PFO Newsletter- 12.18.24

December 18, 2024

We’re exactly ONE week away from Christmas, friends! And for our Jewish friends, Hanukkah is a bit late this year, the first day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day, December 25th. The likelihood of both falling on the same day doesn’t happen often. In fact, it hasn’t happened in almost two decades!

Our house is gearing up to host my ENTIRE family over the Christmas Break. As I shared with you a few weeks ago, we’re trading in our annual gift swaps for THIS fun family game.

 

I plan on taking the last two weeks of the year off from just about everything, including my podcast. But, before we check out for the year, John and I answered all your questions in our annual ASK US ANYTHING episode. I have to say, it was highly entertaining because your questions were so good. Make sure you check it out over the break. 

I’d love to hear what you’re doing for the holidays. What are your plans?

What are YOUR holiday plans?

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Also, in case you missed it, my sister and I drove from South Carolina to Michigan to surprise our mom for her 85th birthday!! The weather was pretty tenuous, as were the roads. So, a typical 12-hour trip became a 15 hour journey. But, we were able to totally surprise her–-watch mom’s reaction HERE. I can’t believe we pulled it off!

Our route took us through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and then Michigan. I have to say, this Michigan born and bred girl took a bit of enjoyment out of driving through Ohio, wearing my Michigan sweatshirt and hat. :) 

Next time we talk, it will most likely be 2025. So, I’m wishing you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

Our best is yet to come…

Love,
Paula xo

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. HOLIDAY HACK: Christmas Cards 💌

You’re probably getting a stack of holiday cards in the mail every day. So, what do you do with them? I saw an awesome hack last year to turn them into a photo book, of sorts. And all you need are: a hole punch and a ring. I leave the book on either a coffee table or our kitchen table and my kids love looking through it and reading updates on friends and family. Here’s a video on how to do it.

2. Make Next Week Easier with These Finds 🎁

Here are some quick items to add to your cart to make life easier in the next week:

Adorable Christmas gift tags: Just peel and stick!

Wrapping paper cutter – No more fumbling with scissors!

Christmas Gift Bags – Saying no to wrapping paper? This is the answer.

Giant Coloring Table Cloth For the kids table – keep them busy while they sit there!

12 Games of Christmas – Keep everyone laughing with this family-friendly game

3. Last Minute Stocking Stuffers  🎅🏻

Need to fill a stocking or give a last-minute gift you weren’t prepared for? Here are some great ideas they’ll love!

For the Kids
Remember the Slinky? It’s time your kids had one of their own! And how about these glow in the dark Christmas tattoos? When in doubt, let Lego save the day.

For Her

Let her relax with Shower Steamers aromatherapy. And who doesn’t love some Burt’s Bees Essentials? Help her recover from the insanity of the holidays with under eye patches.

For Him

He’ll never stop talking about this multi-tool pen. And what guy doesn’t love to have a flashlight handy in every room of the house? He’ll be pumped to keep the car clean with this putty – even the kids will help!

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

What’s Shocked Us Most About Going on College Tours

I can’t believe we’re saying this, but we are looking at colleges with our daughter, Caroline. One day, you’re dropping your kid off at preschool, and the next, they’re getting ready to fly the coop.  That’s literally how fast it’s gone.  In this episode, John and I talk about taking those first college tours, what we’re learning along the way, and what shocked us most about the process. (Any guesses on who handled themselves best during the tours?)  Plus, the one thing we’ve done which has focused the direction and strategy on which schools we should be looking at.  We also get real about how much we should be involved as parents and whether we’re projecting our own desires a bit too much on our kids.

ASK US ANYTHING: Paula and John

This is always one of your favorite (and most popular!) episodes….when John and I give you a blank slate to ASK US ANYTHING!.  Your questions ranged from relationships, menopause, and teen dating to media and a few questions that, frankly, made us blush.  It’s our final episode of 2024 before coming back in 2025 with a bang!  Listen with your partner and enjoy some laughs as we keep it real and honest this holiday season.

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? -Paula

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