16 Christmas Decorations For Kids' Bedrooms

Decorating your kids' bedrooms for Christmas is such a fun part of the season, and these decorations are whimsical, happy, and fun.

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Prince William & Kate Middleton Met A Little Boy Dressed As British Guard

Prince William and Kate Middleton are thrilling their American fans with their recent visit to the United States, hitting up the historic city of Boston. But there is perhaps no one more excited to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales than 8-year-old Henry Dynov-Teixeira. The tiny fan of the royals really made an impression on the couple as he showed up with his two moms to meet the royal couple dressed as the cutest little British guard. As if his amazing costume wasn’t enough, he even showed off his superb manners and brought along a bunch of red flowers (thereby discrediting the reputation Americans have for being ill-mannered)! Someone make this kid a knight or something.

All the adorableness went down outside of Greentown labs, a company that bills itself as the world’s largest climate-technology startup incubator. According to People, when little Henry had visited London this past summer with his mothers, he was absolutely spellbound by the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham palace. His awesome moms saw how much their son enjoyed the ceremony so they bought their stoked kid the outfit as a souvenir.

The King’s Guard (called the Queen’s Guard during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II or any other female monarch, for that matter) and their iconic uniforms have a fascinating history. Made up of five regiments — Grenadier Guards, The Irish Guards, The Scots Guards, The Welsh Guards, and the longest-serving Coldstream Guards — they have been guarding royal homes since the reign of King Charles II in 1649. (Given that his father, Charles I, was beheaded by Cromwell and his forces, this was no doubt a wise and practical decision.) But the iconic 18-inch hat did not become part of the ensemble until 1815. According to reporting from We Are The Mighty, these bearskin hats (and yes, they’re still made of bearskin) were first worn by members of Napoleon’s elite French Imperial Guard. When the tide of the Battle of Waterloo ultimately turned on the French, The Duke of Wellington’s forces took the caps as trophies and ultimately incorporated them into their own regalia.

We think Henry is doing the historically significant look justice. And just look at the way, Walses are crouched down in perfect parental synchronicity.

The way the duo is looking at little Henry makes you think they’re probably missing their little ones across the pond and imagining how cute George, Charlotte, and Louis would look in their own bearskin hats.

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Why Does My Vagina Smell Sour? Common Vaginal Odors & What They Mean

Whether it’s the smell of roses or vanilla, everybody has their own signature scent — even for down there. But sometimes, all it takes is one whiff to know that something is amiss. If you’re wondering what various vaginal odors may mean, or why your vagina smells sour sometimes and “fishy” sometimes, you should know that — whether they’re accompanied by vaginal discharge or not — most vaginal smells are quite common and nothing to be concerned about. “There is a wide range of normal when it comes to vaginal odors but some odors can be indicative of an infection or pH imbalance,” says Dr. Kirsten Phillips, an OB-GYN at Corewell Health. Because some smells can indicate an infection, while others are from sweat or normal vaginal secretions, as Phillips explains, we asked OB-GYNs to explain — smell by vaginal smell — exactly what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call your doctor.

A “sour” smell & what it means

Often described as “tangy” or reminiscent of fermented foods, many people have experienced a sour smelling vaginal odor before. But what does that sour smell indicate? “A sour smell may be a variation of normal for that individual,” says Phillips. However, if the smell is new and strikes you as out of the ordinary, you may want to put in a call to your doctor. “I have also seen it associated with an overgrowth of yeast,” Phillips explains. “In general, when it comes to vaginal odors, I advise observing for a day or two before seeking evaluation unless it is clearly abnormal.”

A metallic or copper-y smell & what it means

Occasionally, you may pick up on a slightly penny-like smell coming from your vaginal discharge, and there’s probably a very simple explanation for this. “A metallic smell, in my experience, is indicative of the presence of blood, as blood contains iron,” says Phillips. This is, no surprise, most likely related to menstruation, and not likely a cause for concern.

A “fishy” smell & what it means

Unlike a sour smell or a metallic smell, a vagina that has a “fishy” smell may warrant a call to your doctor. “A persistent ‘fishy’ odor is classically indicative of an overgrowth of bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis or BV,” Phillips explains.

“What is bad about BV is that it can lead to a higher risk of acquiring and getting sick with STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia,” Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of OB-GYN at Yale, explains. Apart from unpleasant odors, BV can be dangerous if you’re pregnant. In fact, one study found that there is a greater risk of going into preterm labor if you have BV.

How does bacterial vaginosis happen in the first place? Minkin explains: “The normal vagina has a significantly acidic pH (neutral pH is 7; a healthy vagina will have a pH of 3.5 to 4.5 or so),” she says. “If a woman’s vagina starts becoming more basic, it may lead to the growth of nastier bacteria which will create an environment that favors the growth of what we call anaerobic bacteria.” And this is what leads to bacterial vaginosis — and a fishy odor.

That said, there are many things that may cause a “fishy” vaginal odor, so you don’t need to freak out immediately if you notice one. If the smell is new, it’s OK to watch it for a day or two. “This odor can also be transient and caused by recent intercourse, taking a bath, or menstruation, so it is reasonable to wait a few days before having this evaluated. Interestingly, the name of the amine compounds that cause this odor are putrescine and cadaverine. Science is not without a sense of humor.”

Lastly, as careful as you are to take out your tampons, slip ups happen. And if that’s the case, you could smell something akin to a stench, says Minkin. “A forgotten tampon can have a really foul smell, like really dead fish,” she explains.

Is it normal to detect vaginal odor through clothing?

It’s normal to feel self-conscious about our bodies, and particularly about vaginal odor, but even if you can smell yourself through your pants, try not to worry. That, too, is so normal, Phillips assures. “We are almost always the only ones smelling our own vaginal odors. Even in the case of BV when that fishy odor is present. As bothersome as that is to us, no one else is usually able to smell it.” If you suspect you may be dealing with an infection like bacterial vaginosis, though, contact your doctor.

Is there a way to get rid of vaginal odors?

If you have an infection, your doctor will recommend medication, as needed. However, you should try not to focus on getting rid of vaginal odors themselves. “I do not recommend douching or any vaginal suppositories with the purpose of ‘cleaning’ the vagina,” says Phillips. “Cleaning on the outside over the vulva is usually not a problem for most people, but never clean inside the vagina. The vagina has a very unique microbial environment and cleaning inside of it often throws that off.” Step away from the vaginal douches, friends.

Your vagina is always going to have some sort of smell. Over time, you should become familiar with what is normal and what is not for your own body. “In general, if you are unsure about an odor you have been experiencing, ask your doctor,” suggests Phillips. Even vaginal odors that indicate problems are likely very manageable.

Studies cited:

Shimaoka, M., Yo, Y., Doh, K., Kotani, Y., Suzuki, A., Tsuji, I., Mandai, M., Matsumura, N. “Association between preterm delivery and bacterial vaginosis with or without treatment" 2019.

Experts:

Dr. Kirsten Phillips, an OB GYN at Corewell Health

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, Clinical Professor of OB/GYN at Yale

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Mommy & Me Holiday Nails To Match Your Mini

Make this season extra festive with mommy-and-me holiday nails. Let these ideas inspire you and your little one's merry and bright matching manicure.

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How To End Your Elf On The Shelf For Good, Because The Time Has Come

When your children are young, you know you’ll be participating in the Elf on the Shelf tradition for many, many years to come. But parents of older children get to start plotting how to end Elf on the Shelf for good once this season is through. They're ready to officially retire their little red-suited buddy, and it’s not surprising to anyone. Elf on the Shelf may be magical for kids, but the whole premise can be kind of torturous for parents — trying to remember to move it for 24 consecutive nights, on top of all the other holiday activities they’re juggling... it can all start to feel absurd.

So, whether your kids are on the cusp of growing out of the Elf on the Shelf idea or you've just had it "up to here" with the constant moving, you need a rock-solid strategy for offing your Elf. Fortunately, there are some ingenious ways to permanently say adieu to Santa's little helper.

Below you'll find 21 reasons to tell your children why Elfie has to leave, ranging from completely sweet and innocent to borderline traumatizing explanations.

So go ahead, do a little happy dance, because you're about to say goodbye to your Elf on the Shelf forever and free yourself from the shackles of Elf-dom for good.

Santa needs help in the factory

Explain to your kids that there’s a group of elves that make toys and another group that goes to meet families. Your elf has been called to join the toy-making elves to prepare for a busy Christmas season. Santa can’t deliver Christmas magic if there’s toys still to be made.

Elfie has to go on tour

Outfit your elf with a tiny guitar and some cool shades and tell your little one they joined a rock band and are heading out on tour. If you want to get really creative, stage a performance before you say goodbye.

There’s a pixie dust shortage

In order to fly back and forth from your house to the North Pole, elves need pixie dust. Tell your kids that there’s been a pixie dust shortage and your elf only has enough to get back home to the North Pole. Santa needs the rest of the pixie dust to travel around the world safely, so your elf must return quickly.

Elfie needs colder weather

I like to keep my thermostat at a perfect 72 degrees — not too hot, not too cold. But for Elfie, whose normal temperature is below zero, 72 degrees might not be so perfect. Have your elf write a letter saying they’re too warm and are starting to miss home. Your kids will definitely understand the feeling of missing the people and places they love.

Do you hear those wedding bells?

Your little elf has been flying back to the North Pole (almost) every night, and he just happened to fall in love with annother elf while they were there. They're planning a wedding and will be starting a family of their own, so this will be the last year your Elf on the Shelf will be visiting your home.

Elfie got a promotion

Your kids might think that their Elf on the Shelf has the best job in the world, but actually the most prestigious Elf role is working in Santa's office.

Tell your kiddo that your elf got a big-time promotion and will be staying at the North Pole from here on out to work on the administrative side of things!

"The Polar Express" is waiting

Explain to your child that your special Elf has been summoned by Santa to jump on The Polar Express, and get back to the North Pole stat.

If you have a train set, put Elf on board, and chugga chugga choo choo, off he goes.

It’s time to retire

All that flying to the North Pole is hard work. No Elf can keep up that pace forever. Tell your kiddos that your Elf has reached the age of retirement and this will be his last year of service.

The dog has been naughty

If you have a dog that loves to eat everything, it might just be time to stage an Elf on the Shelf meal, in which Santa’s little helper is the main course. Leave just a little bit of red felt on the ground and say that the dog, well, ate Elfie.

Sure, this might be a little traumatic, but it is believable.

Elf has been naughty

This is the perfect excuse to use if your elf has been a little too mischievous this year. Tell your kiddo that your Elf on the Shelf has been suspended indefinitely for being a little too wily.

Elfie needs to move on

Explain to your kiddo that there are only a finite amount of elves in the world and that when a new baby is born, the elves need to move on to a new home. At the end of the holiday season, have your kid write a letter to the new kid introducing their elf, how they got their name, etc.

Elf is taking a permanent vacation

Not all elves love flying to the North Pole every night. (It's freezing there, after all.) Tell your kiddo that your little elf prefers warmer climates and has decided to move to the tropics.

Sell in the idea by sending them a tropical "postcard" from Elf.

Elfie’s been banned

You've probably seen the Elf on the Shelf ideas that have the other toys ganging up on elf. Take this idea a step further and claim that the other toys banned their elf from your home because he was getting all the attention. You can leave a clever note from the "toys" explaining their actions.

Let your child control the narrative

Ask your kid where the elf is this year. Because kid-logic is amazing, you’re bound to get some creative replies. Agree with whatever they come up with, whether the elf has gone to live at the zoo or decided to become an astronaut. It takes all the pressure off of you to come up with an explanation, at any rate.

The elf left a break-up letter

Have your elf pen a final farewell letter to your kid, saying that they’ve aged out of the elfing phase. Already reaching for ideas? There’s an Elf on the Shelf Break-Up Letter from Sunshine & Hurricanes that’s very sweet, and you can use it as a template.

There was a traffic jam

Maybe there was a severe reindeer pile-up at the North Pole, and your Elf just hasn’t been able to move. Who knows how long he’ll be stuck in traffic? Maybe until your kid becomes a teenager.

The Elf is ready to be shipped back home

Usually elves travel by more magical means, but for a more official goodbye, pack up your elf in a box, write “To the North Pole” on it, and slap every stamp you can find on there. You don’t actually have to send it anywhere, just make it seem like he’s going on a trip to a very cold and faraway place.

Santa needs a doctor

Your kid has probably adjusted to wearing a mask and getting multiple vaccinations by now, so they’ll most likely be very understanding when your elf — Dr. Elf, that is — has to fly home to the North Pole immediately to take care of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Prepare a “get-well-soon” basket for Santa to send home with Dr. Elf, full of Christmas cookies, some warm blankets, and the medicine that always helps your kids feel better. If they ask when Dr. Elf will be coming back, say that they needed someone to fill the role of head surgeon at the North Pole Hospital and your elf humbly volunteered. He has a full-time job now.

Someone touched the elf

Everyone knows the rule: don’t touch the elf! So what if you, a grandparent, or even a pet accidentally touched the elf while the kids were sleeping? According to elf laws, your elf would disappear instantly, flying back to the North Pole while they await reassignment. Now, your kid might be mad at you for a few days, so maybe have the elf send a letter from the North Pole assuring the family that he’s safe.

The truth

Okay, this one might be the hardest strategy of all, but it's one that you can feel good about in the end. Explain to your child that you've been the one moving elf all along. If you explain your intentions — that it was all about the magic of the season — your kiddo might just take it better than you think.

Let’s be honest, the holidays are busy enough without adding the responsibility of moving an elf around your house for 24 days straight. Yes, participating in Elf on the Shelf can be a draining task for parents, but the elf was also probably one of the best parts of Christmas for your kids. Ending the Elf on the Shelf tradition in your household can be a difficult decision for any family, but it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience either. Elfie has most likely been a consistent holiday tradition for your family, so instead of treating it like a toy, honor their connection and give them a proper send-off. Just because the time has come for Elfie to move on, doesn’t mean the Christmas magic has to end.

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Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Share Never-Before-Seen Photos In Netflix Docuseries

We might feel like we know Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. We followed their romance, fairy tale wedding, the births of their children, their tumultuous relationship with the press, the royal family, and, of course, their departure from public life in the UK. But aside from a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, we don’t really know them do we? That’s why we’re so excited for the upcoming six-part Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan because already, the teaser trailer has provided us with never-before-seen personal pictures of the couple and we can’t even.

While the series doesn’t have an official release date, some have speculated that “coming soon” could mean pretty soon indeed, with royals insider R.S. Locke suggesting Dec. 8. The series aims to share the duke and duchess’ story, from their own perspective and in their own words. A description from Netflix calls Harry & Meghan “never-before-seen look at one of the most-discussed couples in history.”

“Across six episodes, the series explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution,” the statement reads. “With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other.”

The Meghan & Harry teaser trailer does, indeed, tease in the truest sense of the word: a slideshow of personal, black and white candid photos of the royal couple — from clearly private moments to playful selfies — play over sentimental music and the pair discussing why they wanted to share their story in this way. “When the stakes are this high,” Meghan concludes, “doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?”

We didn’t know Harry played guitar. Meghan does, too. OMG do you think they play duets for the kids?!

The open car here looks like it could be on some sort of safari. Maybe a picture from their 2018 East African honeymoon? Or that time Harry took Meghan to Botswana on their third date? (The perks of being a prince, amiright?)

We just love how this selfie looks like something we’d post on Instagram...

Apparently, royalty is not immune to the charms of the classic mid-jump picture. We love the idea of a glamorous actress and a posh prince giggling “OK, now a fun one!”

This photo from the couple’s wedding reception definitely has a more convivial, carefree vibe than their stately, very public marriage ceremony.

Are you even an adorable couple if you don’t have absolutely precious photobooth pictures of you kissing?

The couple’s dogs (they have three) make a few appearances in these personal photos of the Sussexes.

We don’t know yet if these are pictures from Meghan’s pregnancy with Archie or Lilibet, but we’re obsessed with the beautiful bump and perfect lighting.

Again, it’s the fact that some of these pictures are so incredibly ordinary that makes us happy.

You just know Harry snapped this one when she wasn’t looking and immediately declared “Ooh! That’s a good one, come look” and now it’s Meghan’s favorite picture of herself.

We genuinely can’t tell if the Duchess is laughing or crying in this shot. Given the rollercoaster of a personal life she’s had since joining the royal family it could easily be either. I guess we’ll just have to watch.

We’re dying to know the context for this shot. And also for all the other shots. Until then, we’re just going to have to tide ourselves over with imagining...

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Why Do Toddlers Cry Until They Throw Up? Experts Explain

I will never forget a kid in my preschool class that would cry so hard he’d throw up whenever his mom would leave him. I always felt awful for him and, as a parent, I worried my kid would do this. So far, so good, but why do toddlers cry until they throw up? Is it a coping mechanism, do they do it for attention, or do they really just make themselves sick? What about when it comes to sleep learning/training — the dreaded argument that comes up in every mom group on Facebook?

Why do toddlers cry until they throw up?

First of all, there are a few reasons toddlers cry until they throw up, according to Dr. Gina Posner, pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “One is that they cry so hard that they trigger their gag reflex and vomit,” Posner says, adding that some toddlers have extremely sensitive gag reflexes. “Others just cry and take in so much air that they get a stomach upset and vomit,” she says.

How to help your toddler calm down

Some toddlers cry until they throw up because they simply can’t regulate their big emotions yet, explains Dr. Jacqueline Jones, pediatrician and ENT specialist. But, there are ways to help them self-regulate. “To help your child self-regulate during these episodes, practice keeping calm yourself and helping your child to not overreact,” Jones tells Romper. “Helping them to realize boundaries and to come to terms with their emotions will, in the long run, make them more self-reliant.”

Other ways to help your toddler through this is to reaffirm with them that everything is going to be OK, but “they need to get calm and see if we can find a way to work through the problem together, which is healthy for your child’s emotional growth,” according to Jones. “If your child can be safely held, holding them in a hug and letting them know you love them may help,” she adds.

Is it OK to let your child cry it out, even if they throw up?

“If your child vomits at bedtime, put a towel down so that you are not changing the entire bed,” says Jones. “But do not give into demands for not adhering to a sleep schedule. An overtired child will have more problems self-regulating.” And bonus, there's no psychological damage to your child by helping them sleep through the night, set boundaries and deal with their emotions.

Posner does suggest keeping an eye on your toddler through a baby monitor to make sure they aren’t choking on anything they puke up.

And, as ever, prevention is the best cure. “Most toddlers will give warning signs that the situation is escalating before vomiting. Try to diffuse the situation and help your toddler to move onto something else” according to Jones.

She also reminds parents that if your toddler is given too much power, that can be scary, too. “They want to know that someone other than them is in charge and that the adults will create a safe space for them. It also fosters the impression in a young child that bad behavior will get them what they want.”

It may be hard to watch your toddler be unhappy and throw a fit, but if they're losing it because they're upset about boundaries, it's best to stay the course and be calm, loving, and patient. Do what you need to do to calm yourself — because dealing with a screaming toddler can be overwhelming — so that you can help them calm down, too. Try calming your own body by taking 10 long, slow deep breaths before you try to help your child calm down. Together, you can work through it, boundaries intact.

Experts:

Dr. Gina Posner, pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California

Dr. Jacqueline Jones, pediatrician, ENT specialist, head and neck surgeon, and author of “Medical Parenting: How to Navigate Health, Wellness & The Medical System with Your Child”

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