Weekender #217

🎁 57 gifts that give back and make a difference.

⏳ According to this Stanford Professor, the best years of your life may still be ahead.

🙌 Employee engagement programs that go beyond the boring old pizza party.

🌀 Employees are falling for the “Friday Illusion,” and it’s messing with productivity.

Let’s set the scene: school’s out for two full weeks. The kids are thrilled. You’re…slightly terrified.

If you’re like me—trying to balance quality time, your budget, and the fact that your 9- and 12-year-olds are way too smart to be distracted by glitter glue and a snack—you’re gonna need a plan. A real one.

And not one that involves spending $200 at the trampoline park followed by $35 on curly fries.

So here’s what I’m leaning into this winter break: fun, affordable, mostly screen-free activities that:

• keep my kids’ brains and bodies engaged,
• let us spend real time together (not just side-by-side),
• and don’t require me to take PTO just to recover.

First, Some Tips That Actually Help:

Let them plan some of it.

My kids love being in charge. We kick off break by letting each of them design one “dream day” within a budget of $15-$20 (free activities encouraged). They research, plan, and pitch. I approve (or lovingly edit). It’s empowering and buys you a day of zero decision-making.

Theme days = structure without stress.

I’m not scheduling every hour, but “Movie Monday,” “Try Something Tuesday,” and “Field Trip Friday” give us just enough scaffolding to avoid the “I’m boooored” soundtrack.

Timebox the screens.

We set up screen time like a treat, not a default. Morning = creative or outdoor stuff. After lunch = movie with family or friends. It works…most days.

Involve them in meals.

Whether it’s DIY sushi, baking challenges, or just breakfast-for-dinner nights, food as an activity is always a win. Bonus: one less “Mom, what’s for lunch?”

Now, Here’s What’s Actually Fun and Affordable:

🎄 Holiday light scavenger hunt (FREE)

We make cocoa, drive around, and try to spot: a blow-up Grinch, 3 Santas, and 1 weirdly aggressive nativity camel.

🎨 Paint thrift store finds ($5-$10)

We each grab a random item from Goodwill and give it a makeover. Think cursed candle holders turned pastel masterpieces.

🧪 Home science day (FREE/cheap with pantry stuff)

Baking soda volcanoes, oobleck (homemade slime), “invisible ink”. Slightly messy, but highly entertaining.

🏛️ Museum days or library programs (FREE)

You’d be surprised how fun your local museum or library becomes when you’re not rushing through it on a school night. Check the calendars—they’re usually stacked during school breaks.

🧁 Nailed It baking challenge ($10 max)

We each try to recreate a fancy Pinterest cupcake and…fail. Hilariously. Winner gets bragging rights.

🌲 Nature photo walk (FREE)

Phones in hand, we go to a local park and try to take “National Geographic-worthy” shots. Cue dramatic duck close-ups and sibling photo bombs.

🎲 Board game tournament (FREE if you already own a few)

We rotate games, assign prizes (winner picks dinner), and I try not to be too competitive.

📽️ Home film fest (FREE)

We each pick a short film or video (educational or ridiculous) and present it like we’re at Sundance. Fancy snacks required.

At the end of the day, my kids won’t remember whether we went ice skating or used baking soda to launch grapes into the air. They’ll remember that we laughed, played, and actually spent time together when we could’ve just scrolled side-by-side.

So if you’re in the same boat, trying to make memories without maxing out your budget or your energy, try a few of these.

And if all else fails? Put on Elf, make popcorn, and call it a theme day.

You got this.

Travel plans. Q4 deadlines. School events. Office gatherings.

Your calendar expands, your brain contracts, and suddenly Sunday night feels like a mental avalanche.

If you’re already trying to remember 14 things at once, same.

That’s why we’ve been leaning hard on monday.com lately. It gives your brain something it hasn’t had since October: breathing room.

It organizes the mess before the mess organizes you.

When everything feels loud

Get a clear view of what actually needs attention this week.

When teamwork gets tangled

Assign tasks, track progress, and keep momentum without babysitting every detail.

A little structure goes a long way this month.

Your peace of mind deserves a spot on the calendar too.

Start your December game plan here.

📚 Read: Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

Short, clear, and quietly transformative. This book unpacks how your thoughts shape your reality and how to stop believing the ones that cause suffering. A great mental reset read.

📺 Watch: House of David

A biblical drama with high-stakes storytelling. This series brings ancient power struggles to life with cinematic weight and emotional punch.

🎧 Listen: Don’t Take the Girl by Tim McGraw

A classic tearjerker if you’re in the mood for something tender, nostalgic, and deeply human. This song always delivers.

What do you get for the person who already has everything? Something they’ll never forget.

A Tinggly gift box lets them choose their own experience—think hot air balloon rides, luxe spa days, or Michelin-level dinners—in over 150,000 locations worldwide.

It’s personal, memorable, and (best of all) instant. You can send the voucher straight to their inbox and look like the most thoughtful gift-giver in the group chat.

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience.

P.S. Use code ASSIST for 33% off.

Dottie Jo runs the house, and everyone knows it. As the middle of three fur babies, she calls the shots. If her siblings are fighting over a toy (aka just playing tug of war), she will snatch it, toss it in the toy pile, and sit on it in a way to say, “Now no one gets it.”

She also loves dressing up, whether it’s a Kentucky Derby hat or her birthday fit. It’s Dottie’s world, we’re just living in it.

🐾 Got a cute fur baby? Submit them to be our pet of the week in an upcoming issue.

• Ally is hiring for a Senior Analyst – Funding Desk (Raleigh, NC).
• Delek US Holdings is hiring for a Sr HR Analyst (Brentwood, TN).
• Stratasys is hiring for a Project Administrator (Minnetonka, MN).
• Trijicon, Inc. is hiring for a Director of Marketing (Wixom, MI).
• Baker Construction is hiring for a Project Executive (Orlando, FL).

⭐ View more jobs here >

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