The December 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!
It’s known as the most wonderful time of the year. But, for many stepmoms, the holidays create unique stress and family tension.
Most families must make decisions about where to celebrate, when and with whom—but stepfamilies face extra challenges. Every year stepmoms ask: When are the kids coming over? Are the kids coming over? How do we manage everyone’s traditions?
The articles in this month’s issue are designed to take you back to simpler times and help you remember that as a stepmom you must focus on what you can control and to let go of what you can’t. You might just find that letting go doesn’t nullify your past—it helps you enjoy the present.
Here’s what’s inside when you subscribe:
THE DECEMBER ISSUE | TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
The Truth About Being a Stepmom
Replace Those Old Stepmom Myths With New Mantras
BY BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW
Long-Distance Holidays Stepfamily Style
5 Ways to Connect When You Can’t Be Together
BY HEATHER HETCHLER, MA
A Stepmom’s Christmas Carol
Lessons From the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future
BY CHRISTINA ROACH, LMHC, NCC, DCC
Stepmoms Home Alone
Avoid Feeling Like an Outsider This Holiday Season
BY MARY T. KELLY, MA
The Best Gifts You Can Give a Stepmom
Advice for Friends and Family
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT
DEPARTMENTS
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
What I Think About … Traditions
EXPERT ADVICE
Stepmom Q&A: Holiday Parties
Celebrating the Season With the Ex
BY RACHELLE KATZ, EDD, LMFT
GUY THEORY
Why Haggle for Holiday Custody?
Don’t Let Custody Concerns Taint Your Kids’ Memories
BY JOEL SCHWARTZBERG
TIMEOUT
A Stepmom’s Guide to Caring Less
Give Yourself the Gift of Focusing On What Really Matters
BY TRISHA LADOGNA
LEGAL MATTERS
Parental Alienation
A Story About Hell, Hope and Healing
BY LARA R. BADAIN, ESQ
THE LOOKING GLASS
Our Monthly Roundup of News, Events, Reviews and More
WORDS OF WISDOM
Unmet Expectations and Stepfamilies
4 Steps for Saving Your Sanity This Holiday Season
BY JOAN SARIN
THE NEXT GENERATION
Home for the Holidays
Winter Break Survival Tips for Stepmoms
BY PAM HOWARD, LCSW
THE INSIDE SCOOP
From the Heart
Meaningful Gifts for Stepchildren This Holiday Season
BY GAYLA GRACE
REAL STEPMOMS. REAL STORIES.
Aruna Seegolam
