TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
My Christmas Story: Ghosts of the Past, Present and Future
By Stacy Spencer Thompson
In the spirit of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the author reflects on what it means to establish tradition as a stepfamily.
Money and the Holidays
By Emily Bouchard, MSSW
Enjoy the holidays more by understanding the money types we encounter when making decisions related to spending, giving and receiving.
Sage Advice from a Veteran Stepmom
By Heather Hetchler
An interview with stepmom Christina McGhee, author of “Parenting Apart.”
Emotional Intelligence and the Stepmom
By Joan Sarin, M.S.
Many of the common difficulties in stepfamilies can be effectively addressed by the practice of emotional intelligence (EQ) skills.
Teenagers, Ugh! Survival Tips for Stepmoms
By Brenda Snyder, LCSW
Tips for stepparenting during the stepkids’ difficult adolescent years.
DEPARTMENTS
BRENDA’S CORNER: Letter from the Publisher
URBAN STEPMOM: A Very Merry Christmas
7 Tips on How Not to Spend this Season Locked in the Bathroom
By Lisa Bagshaw
VANTAGE POINT: Norman Rockwell Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Choosing Gratitude over Perfection this Holiday Season
By Laura Petherbridge
STEPFAMILY LIFE: Caught in the Middle
Helping Children of Divorce During the Holidays
By Diane Greene
LIFE ON THE TIPPING POINT: The Joy of Giving
It’s Better to Give than to Receive-Unless There’s Nothing More to Give
By Ms. Taken
LIFE WITH LISA: Christmas Lights
It’s the Small Things that Matter
By Lisa Bradshaw
COUPLES CORNER: The Couple or the Kids?
Who Comes First?
By Mary T. Kelly, M.A.
FOOD AND FUN: Reindeer Fingerprint Holiday Cards/Penne with Meatballs
By Ashley Grant
FITNESS ZONE: Work Out Your Holiday Stress with a 5-minute Quickie!
By Valerie Waldron Hedlund
TIME OUT: Holiday Time Out – The Cure for Holiday Stress
By Peggy Nolan, MA, RYT
STYLISH STEPMOM: ‘Tis the Season For Corporate, Casual and Cocktail Parties!
By Heidi Ducato
WORDS OF WISDOM