Hate to be a buzzkill, but… Don’t let your kids lick icicles. Birds (and squirrels, raccoons, opossums, etc.) shit and pee on your roof, rain moves the shit slurry down to the eaves, where it can form into icicles. Ewwwww.

For many years, our extended family has had stressless end of year gatherings. Nobody needs or wants more stuff so we put money (sliding scale) in a hat along with the name of a progressive nonprofit. Before we draw a name, anybody can make an impassioned plea for their nonprofit. Once we have reached consensus on a name, the money is bundled and sent. The only exception is hand crafted items like hats or scarves.