More on the Christmas Season

I ran across some nice ideas and thoughts about how to simplify this time of year & how to make it more meaningful. These suggestions from other people really resonated with me and I just wanted to share...

I am all about simplifying things so I can really enjoy them. We decided several years ago that each child will receive only 3 gifts under the Christmas tree. It symbolizes the gifts the 3 wise men brought to Jesus and paves the way for discussion about what the season is really about. Our kids have learned the value of things and appreciate what they have.

{For Your Children}
1. Something to read
2. Something they need
3. Something they want
4. Something to wear

I think the most simplifying tip I have is that I gather your shopping list before thanksgiving. Then on Black Friday I hop onto my computer and shop shop shop. Pretty much everyone and everything is on sale on that day AND most websites offer Free Shipping! So in about 1 1/2 hours I get all my shopping done and then just need to wait for it all to arrive. This leaves me plenty of time to create and enjoy the season.

I learned years ago that if I wanted to enjoy Christmas morning, I didn't want to be attempting to take all of the wires and ties off of my kids' new toys, installing batteries, etc. So now, as I wrap them, I take them out of the boxes, take off all the wires, install all of the batteries, and then put them back in the box before wrapping them. It is SO nice, when on Christmas morning, my kids toys are ready to be played with and my husband and I can enjoy our coffee and start getting ready for the rest of the day

Anyone between the ages of 11 and 22 gets a gift card so they can get exactly what they want. When I was that age, the "thoughtful" gift was completely unappreciated. Now, I see that the gift card IS appreciated if for nothing else than the teens to have an excuse to get out of the overcrowded house.

One of the best ways to make the holidays easy is by using USPS.com. You can take care of all of your mailing needs at your own computer. You can print your own photo stamps for Christmas cards, print your own labels and postage for practice and arrange a pick up by your mailman. You never have to stand in a single line.

My tip is to just make Christmas about the kids. My husband and I decided to do this about 2 years ago and it makes things so much easier and keeps the focus where it should be. We don't buy gifts for anyone 18 or over. We just make it all about the kids and making it magical for them. It makes Christmas really simple and fun.

We keep gift giving simple with only choosing three gifts for each child - to mimic the three gifts Jesus received from the magi. It works for us. And it helps us keep spending under control and little hearts from becoming too greedy or expecting too much at Christmastime.

To stay organized & pay for a cash Christmas, I am using a prepaid mastercard. When it's gone, it's gone.

One of the things I like to do is find a fabulous gift and give it to several people. For example, I love to give books to my nieces and nephews. Last year I attended a book signing by a great children's author and selected different titles for each of my nieces and nephews. The author then graciously inscribed the books to the individual child and I was done with a whole group on my list. The books were a huge hit so I'm repeating the idea with a different author this year!

Organized Christmas for holiday planning and organizing

I find by doing a lot of prep in November it saves me some sanity in December. I usually put out all my decorations in November, and buy most of my gifts then, too. That way in December I only have loose ends to tie up to be ready.

For me, the 'feeling' of Christmas is really important. So, as soon as Dec. 1st hits, our Christmas decor goes up. We always spend sooo much time trying to figure out where to put holiday lights, which extension cords to use & where to plug them in. Last year, I did a little organizing (although my husband and kids thought I was crazy)and created a 'map' of our entire set-up. Everything is labeled in neat containers and ready to go. Come this Dec. 1st everything will go up quick and easy, allowing us to spend a great evening together instead of wasting our family-time outside, frustrated and freezing cold. I know it will be well worth the time it took to organize the mess.

Here's my .02 ...

My childhood Christmas' were always filled with the most magical feeling. Even when my Mom struggled and there never seemed to be enough to go around, she made sure Christmas was special. I remember the yummy breakfasts she made (in fact, I am making baked french toast on Christmas morning, which is assembled the night before), the smell of the house, and the care she took to make our house a home. Everything was clean and pretty and well, Christmas-y. I remember we usually got new p.j.'s and most of our pictures have my brother, sister, and I in our new pajamas opening presents. It's the tradition in them that make it so special.

Something I plan on doing is saving my kids' Christmas p.j.'s and make a Christmas quilt with them when the kids are grown.

I just love this time of year. Please don't be surprised if posts from here on out are all about the season. I can't help myself.