shorter than 36 inches are required to swing with their kids on their laps. The rules also ask that all participants remain aware of their surroundings, don’t stand or horse around on the swings, and take turns. Of course, parental supervision is mandatory.

Swing Time
The Swings are open from Noon to 8 p.m. daily, but they close in poor weather. Stop by before July 7th to make some music, and keep an eye out for Arts Brookfield’s other exhibitions, artwork, and musical experiences throughout the city this summer.

The Swings
June 10 – July 7
12 p.m.- 8 p.m. daily
Brooksfield Place
230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
Online: artsbrookfield.com

Have you and the kids visited The Swings? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

—Yuliya Geikhman

Hey DJ! Music Mixers That Know How to Rock a Kid’s Party

by rtvictoriamasonOctober 29, 2015

The DMV is filled with music masters and entertainers, but when it comes to a little one’s party it is a whole different scene. The right DJ can make or break an affair, especially when it comes to pleasing lil’ pumpkins and their budding music tastes. We’ve got the lowdown on the area’s hottest disc jockeys to tempt all ages to the dance floor.

Photo: DJ Beauty and the Beatz

DJ Beauty and the Beatz
Set the gold standard with your next kid’s party when you hire DJ Beauty and the Beatz. Spinning since she was a first grader, this underage yet highly talented DJ has worked with major brands like Target and Sony while playing local D.C. gigs, including the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll. She may be the youngest and flyest DJ, but she can still rock the party for your tiny tot.

Cost: Prices vary
Online: DJBeautyandthebeatz.com

DJ Olivia
Get ready to shut up and dance! DJ Olivia, herself only 14 years old is going to rock you! Full of family-friendly tunes (think KidzBop and more) that will get the crowd moving, Olivia is full of fun games and will spin for a minimum of two hours at your next kids party or celebration. Little ones love her game of musical freeze dance while parents can enjoy songs and not have to worry about it being unsafe for little ears.

Cost: $30/hour (two hour minimum)
202-746-9393
Online: djolivia.com

All in 1 Entertainment
Some party goers need a little more than just a DJ spinning some classic and Top 40 tunes. All in 1 Entertainment has been playing kids parties, Sweet Sixteena, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs and school events for over fifteen years, so they know there is more than one way to get kids to shake it off. Whether you want a light show, some glow necklaces or even a bounce house included in your party, this company has a lot to offer parents and kiddos alike.

Cost: Prices vary
888-PARTY-02
Online: aioentertainment.com

DJ Gerry Bradshaw
Don’t let DJ Gerry Bradshaw’s Fredericksburg home base deter you; he will rock a children’s party anywhere in the DMV. When it comes to birthdays, school affairs, festivals or anything else related to the shorter set, he has over 30 years of experience mixing music and getting tykes to groove and move to his music.

Cost: Prices vary
540-891-1728
Online: djgerry.com

Limelight Karaoke & DJ Services
The highly experienced staff at Limelight knows a thing or two about children’s parties. Unlike most events, the wee ones can’t party all night long so Limelight offers a two-hour special that includes a DJ and Karaoke geared just for your elementary ed-sized offspring. Kids of all ages will be shaking what their momma gave them for hours on end as giant smiles grow on their faces.

Cost: Prices vary
410-437-1265
Online: limelightkaraoke.com

Do you have a favorite local DJ? Tell us about him or her in the comments section below.

–Victoria Mason

Soup’s On: 7 Super Spots for Soup This Fall

by Jenifer CastilloOctober 13, 2015

Football season is here (go Hawks!), the chill of autumn is in the air and those chunky sweaters and Hunter boots have once again taken center stage in our closets—fall is in full swing in Seattle. And what better way to experience autumn, than with a hearty bowl of soup. Click through the gallery and get ready to satisfy your soup cravings at one of our favorite belly-warming spots.

Pike Place Chowder

Arguably one of the best tourist (and local) spots in Post Ally, Pike Place Chowder packs a taste punch. Boasting a variety of chowders from the staple New England Clam to the award-winning Seafood Bisque, the Pike Place location has eight different palate pleasing chowders to choose from. If seafood chowder doesn’t quite float your boat, try the vegan or Southwestern Chicken and Corn Chowder (choose this if you like it spicy). These free of fish alternatives are perfect for any picky eaters in your group.

Bonus: To make your experience authentic, opt to have your chowder served in a fresh-from-the-oven sourdough bread bowl. Having a hard time making a choice? Go for the Sampler, where you get to choose four different chowders served in perfectly sized 5-oz cups. Psst! Don't be intimidated by the sometimes lengthy lines spilling out the door, the payoff is worth the wait.

Good to Know: Tables are often packed and hard to score; and you are not allowed to save tables - you must wait until you have your food to snag one up. However, customers are aware of the long-standing table arrangement and vacate quickly once their chowder has been chowed-down. If you want to skip the tourist-y vibe, head to their second location in Pacific Place. Here, you will experience a wider menu selection that includes a mouthwatering po-boy sandwich and the always delicious fish tacos. You will also find a warm (inside) atmosphere and wallet-pleasing happy hour; complete with premium brews and chowder fries (seriously, a must try!).

Post Alley
1530 Post Alley
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-267-2537
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Pacific Place Location
600 Pine St., 4th Floor
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-838-5680
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Online: pikeplacechowder.com

photo: Chris Y. via Yelp

Where is your family’s favorite spot for soup? Spill in the Comments below!

— Jenifer Castillo

Downtown Public Art Kids Will Love

by Marianne WaltersMarch 18, 2015

Unexpected, eclectic, aesthetically pleasing and typically larger-than-life, public art sculptures, murals and fountains give kids of all ages the chance to admire, climb (where permitted), and photograph outdoor art that is built to stand the test of time. Read on to discover six cool pieces are perfect for a downtown family scavenger hunt or for discovering and enjoying one at a time.

Facing the Crowd

Location: Providence Park, one is at 18th Ave. and the other is at 20th Ave. at SW Morrison

Challenge your youngsters to find the differences between these two bronze statues that greet visitors to Providence Park. They were designed by Michael Stutz and installed in 2001, and they're truly larger than life; your kids will want to put their faces inside to see how well they fit. One is a laughing man and the other is a smiling boy - can they tell which is which?

Good to know: To find more public art, use the search tool provided by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). You can also check out TriMet’s Green Line Public Art Tour for a fun trip on the MAX that will expose your cultured kiddies to more than 50 sculptures.

What is your family’s favorite sculpture in town? Let us know in the comments below!

—Marianne Walters

Yummy in the Tummy: The District’s Freshest Baby Food Delivery Services

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyJanuary 15, 2015

Feeding newbie eaters fresh-from-the-farm homemade purees is easier and less time-consuming than you may think—especially since there are a couple of baby food delivery services in the DMV that will do the recipe developing, testing, blending, and packing for you. There may only be two baby food chefs in the D.C.-area (for now!), but they are mighty, offering simply irresistible solids made with fresh, local produce. And the icing on the cake? They deliver the goods to your front door (or workplace).

Photo: betherann via Flickr

Baby SLOP
The goal of Baby SLOP (FYI “slop” stands for seasonal, local, organic puree) is simple—to get kids to love veggies. Bethesda-based founder Adria Kinnier does this by loading her baby food recipes with seasonal, locally-sourced, and downright delicious produce. But, it’s her unique flavors, infused with palette pleasing herbs, that make her purees (available for 6-8 month olds and 8-12 month olds) irresistible. Kinnier hand delivers the goods twice-a-week in reusable BPA-free jars.
Wait, there’s more: For every jar of baby SLOP that is sold, a jar is donated to a local area food bank for a baby at risk of hunger.
Babe fave: Organic beets, apple and cannellini beans (all blended together).

Cost: $30/week (twice-a-week deliveries with three 4-ounce jars of purees); $60/week (twice-a-week deliveries with six 4-ounce jars of purees)
Online: babyslop.com

Photo: Baby SLOP via Facebook

Bambino Bites
This D.C.-based operation is hyper-focused on pumping your little one with as much nutrients (from their food) as possible. It’s the main reason they stick to steaming the fruits and veggies that they put into their purees—steaming locks in the most vitamins out of any other cooking method…snatch! Bambino Bites also leaves out the sugar and salt that you might find lurking in canned baby food varieties. Deliveries happen once a week (in D.C. and MoCo), and there is a $25 order minimum, but you can pick and choose any flavors and products (they also offer baby sweet potato chips and apple/pear chips) that you wish.

Wait, there’s more: Stay tuned! Bambino Bites has plans to offer baby food subscriptions. Yes, BABY FOOD SUBSCRIPTIONS.
Baby fave: Sweet potato, apple and thyme (with rolled oats or quinoa for added texture).

Cost: $5.75-$6.75/8 ounce container
Online: bambinobitesfood.com

Photo: Bambino Bites via Facebook

Have you tried a baby food delivery service yet? Tell us about it in the Comments section below.

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

ML Interest Tag: please

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