December fun for the family

Hi neighbors. The one thing nice about calendars of seldom known holidays and special events is that it gives a platform for some family fun.

In case you didn't know, December is Bingo Month and Write a Friend Month. How long has it been since the family got together to play Bingo? A silly, old-fashioned game you say? Try it with your children and see how it goes. Tip, let them take turns being the "caller."

Write a Friend Month should be a good time to teach the art of letter writing and penmanship. Don't use a computer for one letter at least. If using the computer, try different fonts and indents. Try adding some photos in either handwritten or computer generated letters.

Although December is almost half over, there are still fun things to do every day. Today, Dec. 12, is National Ding-a-Ling Day. Let the kids pick out some silly songs to sing while playing air-guitars or dancing.

It's also Poinsettia Day. A great time to get these beautiful flowers for Christmas decorations around the house.

The 13th is Ice Cream Day (we all know how to celebrate that!) and International Children's Day -- a great time to discuss issues of world responsibility and thankfulness for all we have that others may not. It's also Violin Day. Listen to some modern music that features violins or "fiddles" to recognize the difference in the sounds of the violin compared to other string instruments.

Cooking is in mind for several days this month. The 14th is National Bouillabaisse Day as well as Roast Chestnuts Day. A short chat on each topic might do, or help your children roast some chestnuts!

The 15th is Bill of Rights Day and that offers lots of conversation starters about many topics; most importantly reviewing the actual Bill of Rights and discussing the reasoning behind each Right. It's also National Lemon Cupcake Day!

The 16th is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day; again let the kids come up with their own ideas for this! Have lots of chocolate handy!

The 17th is National Maple Syrup Day. Pancakes anyone? Also a little history on how Maple syrup is made would be interesting. Tip: check YouTube or Google for videos on making Maple syrup.

The 18th is a busy day as Bake Cookies Day and National Roast Suckling Pig Day. Discussions on how to cook and store cookies and pork; and some historical insights into these dishes would be fun.

The 19th might be a good time to get your Christmas tree because it is Look for an Evergreen Day. It's also Oatmeal Muffin Day.

As Christmas approaches the 20th is a good time Go Caroling Day. Take some of those cookies, muffins and cupcakes you've made to share with shut-ins. Don't forget to visit nursing homes as well.

The 21st will keep you busy as it is Forefather's Day, Humbug Day and National Flashlight Day, which is handy as Look on the Bright Side Day. Some history, ethical and productive discussions should come with each of these.

The 22nd is National Date Nut Bread Day -- more holiday cooking!

The 23rd is Roots Day -- genealogists holiday!

The 24th is National Chocolate Day and National Egg Nog Day; good day to prepare a tray for Santa as tonight is Christmas Eve!

We all know the 25th is Christmas Day but it is also National Pumpkin Pie Day! Have a lot of fun and games and good food!

The 26th is unofficially Buy More Batteries Day.

The 27th is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day and I discovered I had forgotten how to do this. Google to the rescue. For others who may have forgotten here are simple instructions.

Step 1: Start With a Square. Step 2: Fold in half diagonally. Step 3: Fold in half again. Step 4: Fold one third. Step 5: Fold again. Step 6: Cut the "top" off at an angle. Step 7: Shape it!

The 27th is National Fruitcake Day -- no comments!

The 28th is Card Playing Day -- there are lots of family friendly card games for hours of fun together.

The 29th is Pepper Pot Day followed closely by the 30th, which is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day.

The 31st is Make Up Your Mind Day and also New Year's Eve. Reinforce or start some family traditions for the new year.

Until the next time friends, remember, every day is a good reason to celebrate with your family and friends.