From the first time I saw them and their blue and sliver poms poms shaking and big hairdoos bouncing, I desperately wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. For years I dreamed of the day I'd be out there high kicking and dancing along with them, and pretty much considered it to be my destiny. Though my home was in Nebraska, my heart was out there on the field in Dallas strutting my stuff.

The nuns at my Catholic grade school weren't so impressed with this ambition, and wouldn't hang my drawing of my future self on the wall with the others during vocations week. But they couldn't convince me that being a nun would be more fun. My best friend who lived across the street shared my dream, and we practiced routines we made up for hours on end.

Have your kids been extra good this year? If Junior and Juniorette are solidly on the "nice list" come gift-giving time, you may want to surprise them with some fun and creative additions to their presents. Including a few small, but unexpected, and oh yeah, cheap little attachments to the outside of one or two of their main presents is sure to bring an extra big smile to their faces. Who doesn't love two gifts in one? It's the ultimate twofer that even the Grinch would love.

Here are 5 ideas to surprise kids when wrapping their gifts.

We've heard over and over that it's not the gift but the thought that counts, and it's time to help your kids cash in on that noble notion. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, and friends will love pretty much anything your adorable little tyke gives them this gift-giving season, and what better way to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" than a homemade craft made from the heart? I mean, seriously. Only a Grinch doesn't love something made from construction paper, glue, and glitter. 

So! Here are 5 fun holiday craft ideas that your kids can make and give to loved ones with a big, proud smile on their hardworking faces. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

You know how each year you promise yourself that you're not going to procrastinate shopping for Christmas gifts, then, without fail, you find yourself screaming at a little old lady in a parking lot on December 21 because you were waiting for that spot, too, goddamnit? Well, this year's going to be different. For real! This is going to be the year when you have all your shopping done by early December, leaving you free to drive by the mall and laugh at all those miserable assholes who waited 'til the last minute to buy their kids something awesome ... as if something awesome was still available. Here's how you're going to make it work. 

You're going to shop in these 5 unexpected places and you're going to feel calm, cool, and drunk with power (and bourbon) as you toast the completion of your to-do list on December 5.

It didn't take very long after Halloween for the gift-buying frenzy to kick in! Too bad shopping for the holidays isn't always that easy. When it comes to picking out the perfect present for our little ones especially, there are always a million questions running through our minds. Of course we want to make sure we get them something they'll love -- and use -- but when we're flooded with recalls and research about various, potentially hazardous materials used in toys, there's a whole other layer of worry. But it doesn't have to be super-stressful.

Here, five ways to avoid toxic materials when shopping for safe, eco-friendly toys ...

When you're done stuffing your face with sugar cookies and when you've had a second to pause from the excitement of trying to figure out what you're getting from Santa this year, it's nice to take a moment to remember what this holiday season is all about -- time off from work. No! Wait. I meant giving. The season is all about giving. Opening our hearts, helping others in need, and reflecting on becoming better people is what the holidays are meant for. So! Before you shove brand spanking new toys under a tree, take a look around the house and see if you can't part with a few older ones. It's the right thing to do. And look, I've made it super easy for you. Here are 5 charities that accept toy donations.

Really, there's no arguing about it: When you become a mom, you look forward to holidays even more. It's an opportunity to redo your childhood -- from the other side. Now you're the person behind the curtain. You're the one who manufactures the squeals and smiles and memorable traditions. Dressing your kid up on Halloween? Um, yes, please. Bouncing your son or daughter on your lap as you ooh and ahh over fireworks on the Fourth of July? Of course! And needless to say, Christmas. Ah, Christmas. The mother of all holidays, if you celebrate it. Finally, you get to "be" Santa. Finally, you get to buy that "Baby's First Christmas" ornament you've been eyeing for so many years. And finally, you get to spoil the everliving crap out of your offspring.

Or not.

The following is a sponsored post from Hasbro.

Want to really WOW your toddler or preschooler this holiday? Little ones will love the new LOL Elmo from Sesame Street. Elmo laughs, tells jokes, rolls around on the floor in hysterics -- sort of like your own kid, but with an off switch!  

The giggle-fest starts when your child makes Elmo laugh by tickling his tummy, making silly sounds, pressing either of his feet, or squeaking Dorothy’s special fishbowl squeaker toy -- think of it as a remote control for silliness.