In light of the season, everyone should take a moment to remember what they are thankful for. Even in the toughest times, we still need to count our blessings. Think of those people that are always there for you when you need them and even when you don’t. Be thankful for every minute you spend with your loved ones. Think of all the little things that make you laugh out loud. Be thankful for food, clothing, and shelter. Be thankful for your health. We take for granted the things that lots of people aren’t fortunate enough to have.

This holiday season, hold your loved ones tighter. Soak in the time you spend with your friends and family. Take lots of photos. Be kind and gracious to those around you. Do some random act of kindness. It will make you feel great and the person on the receiving end will be thankful. It could be something really small to make someone smile. Give thanks this week for everything that is wonderful in your life. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Well, for Valentine’s Day, Vivabox is offering 25 percent off their Bar-B-Que and fragrance boxes. No coupon code needed for this one, but be sure to order by Monday, February 9 for it to arrive in time.

So, what’s in these Vivaboxes?

The Bar-B-Que box includes three grilling spice rubs and a catelogue of meats to choose from the Omaha Steak Company (including filets, rib eyes and more). If meats aren’t your griller’s thing, then there is also an option of choosing from several ethnic spice packs. Normally priced $90, this is currently under $70.

The Fragrance box comes with a selection of fragrance samples from men’s and women’s lines as well as a gift card to go to a local Sephora store and choose a full sized bottle of fragrance. Usually priced at $55, the box is currently $41.25.

After a whirlwind Christmas season, Cate and I are ready for some much-needed R&R, along with some holiday merriment with our families. So we are closing up shop from now until January 5, 2009, when we will return with great new content, reviews, and so much more.

Want a sneak preview of what’s in store?

• January is resolution-keeper time, so we will be reviewing all sorts of items designed to help you keep your resolutions this year. We’ve got weight lifting gloves, books to help you and your family achieve your goals, tools to help you sort through the mountains of paperwork, and an all-in-one printer that can help you eliminate clutter.
• Do something with those holiday photos! We’ve got several software programs that we are testing now. In January, we will be back with the low-down on what photo editing software is worth the buy.
• Did you know that Cuisinart has released a stand mixer? They did! How does it compare to the tried and true KitchenAid Stand Mixer? Check for the review in early January.

Be sure to check out our editorial calendar to see what else is coming up.

Also, in 2009, Cate and I will be attending the BlogHer Chicago conference. We are accepting sponsorship proposals now and would love to talk with you about it. Just shoot us a line at info@thevoiceofmom.com.

If you have a product you’d like us to review, don’t hesitate to email us.

From all of us here at The Voice of Mom to all of you, have a joyous holiday season and a very happy New Year. We’ll meet you back here on January 5!

Until then, thanks again.

I recently received The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus’ Birth to review here on The Voice of Mom. The hardcover book was released in October by Zonderkidz. It’s written by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Deborah Chabrian.

The GOOD: The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus’ Birth doesn’t just relate Christmas to the birth of Christ. It’s a heart-warming story of giving.

The BAD: The title could deter some from picking this book up. If that is the case, that would be a mistake.

MONEY MATTERS: The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus’ Birth retails for $16.99 and is available at bookstores and online. Buy it through Amazon and it’s $11.55 and eligible for free Super Saver shipping.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: I have to admit, although I am Christian, I am not usually drawn to books that have religious undertones. My son has learned about the true meaning of Christmas in school and can even pick out baby Jesus now, but it’s just not something I read to him about. So the title of The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus’ Birth didn’t strike a chord with me right away. But don’t let the title deter you. This is a great book. The story isn’t heavy in the religious reference, and instead uses the Bible story as a jumping off point to share a heartwarming lesson about giving presents — even when you have nothing. If you celebrate Christmas, I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas reading regime.

The Voice of Mom is highlighting the best gifts of 2008. We’ve tested dozens of products and reviewed them to pull together our gift guides with the best products out there.

For more gift guides, check here.

I’ve never had to think about presents for teachers before. But, now that my son is in school, I want to show my appreciation for my three-year-old’s great teachers. After just a few months in pre-kindergarten, we’ve weathered the joys of school breaks, Halloween processions and are now in the throes of Christmas preparations. Our school adopted a family for Christmas and my son’s class gave a snowsuit to the 16-month-old child in the family.

After asking around a bit, many of the teachers I know say that they most like to receive gift cards from their students at the holidays. Boy, can I tell you how much that goes against my personal gift giving preferences? Nonetheless, that is certainly an option.

If you are looking for something a little more personal to give this holiday though, here are a few good ideas.

Teachers often need to bring home lesson plans, homework and more to work on at home. Give your child’s teacher a special bag to tote all their stuff around with. Sea Bags are a great and green option. Made from repurposed sails, these bags are beautiful. Although some are pricey (wine bags start at $29; the bag pictured starts at $100), you could get together with a few other families to buy this special tote (and the one pictured supports breast cancer research too!). [Review] [Buy]

Baked goods are always nice to give, and the teacher with celiac shouldn’t be left out or have to endure dry, dastardly muffins. Deerfields Bakery has a whole line of gluten free baked goods that are absolutely delicious — for anyone. Try the triple chips cookies, which come in a package of six and are high on taste. [Review] [Buy]

With the stress of teaching these days, it’s nice for a good teacher to be able to unwind and do something for themselves. That’s why we love the Nubar Nail Lacquer gift set as a great teacher’s gift. Not only is the nail polish free from harmful chemicals, it’s also a super-fast drying polish. [Review] [Buy]

Teachers are just as much on the go as anyone else, trotting from class to class, afterschool activities and more.  I think a nice, big water bottle would make a great complement to any nice gift … or take it from another angle and fill it up with fun surprises for the teacher.  Since gift cards are preferred, you can even pop in a gift card for Starbucks or Borders.  This very generously sized bottle from Tappening is a great place to start.  [Review]

This cool pink insulated lunch bags from the folks at Lean Cuisine are still available and make a great fun gift for your kid’s favorite teacher.  And they’re a bargain at $10 and the money goes to a fantastic cause.  [Review]

Please note: The Voice of Mom is an independent, go-to site for moms. We are not affiliated with any of the products mentioned.