Holiday Buzz

Holidays are here again. If you need to take a break from the shopping, decorating, partying, and Secret Santa-ing, check out what’s burning up the iVillage message boards. From censored Santas to tinsel tension, iVillagers are buzzing about the holidays’ hot topics.

• The Nicole Kidman-starrer and fantasy epic “The Golden Compass” is one of the most anticipated movies of the holiday season, but it’s already being panned by critics and religious groups for allegedly promoting atheism. Members are debating the criticism at the always-buzzing In The News board. Some think this is just another case of groups reacting with an “unsubstantiated fear of a different belief,” while some are criticizing the film for “undermining Christian beliefs.” Are you taking the kids to see this movie?
• Some Santas in Sydney won’t be in such a jolly mood this year. Apparently, they have been warned to not to use the traditional “ho ho ho” greeting because it may be offensive to women and may frighten children. Many iVillagers, such as member kasiemay, think this is outright ridiculous. “People are now looking for ways to offended,” she says. “[They] need to get a grip and just let some things remain innocent.” What do you think?
• Who else is feeling stressed from all the hectic holiday preparations? On the Heart Health board, member lulaluva78 recently posted about her stressed out mom, and members offered their support. How do you keep sane and relaxed during the holidays?
• Release your inner Grinch and post about the holiday decorations you’re absolutely sick of. Some iVillagers have had enough of icicle lights and “PVC reindeer that look frighteningly skeletal by day and spring to life with the enough twinkle lights to pinpoint the yard on Google maps.” What are your holiday décor pet peeves?
• The Holiday Recipes & Entertaining board is chock-full of yummy ideas for a traditional Christmas breakfast—everything from puffy French toast to scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Get inspired and share your own Christmas morning traditions.
• Holiday shopping getting to you? How much thought and effort do you really put into your holiday gifts? Check out iVillagers’ stress-free gift ideas, and share your own!
• If you think that ugly sweater you got from your aunt last Chrsitmas was a cringe-worthy gift, check out these hilarious stories of “mis-givings” from fellow iVillagers. Teeth mold? Sod for the backyard? What was the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Share them here.
• ‘Tis the season for toys, and some moms have had enough of them! Over at the Military Families board, the list of most annoying toys ever is growing. What is the most annoying toy your child has ever received?

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