by Tiffany Hathorn

As adults, we often get so caught up in the “rat race” of life that we fail to truly enjoy or even appreciate life. Not necessarily in the grand ways – in the little, everyday ways. We don’t take the time to stop and acknowledge the little joys because we are so focused on our big responsibilities. Some would argue that it is best to focus on the big picture. To not let the little things distract you. However, I disagree. 

One thing that I have been taught by watching and engaging with my son is that sometimes you really need to just step back and appreciate. To view the world through the eyes of a child. 

You see, children have this really innocent way of viewing the world. To them, life is full of magic and wonder. Have you ever seen the way a child’s eyes will light up in awe at the sight of something as common as the sunset? Felt their genuine excitement at the beautiful colors painting the sky? Have you ever watched their glee as they caught sight of a squirrel for the first time, as it jumps from branch to branch above their heads? Listened to their peals of laughter as they laughed at the same joke for the 5^th time – as though it became more amusing with each telling?

Children are able to undertake the serious tasks of learning about themselves, the world around them, and the ways in which they must navigate it. I mean, it can’t be easy having to learn to move, talk, read, write, think, solve problems, and the myriad of skills that set them up for the rest of their lives. However, they don’t allow this hard work to distract them from or rob them of their ability to enjoy the world and the many experiences it has to offer – however ‘ordinary’ those experiences may be. 

When was the last time that you paused in your day and the took time to just look around? To be present and truly take in the things around you? I recently had a tough life situation arise. One which felt vastly overwhelming. My instinct, as an adult, was to throw myself into being busy. To work, work, work until I changed my situation. You would think that would be the best solution, right? However, what I found was that instead of things becoming easier, I simply became more overwhelmed.  That was when I decided to take a page from the book of childhood. To the take time to appreciate the small things. To allow myself to be amazed by life and all that it has to offer. When I stopped long enough to enjoy the small things, it became a bit easier to face the big things.

I began taking walks and instead of simply being focused on getting from point A to point B, I enjoyed the sights and sounds along the way. I sat out on my porch and enjoyed the bounty of nature that is right outside my door. I stopped multitasking so much and actually focused on one thing at a time (which is another thing I have learned from my son). In short, I chose to be present in my life instead of simply focusing on getting through it. 

Life is made up of days and we often focus on just making it from one day to the next. However, if we are so focused on mere survival that we forget to live, we will get to the end of our lives and realize just how much we missed that was right in front of us. 

So I implore you – invoke the magic of childhood in your life. Every single day. All you have to do is open your eyes and look around. You might find that the bit of magic missing from your life has been all around you this entire time. 

A professional word wrangler, mom to a superhero, and proud geek (circa 1985), Tiffany Hathorn can be found blogging at Single Mommy Warrior, traveling multiple universes (her favorite being the world of Harry Potter), binge-watching Netflix, or plotting world domination. 

By Renee Birchfield

The Christmas season is a magical time filled with joy, love, surprises and family. After Thanksgiving, there is magic in the air and the Christmas spirit is all around, it is one of my favorite times of the year.  

One of my favorite things during the holidays is not the receiving of gifts but giving back to others. There are many people who don’t have the luxuries that so many of us do during the holidays. This is the time for giving and spreading the Christmas magic. I am blessed to be able to have enough extra to give back to others and to brighten their day.  

There are many ways of sharing the magic these are some of my favorites that are pretty easy to do. 

• Angel tree- Pick an angle up from the Salvation Army Tree. They are set up at many stores and business places. We try and do this each year, it is so much fun to buy toys and clothes for kids who really need it. It is great to know that their Christmas will be a bit brighter now and that we were lucky enough to be a part of it.  
• Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes- OCC has a wonderful program where you can pack a shoebox full of little toys and daily items. These boxes get sent to other countries and the children that receive them learn of Jesus by the volunteers who hand them out. I know of many families who do this for their children to learn the joy of giving to others.  
• Food Banks and Soup House- You can donate any time to a food bank but during the holiday season they can always use extra to serve the many people who need them. If you have extra time but not a lot of extra money you can volunteer and help serve food, organize their stock, or just talk to the people that come in.  
• Donate to a local shelter- Do you have old coats or winter clothing? Drop them off at a local homeless shelter. If you have extra time stay after you donate and interact with the people there, it will put a smile on their faces.  
• Donate to a Pet shelter- If you are a pet lover this may be perfect for you. Buy some extra toys, dog food or even beds to give to a shelter in your area. Dogs and cats enjoy some extra love too. I have a friend who does a bone drive and Christmas Eve she takes them to the local shelters.  
• Pay it forward- If you are going through the drive-thru, pay for the person’s meal behind you. I personally like to go to a coffee place and do this. Just thinking how nice it would be to buy someone’s warm drink on a cold winter day. You could even do this at the grocery store if you wanted.  
• Bake cookies or treats for your neighbors- Who doesn’t love cookies? Surprise your neighbors or coworkers with some fresh baked treats and I’m sure they will love you for it.  

These are just a few ideas to help share the magic of the season with others. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate thing, all that’s needed is to take a bit of your time and give to those around you. I hope you and your family have a magical Christmas season! 

What are some things you and your family do to share the magic of Christmas? 

Renee shares her favorite things in life at Married and Hungry. Hoping that her newlywed situations and thoughts will help another new wife out there, and to let them know they are not alone. Being a self-proclaimed food nerd, with a degree in Food and Culinary Science, she shares her recipes and experiments.  She and her husband call Central Arkansas home for now. You can find her at home making the kitchen a mess, trying to cross stitch, or playing with their dog and cat. Keep up with her over on Twitter, and Married and Hungry’s Facebook page.

by Ricci Ellis

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and Thanksgiving is officially over. That can only mean one thing…Christmas is right around the corner! 

The other night I was driving home from work and noticed some of my neighbors already had their Christmas lights up on their houses. I don’t know about you but there is nothing like the first sight of Christmas lights that really gets me in the holiday spirit! I saw lit up trees in windows, homes that looked like gingerbread houses come to life, and other homes that looked like they were dripping in icicles! I love Christmas lights!

Luckily for me Arkansas is home to many wonderful Christmas light displays all around the state. One of the most famous Christmas light displays that originated in Arkansas is the Osborne Family Lights. The Osborne Family Lights were started by Jennings and Mitzi Osborne and grew to a display of over three million lights. The lights are now at Disney World in Florida and have been there since 1995. The 2015 Christmas season will be the last year Disney will host the Osborne Family Lights. 

If you don’t want to travel all the way to Florida to see some amazing Christmas lights have no fear because I have a list of Christmas light displays from around the state that will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit. 

Here is a list of just a few of the many Christmas light displays from across the state…

1.  Arkansas State Capital, Little Rock AR.  The light display at the capital is set to be lit on December 5 after the Big Jingle Holiday Parade in downtown Little Rock. The lighting ceremony includes fireworks, music, and of course the lighting off the capital and the giant Christmas tree!

2. Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs AR. This display is set among the many gardens and contains over four million bulbs. There is special Santa lights and free holiday concerts held throughout the month of December.

3. Hot Springs Holiday Lights on Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs AR. I grew up in Hot Springs and I loved seeing al the trees lit in Hot Springs National Park and seeing the reindeer lit on top of the Arlington Hotel. The lighting at the Arlington in Hot Springs will take place December 4.

4. Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville AR. There will be over 400,000 lights decorating the Downtown Square in Fayetteville that will be lit every night from 5pm – 1am starting November 20. There are nightly carriage and pony rides, holiday music, and hot chocolate!

5. Lights at Harding, Searcy AR. November 30 kicked off their holiday season with the annual lighting ceremony of the Harding Lights at Harding University. The display has over 100,000 LED lights and will stay lit until the new year.

6. Southern Arkansas University Celebration of Lights, Magnolia AR. SAU in Magnolia just celebrated the 32nd annual lighting of the campus on December 3. This year’s celebration is Polar Express themed and included a parade, Santa, music, and snacks. The lights will be on display throughout the Christmas season.

7. Christmas Wonderland, Crossett AR. This magical display of Christmas lights includes a drive through lighter tunnel, a large train, a light show, and bubble and snow machines among other things!

8. Candy Cane Lane, Pocahontas AR. This year is the 30th annual Candy Cane Lane celebration. Each year Maple Street is turned into a true Christmas wonderland complete with candy canes, Christmas lights, Santa and his elves!

This list is nowhere near complete as I am sure there are so many more amazing displays I have left out.  However I hope I have listed something in your area that you can go see and get into the Christmas spirit!!

Ricci Ellis is an Arkansas native and current central Arkansas resident. Her favorite titles include dog mom, sister, aunt, blogger, respiratory therapist, and student. You can catch up with her on her lifestyle blog, Imperfectly Ricci, or on any social media @riccialexis.