It's official. The Christmas season is upon us.
The Christmas Tour of Homes is in two weeks. December 14th we'll all come here and share how we decorate for Christmas. But remember, it's not a contest~no perfect decorations allowed.
I dare you to do less and enjoy more this year.
This coming week we'll talk about garland and decorating Christmas trees and other not-that-important-in-the-scope-of-life-things. Keeping in mind the balance of wanting to have a festive home and at the same time, staying in budget, enjoying the family, and celebrating the real reason for the season.
I know here we talk about all the things we are doing to make our home beautiful. So I thought I'd change it up and tell you what I'm not doing this year.
I'm not sending out Christmas cards. {Ok, so I'm still having some made to hand to people that I see in real life but no long list and stamps and stuff} I'm not putting The Most Wonderful Christmas Garland Ever on my mantle. I'm not sewing new stockings for us and I'm not buying any dumb junk gifts.
Here's what I am doing.
I am making PW's Cinnamon Rolls with my mom and sister next week. {I am going to gain 5 pounds like I did the first time we made them}. I am going to put colored lights up in my boy's rooms. I am going to sit around and watch Home Alone with the family even though we've seen it a thousand times and I could be catching up on laundry. I am going to give gifts that are needed, beautiful and have meaning--handmade lovelies, food, books, useful items. I am going to put as many reminders around our home that Emmanuel, God with us, is the reason we celebrate.
I just ordered this Nativity with my hard earned money {it's on sale!}. I realized that we have NO nativity in our house for some reason--maybe because the wise men always become fans in the grand stand at our table top NASCAR races? Not only is my new silhouette nativity beautiful, it quietly tells the Christmas story. I think I will want to keep it out all year.
My sister and her twins at my parent's house at ThanksgivingI also gave these sweet Jesus is the Gift aprons to my sister and her girls. I have a feeling they'll be wearing them next weekend when we make our get fat cakes, I mean cinnamon rolls. What a beautiful reminder that Jesus is the Gift.
I will be gifting a hostess with this beautiful Jesus is the gift platter. I'll also give gifts of food wrapped in these pretty hand towels and use the mugs to hold these dipped candy canes and homemade hot cocoa mix {a sweet gift that only costs about $5!} One of my favorite things to do when we are invited to a Christmas party, is to leave the dish that I brought our appetizer or cookies in, for the hostess. I'll put a note on the back thanking them for inviting us and telling them to keep the dish or pass it to the next lucky person.
Now I want to know what you are NOT doing this season. Three lucky people will win a pair of adult and child Jesus is the Gift aprons to use or give away. Special thanks to DaySpring for providing the aprons and sponsoring this post but even more, for providing beautiful, meaningful gifts for us to give and use this season.
cookie plate: only $10.99Two winners will be picked randomly from the comments {make sure you have an email address if you don't have a blog}
One winner will be picked from Twitter for tweeting about what you are not doing and linking to this post and adding in @thenester so I'll see your tweet.
***
Your comments are already inspiring me. I love this comment from Emily.
525 comments:
1 – 200 of 525 Newer› Newest»I am not buying senseless gifts for everyone I have ever come in contact with just to "give a gift". Gifts will be for those who are truly special to me and my family and they will be heartfelt with real meaning. No gift cards allowed this year!!
I am NOT overbuying. I have stuck to my gift giving list for my kids: 1 gift from mom/dad, 1 gift from the sibling, a book/game and Christmas jammies. Almost bought more at Michaels because it was on sale. But, I put the adorable American Girl craft set back. "Not on the list." Nancy...step away from the credit card. I deserved a pat on the back. Saying no to Michaels???? Yep. I did!
What a great post! Your boys are sooo cute.
I do a big before the holidays cleaning and got that all done before Thanksgiving (we hosted). Having last week off from work really helped and after turkey day, we decorated the house for Christmas. I am so ready to enjoy the next month and not be in a frantic rush!
Things we will not be doing: For one thing, because of the economic crunch, no big work party to go to (my hubby's work). Although we enjoyed it, it always fell at a bad time. Actually, we're doing less parties all around this year. We are going to focus on having special friends over for a meal or snacks, or even dessert. Spending time with those who are dear to us. I am doing Christmas cards - have most of them ready - but have cut my list. WE ARE NOT HOSTING CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!!! And though it will be really different, it's a much needed break for me (hey my sis can have a turn!) and will take some pressure off also.
We will not be doing tons of gifts. My family does not exchange gifts anymore. There are no children - only adults, and honestly, we really don't need anything. Rather than exchange gift cards, cash, etc. (which is what it had gotten to), we decided we'd rather use that money to do something for someone who really needs it. We WILL be participating in the angel tree at our church, and the toys for tots drive at my place of work.
Sorry for writing a book - there is alot I can comment on this subject. I love your candy cane idea and might steal it. I had already decided on cute mugs and hot cocoa mix for some small office gifts. The candy canes will be a nice touch!
Happy Holidays - and yes, the most wonderful reason for the season - let's remember that.
tina
tinam61@yahoo.com
I am not buying gifts except for the young children in the family. Instead we will have family at our home for a Christmas meal and ask that no one bring anything.
I am not overthinking Christmas this year. We are giving our daughter one slightly big gift and a couple of little ones and then really trying to emphasize the reason for the season!
I am not overbuying this year! I have set a limit for everyone on my list and am sticking to it! I've also decided to bake for family friends who we exchange gifts with usually. I make some pretty awesome cookies and I've decided to put that skill to use this year!
I am not replacing out Christmas tree even though we noticed that one of the light strands around the bottom is burnt out. I was tempted, but it's not in the budget. With all the pretties on the tree, I'd have to point it out to you for you to even notice it. I'm pinky swearing not to do that.
thestitcherbee at gmail.com
I love this! I think our current economic state has taught each of us to realize that life, and Christmas, is not about "stuff." It's easy for us to get caught up in that game, particularly around the holidays.
For our family, we won't be buying new Christmas decorations--we're reusing and repurposing the things we already have. We aren't sending out Christmas cards this year (does everyone want to see a picture of just me, my husband and our dog anyway?) and my siblings and I have agreed to go to dinner together in lieu of exchanging gifts. Spending time together truly is the best gift, afterall.
I have a list of things I want to sew up for the holidays - but I'm saying NO to myself. There's no need for it. I AM going to focus on Christ and His coming - and try to spread that to my kids, too.
I am not running around shopping for random gifts that have no meaning but to fill a gift bag. Our gift list this year is very small and we are sticking to it.
Thank you for such a great blog!
Kelly klynnholt@yahoo.com
I will not be stressing myself out this year trying to decide what to buy everyone. Instead I will spend quality time with my husband and family and friends :-)
I am not buying more than 4 presents per kid - something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read - and that's it.
I am not over decorating.
I am not doing more than I can handle.
I will decorate simply, bake simply, and enjoy the season simply and with purpose.
I love the aprons and mugs.
I am NOT buying gifts - all going to be homemade or pictures of my kids for the grandparents. Oh, I guess a couple might be thrifted ... :)
And, thanks to you, I am NOT going to stress about perfect decorations for our first ever Christmas open house (nothing official, but we're inviting the whole town). I am relieved by the fact that you are not doing your Christmas garland - which I've let make me jealous since last year! Silly me, but I guess you saying it, makes it more ok to not do something amazing just because I have a new house to do it in!
This is my first Christmas season working outside the home in twenty years. Plus, I have a new kitty (we affectionately call her psycho kitty). There are many other things in my life keeping it from feeling less than calm so I will be scaling back a lot the Christmas. Less decorating, less shopping, less of most everything but concentrating on the real reason for the season.
This year I decided that I really wanted my children to have a Christmas memory of creating gifts from the heart and focusing more on what Christmas really means.
I applaud you for taking back Christmas too.
Come by to see the first of my homemade gifts.
I am not sending out Christmas cards this year. I am also not going to over-buy this year. I am trying to make hand-made gifts and be more thoughtful, rather than spending money and battling crowds at the mall. sohldesign.blogspot.com
What a gREAT post and you are SO right - let's enjoy this holiday season! That's why I decorate so early, so now I'm just enjoying it and living in the moment with my hubby and children!
I am not buying many gifts at ALL. Most are being handmade. I will not be sending out Christmas cards by mail, but I may send out a photo of my children via email. I'm not overbuying, over stressing, over budgeting myself into the commercialism. I AM trying to live in the moment, enjoy each 'gift' of time with family and friends and remembering "it doesn't have to be PERFECT" !
At almost nine months pregnant now I have had to lower my expectations for the season slightly :o) Our big gift will be the new baby! I did go ahead and put the tree up now while I can and I've started "shopping" my storage room to decorate around the house so we will be decorated but I am working to keep a flexable attitude about the details of how the month goes in terms of projects, cooking, etc.
Love the darling aprons, my little girls would love them!
PS a cinnamon roll making party sounds so fun! I might invite my sister over next week....
I'm sticking making this month meaningful to my family. Many years I've tried to make the extended family happy - I'm focusing on the kids this time around. Thanks for the offer!
We are cutting way back too - no so much due to money but due to the crazy greedy MORE mentality as well!!
timamy2005@yahoo.com
I am not focusing on the gifts and the busy-ness, but instead am enjoying our Jesse Tree, making gingerbread houses with my girls, and hosting a bonfire for friends instead of a fussy party. God is SO good... that is what I want to dwell on instead.
Thanks for this post!
I am not going to overspend this year. I refuse to feel that last minute panic and run out to buy more so it feels like there is plenty under the tree. I am only going to purchase well thought out gifts!
This is my first Christmas in my new home and I have vowed to enjoy everyday of the season. I'm doing all sorts of decorations. I love the Jesus is the Gift series and will be ordering some itmes. The cookie platter is great and I am getting one for my Pastor. Happy Holidays!
I'm not buying gifts for our cats this year. All they really need is just some extra snuggle time and a few belly rubs - that's what they really after all. :)
Thank you for your post, it's refreshing to hear!
Like many others we've decided we're not going to overbuy this year. I'm also going to get things done early so I can enjoy the weeks before Christmas without all the stress.
This looks like an amazing giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity!
kathy k.
I am sticking to a strict budget. I'm thinking gifts through carefully, and only buying things that the recipient really wants - - I vowed last year to never again be running around on the 24th, desperately looking for "anything" for those last couple of people on my list.
I'm not getting all of my decorations out this year. While we were putting the tree up yesterday, it really hit me that I have soooo many decorations, and I don't ENJOY putting them all up. I'm keeping it festive, but simple this year.
I'm not buying for my extended family this year (14 gifts)...instead we bought gifts for four children thru OPERTATION CHRISTMAS CHILD...and loved doing it. Next year we plan on buying for eight children and I'm thinking about making a trip to Atlanta for a few days to volunteer at the warehouse. I'm still sending out photo Christmas cards to family and friends...I feel that it's a great way to keep in touch with love ones and celebrate the CHRISTMAS season.
Blessings,
Linda
I am NOT overbuying this year and I am NOT using one single credit card!!
I did not overspend (yep, I'm done shopping). I will not be giving gifts just to give one, but I put thought into each gift. I also will not be a raging basket-case. I'll do what I can and remind myself that it's enough.
I am not shopping more then I intended to. And I'm not buying last minute junk. Shopped with cash, stuck to the list,all done and it feels great.
It sounds like your Christmas is going to be very special. I love the silhouette nativity so much. Maybe next year.
I am not going to stores shopping this year. This year I bought gift cards from my grandkids school to help the school and the tuition rather than shop. I am not overbuying nor am I even decorating. I am listening to Christmas music and enjoying the decorating that others have done. I am going to relax this year and just remember the reason for the season. thank you.
Cheryl Sims
I love those "Jesus is the Gift" items! Any and all of these would be great for a door prize at our churches womens christmas party that I'm helping to coordinate this weekend. Our theme is "My True Love Gave to Me..." and we're talking about focusing on the true gift of Christmas (see, perfect!) We are offering a prize to the lady who shows up to the party with the ugliest christmas sweater! HA!
Oh, and we just started the tradition of watching Home Alone with our oldest little boy (4) last year. We like to watch that with him and "It's a Wonderful Life" just hubby and me every year.
We are NOT buying as many gifts this year.
I am NOT going to make my house look like Christmas exploded inside. Keeping it simple this year without TOO much garland all over every flat surface. I haven't even decorated my porch yet, and even though that is my favorite part, I'm planning to keep it simple this year too.
Having just lost my Grandmother 3 days before Thanksgiving, my focus this year is definitely on family and the gift of our Lord.
Leigh (spencer-5 @ embarqmail. com)
I am taking a more handmade approach to Christmas this year and that means I am not going to feel guilty for not spending lots of money that I don't have on expensive gifts people don't need. Thanks for your no nonsense ideas. I love your blog:>)
I am not buying a bunch of stuff for my kids just so they have a lot of things to open on Christmas morning. I always overbuy and my kids end up playing with only 1-2 toys anyway. Honestly, I feel a bit weird about it - but I know it is in the best interest of everyone...
Danielle
I am NOT going to vacuum up Christmas tree needles every day...I AM going to sit on the couch with some hot chocolate and enjoy time spent with family basking in the glow of the Christmas tree lights.
Great "reminder" post! I was, thankfully, raised without much and by parents whose focus was Christ all year long, so it's ingrained in me to keep Christmas as it should be. Not that I'm ALWAYS successful, but it certainly helps. :-) Hope you have a great week!
I will not be over-doing anything this season. Teachers gifts will be simple glass canisters with hot cocoa/or cookie mix and simple ribbon. (Making lots at once helps because my girls each have three teachers. eek!)
We will be decorating down this year. No crazy knick-knacks. Paper snowflakes, white lights, a tree with only their pewter engraved ornaments that the girls receive each year on Christmas Eve, and more white lights and paper snowflakes. That's it. Nothing over the top. No back-breaking work, and hours of toiling over perfection.
Oh, and the Christmas cards are dangerously close to being cut. Eek! ;)
XO*Tricia
P.S. I adore those nativity candles. I would keep them out all year as well. ;)
I guess I am not overbuying and not stressing out about how much someone spends on me and can I match that or not....
I am NOT buying a ton of presents that I can't really afford. I am NOT stressing over will I give my kids enough. I am not worrying about what people think about the gift/decorations etc this year. I am going to decorate to make me and my family happy and comfortable. I am not going to focus on Santa and what he brings, but on Jesus and the ultimate gift that he was and is.
Thanks for the post. I am making gifts and having fun doing it!!! I am wanting this time to be fun and relaxing.
Lynn
keithynn6@msn.com
I am NOT sending Christmas Cards. Actually I haven't done that since postage went over 25 cents! I am NOT overdecorating....you know a tree in every room even a tiny one in the powder room. UGH! I am NOT shopping till I drop as the saying goes. I actually do very little shopping. That's my list...hope I win!
Mary
www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
LOVE this post. We are doing ONE gift and stockings this year...working hard to escape the materialism and focus on the eternal.
I'm not going to feel like a failure because my children are CHILDREN and want gifts. I'm going to continue to teach them about the REASON for the season and help them learn to love giving by serving others...but I'm not going to think I did something wrong when they want "stuff."
That said I'm not buying cheap toys that will break or be discarded in a week.
What a great reminder! It's so easy to look at all the pretty decorations in everybody's blog and want to go out and spend more money. Thanks for being the voice of reason!
Now if only I had two girls to decorate a bedroom so beautifully!
I am not hanging up the troublesome garland on my stair railing. And I am not buying a bunch of small gifts for my kids...just for their sake of opening more.
I AM using our Advent Wreath...and focusing on the same as you..."Jesus is the Gift".
klselby@comcast.net
I am not going to drive myself crazy with every little detail. I am not going to stretch myself thin. I'm not going to wait until three days before Christmas to wrap all the gifts, instead I will wrap them as I buy them (it's so much easier to find 10 minutes rather than 10 hours).
I'm not going overboard with gifts, keeping it simple and sweet (really, what do kids need?)
Thanks for reminding me that my home doesn't have to be perfect to be in your beautiful Christmas homes party. (Even though I did finally paint that new wall in my living room because I knew that it would be shown in those specific photos... eek!)
My husband is big about making the season be more about memories than stuff this year! My kids have to give away 7 toys (including 1 they actually like) and hopefully we concentrate a lot on what is really going on this season.
I love this post! I've been thinking about the same things! I am NOT over-decorating or over-committing to parties and events. I am sending Christmas cards, but our church this year is doing a "Lottie Moon Post Office" in the church lobby so you can bring the cards for church members and put them in the "post office" and give the money you would have spent on postage to foreign missions - isn't that a cool idea?
I've been trying to focus on three presents per kid (my kids are college-age now). It was good enough for Jesus!
First of all, my youngest son sucked his fingers just like your son! I got a lump in my throat when I saw him...
Secondly, we've already bought our kids gift, a new TV and PS3. We don't watch commercial tv, just movies and gaming as a family. The kids know they're getting 2 gifts.
We make a big deal of decorating, ooooing an awwwwing over each ornament and reminiscing about who it was from and such. I'm trying to use natural elements as the bulk of my decor this year (hubby was out with a saw hacking off branches from our evergreen tree for the mantle!) We bake cookies together. Hubby has taken Wednesdays off for the month of December for the last 4 years so we can have quality shopping time together when the shops aren't so crowded. We listen to Johnny Mathis over and over and over....
These are the delights of the season for us. And for me, it's peanut blossom cookies. :)
I am not baking cookies. For Christmas Eve we will have the traditional French "treize desserts," which includes fruits and dried fruits, and many are symbolic. They're meant to be left out and eaten over a period of days, and will be easier, better for us, and more meaningful than cookies.
No senseless gifts this year either. I love the "Jesus is the
gift" it says it all and is
beautiful.
rreed1143@charter.net
Boy I really needed this post! Just last night I was sitting in my living room thinking.."My decorations are so tired...whaaa..I should really paint this room before we put up the tree...then I'd need to do the stairway..and the bathroom while I'm at it..and I could use a new shower curtain...whaaa, whaaa, whaaa"...and then it would be Easter and we would have missed out on this whole season! None of those things would ever stick out in my kids' minds as what made a "perfect" Christmas. So I will not be checking off my mental list of home flaws...we are also keeping gifts simple this year (any suggestions on how to get the aunties and grandparents to join the bandwagon?!?)
I understand exactly where you are coming from. I use to see something cute and no matter if it was needed or something that could really be used, I bought it. Now I put a lot of thought before I buy. I love the cookie plate, if I don't get it, I might have to buy one anyway....with much thought into it. Blessings, Debbie
I do not over-buy, even for our children! The kids have always been hard to buy for anyway, they hardly ask for anything! And our adult daughter has said over the past few years we can spend more on our college age son than on her and her dh, she would understand!
This year I'm making all my gifts for special friends. It has been fun making their gifts. It's more special for me to make them than to buy something for the sake of buying it and calling it a gift.
Your giveaway is great! Would love to win it!
Have a blessed week!
Nancy
LOVE the Jesus is the Gift cups. May have to order them if I don't win! We had several nativity sets, but baby Jesus was missing from them all. Maybe your wisemen took him! My kids played with the nativity set like it was fisher price. Guess that's good though!
ajelderks@comcast.net
I am not going "over the top" decorating, I am not spending all my time at the stores and on-line buying things just because I feel I should, and I am not going to feel guilty because I'm sitting back enjoying time with family and friends during the holidays. I AM going to buy some of the "Jesus Is The Gift" items from the link you provided. That has so embodied how our society has become so commercial and forgotten the true meaning of the season.
Thank you for reminding us.
And thanks for your generous giveaway. I hope I win!
dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
This year we have experienced the loss of a parent....as a family we want to focus on what is the most important "gift of all".
I am not spending a lot this year on gifts, but instead will give homemade gifts with more meaning.
Thanks for the reminder of the REAL reason for the season. Merry CHRISTmas!
My hubby & I are NOT buying each other tons of gifts this year. We promised to just make each other a simple stocking. Also we decided on both sides of our family to just buy gifts for the grandkids each year. It eliminates so much pressure and stress and helps us focus on the real reason for the season...the birth of Jesus. I am also NOT going overboard on outdoor holiday decorations. Each year my poor husband kills himself lighting every square inch of the house so this year we promised to keep it simple. Wreath on the front door...light the bushes and no more. Won't take him 15 minutes. I am going to read my 2 year the Christmas story and watch all the old Rankin and Bass movies with him and enjoy the holidays!
I want to create gift baskets for our families centered around "fun nights". Either baskets filled with snacks and games, or popcorn and movies, etc.
I love this post!!!!! I have been having the talk with my kids about what Christmas is REALLY about. I want to make sure they remember. What am I NOT doing this Christmas? Last year, I was so set on buying a special gift for my kids to open on Christmas Eve that I ended up getting junk toys that didn't even work right. I will NOT being doing that this year. Thank you for this post. It's a nice reminder.
I am not going to bake every kind of Christmas cookie that I can just because and then eat them all! I am going to bake and give some of the goodies to my neighbors. I am not going to buy everything out there that I think my kids would love even though it's tempting, b/c I don't want them to think that having things=happiness.
I am not doing school beyond this week (we homeschool). I am not playing in the orchestra at church and doing extra rehearsals. I'm about ready to have our 5th baby and we are trying to keep everything low-key and simpler this year.
My kids are older; we have our first grandbaby. We always kept Christmas simple and our children have wonderful memories of our family time during the holidays. Way to go Emily! I will continue to NOT buy into buy, buy, buy...
I am not going over budget for items on my shopping list and I am not buying any new decorations - at all.
I am not buying too much. Trying to stick to things that the kids will really use, and I am making hand-made things for friends.
Great giveaway!
I am *not* going to go overbudget this year.
And I don't care what DH says. These children have more stuff than they "need", now, and with two aunts plus grandparents sending them more, sigh....Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that he'd have a conniption, I'd just give them what I bought back in the spring (thank you, Lands End overstocks!), and let it go at that, plus some stocking stuffers.
I like Emily's idea...I'll have to remember that one.
And I need to look up PW cinnamon roll recipe. DH would love some cinnamon rolls....maybe it will soften the blow when I tell him no way on the expensive present...sigh.
I've got all of my decorations up except the Christmas tree, and your post is tempting me to just forget it. I'll tell the kids that the Nester says to Do Less. Ha.
Feeling a little overwhelmed by everything going on right now--just got home from Thanksgiving in Indiana and am flying to Disney World with the fam tomorrow. As soon as we get back, I have to travel again for my best-friend's wedding. Not much time to sit around a tree this year.
Loved this post! :-)
P.S. You might like my post about the "Home Alone" house today. Found photos of the real interior as it looks today.
I am not buying a bunch of meaningless stuff. I am also not filling my calender with things just because I am invited. If it won't make for a peaceful home, it isn't happening.
mlaramay@twcny.rr.com
I will not be buying many gifts at all. I'm baking for Christmas. Actually, I'm heating frozen cookies from the selection at the Wal-Mart! I'm going to package them pretty and share the sugar. With my coupons, I'll spend between $1 and $6 per person/family, and that includes ribbons, bags and all. I am not sending Christmas cards to as many people as last year. In fact, I'm sending only 40.
I am not buying something just because it is on sale. I am sticking to my lists and not going to stress out.
I'm not going crazy buying gifts. I'm going to make some heartfelt gifts that people will really use instead of just giving them one more tchotchkey to dust. Aprons galore! Maybe a few pillows...
Thanks for reminding me about a Nativity! My hubby and I have only been married for a year and a half, but since this is our first Christmas in our new home, the Nativity is a priority for our decorations! I will have to be on the look out.
And what a beautiful and meaningful message "Jesus is the gift". It's so true, and it's what I know I need to focus on this year.
I'm not going to go crazy trying to throw the perfect party this year. I'm sticking with my theme, "It's not so much what's on the table that matters, as what's on the chairs."
I'm not rushing, worrying, or making myself crazy. But, most of all I'm not going to forget the true meaning of Christmas.
I loved this post and wish you and your family a blessed Christmas.
Hugs,
Cathie
i love that nativity... i think i do not have room though... and my husband might have something to say about adding another nativity (to my eight?)
but what am i not doing?
i am not going to rush through december and i am not going to be bogged down with the what the world expects. nope. i am gonna celebrate advent... i am gonna sit right on down in the straw... and marvelk at the manger!
I refuse to get caught up in the rat race of Christmas...I will buy gifts that mean something...I will make things for people just cause...I will sit long...laugh a lot...and love much. This Christmas I will remember that Jesus is the greatest gift of all and that I will tell all that He is the best gift this Christmas!
My husband and I are buying gifts for 2 girls whose family cannot afford to do so. We are so blessed that this is the least we can do. As a child, I never had to ask for shoes, I always had them and these girls specifically requested shoes for gifts. Not toys, shoes. Breaks me heart. I hope this makes their Christmas joyful!! It is making mine more joyful for sure!!!
This year we aren't exchanging gifts with family. My mother was laid off last year (as was I), so it just makes sense to not do that. Instead, we are spending quality time with each other.
I am LOVING this post! You always have the best ideas...leaving your dessert dish with the hostess as a gift, genius! I've been trying to think of what to right on my chalk board, as it still says "Gobble, Gobble" with a pic of a turkey! ha. I think "Jesus is the gift" is perfect. Our rule has always been three gifts and no more for our son. It's our hope that as he grows, he will understand the true meaning of Christmas and not "what did I get this year". Bravo, Nester!
What a great message! I so agree with the simplicity of the season and that Jesus is what we celebrate!!!
I did NOT go out on Black Friday this year...the first in MANY years. Slept in, had a peaceful morning...
I will not even ATTEMPT to do christmas cards. Last years cards were still in the box in June, when I threw them away.
I am not going overboard with the kids gifts. And this year, we are drawing names for cousins in the extended family...
What I will be doing is trying to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere in my house. I am done shopping for christmas, and from here on out it is focusing on the meaning of Christmas....
I am not going to use any credit cards to buy gifts this year!! I will only pay cash.
I will continue buying just 3 gifts. (I do stockings too.)The 3 gifts given to baby Jesus: Frankincense-something they need, myrrh-something they want, and gold-a surprise.
I am however inspired to create a beautiful mantel this year!! Thanks for the inspiration!
As most everyone else is, I will not be buying lots of gifts. Our family mainly buys for the kids. I am going to do my baking for friends, co-workers and my son's preschool teachers. I love spending the time making the sweet treats and it's not about being out in the stores buying something. It's made with love. I want to just enjoy the time spend with family during the holidays, and remembering the true reason for the season, Jesus. Everything else just isn't important.
I am not buying anything that I don't love and that won't have a place. I am only buying things that we can use as a family.
What I am doing: Spending lots and lots of time with my family! Our son is in college and it is so much fun when he comes home. My children love our home decorated at Christmas- it just feels so warm and cozy and loved with all the lights and decorations. We will make cookies together and play games. I bought a new poker set and the kids are excited to have "penny ante" card games- we laugh until we cry- its just so funny. Every year we sit around the tree before we open presents and one of us reads about Jesus' birth from the bible and then we open our gifts. Its about making memories, keeping up traditions and leaving a legacy.
My husband has been out of work for 6 months so this Christmas has to be super changed up. BUT, I'm finding myself thankful for the excuse to set a new precedence of simple!
We are not:
-buying gifts for adults (buying only for the children in the family)
-buying gifts for friends but baking instead.
-wasting money on junk gifts
-buying our children a lot of toys
-buying our children junk gifts
-sending Christmas cards (just posting a picture and wish on our blog instead)
-putting out all the decorations but instead sorting through them and giving lots to goodwill.
-focusing on ourselves and our situation this year....instead we are going to find ways to give to others in ways that we can.
I am not going to drive my husband crazy by making him fix every single little thing in our house. That's what I usually do to him when we have company coming. If he wants to watch TV with me or go to bed early instead of caulking the tub (which REALLY needs to be done) it's ok...my family can deal with it--and they probably won't even notice that it didn't get done!
this is huge for us...we're not putting up a tree! since we'll be traveling for 10 days at christmas it would be more stress than joy. I'm also trying to not to be sad that my dad is not with us this year, but rather b joyful that he's celebrating with Jesus
I am not baking a bunch of different kinds of cookie, but keeping it simple two just a couple different kinds that the kids like the best. I am also making gifts simple to usable items. Lastly I am not going to get stress because things will be kept simple and the kids will be taught the real reason for the season....Jesus.
I am not going into debt for gifts that the recipients will not remember a month from now. I am not going to a movie on Christmas afternoon, even though it's a 1x/year tradition. Instead, we're delivering meals that we made to the refugee families in our area...a gift that will impact our children for generations to come (far more than a fun movie).
Focusing on the real meaning of the Christmas season this year...The birth of our Savior and His amazing example for us all to follow.
Thanks!
This year our kids are getting 3 presents just like Jesus did. I can't take another overwhelming greedy Christmas. Love the plate and aprons. How special!!
I will not be buying toys that my kids don't need just so they have more to unwrap!!!!
I am not going to spend my child's Christmas break from school on the computer. I am going to remain engaged while he is awake and alert.
I am not going to buy gifts, just to buy gifts. The kids will get a few gifts, but this year, I really want to focus on those who don't have anything. We can buy a couple of bikes to donate, and we will also grab a few "ornaments" off the tree at church to buy items for those in need.
This year I'm not going to stress! It doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful (to paraphrase a smart lady I know). I'm not going to overdo it with the presents (Santa only brings 3, but we usually give more, this year only 2 more). My dad is flying over to spend Christmas with us, which will be awesome, so I'm going to focus on having a great holiday season with my dad, Mr. HH, Indy and our friends.
I love that nativity! We have one that my parents gave me when Mr. HH and I got married. We had it under the tree every year that I can remember as a child and now we always put it under our own tree. It's not fancy or particularly gorgeous, but I love it because of the memories of it being under the tree.
I am not going to drive myself nuts trying to buy just the right gift. I'm going to give the gift without apology. Or at least I'm going to try really hard! :)
I am not sending Christmas cards, too much money to send them, but I will wish everyone I see a Merry Christmas. I will not overbuy for my children this year and I too will buy useful gifts for everyone. Gifts that they can truly use and love and wouldn't think about buying for themselves.
I am not buying junk gifts this year. I am making useful gifts, or putting together baskets of food items.
Shelly
shell_anna@msn.com
I'm not decorating the dining room and the family is having Christmas dinner at my sister's house. Love the lack of stress this year! Oh, I also won't be shopping the day before Christmas. I'm finished with my shopping!
I love this post. I am NOT uttering the words "Happy Holidays" to anyone. It is "Merry Christmas" or nothing. I am not overspending and regretting the rest of the year. I AM making this Christmas more about Christ!
Becky Jo
kevbeck@bellsouth.net
Blessings to you this day, I love your post! For me I'm not going crazy buying gifts for our daughters and their families. WE will get one family gift(membership to the zoo etc)and only doing stocking stuffers with a limit. We aren't spending hours shopping but enjoying being home.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Hugs, Noreen
this year we are only buying for the kids (and each other - but no other adults in our family). I am making gifts for all of the gift exchanges we are participating in. I hope people enjoy them and don't think they are cheesy
I love the idea of not overbuying. This year we have decided not buy adult gifts. We will just enjoy being with one another and spoiling the kids. I am also sticking really well to the one gift per neice and nephew this year. But that doesn't count the keesakes I am making from stuff I already have on hand. I love to give them something special to let them know I think about them all the time.
Amy
craigamyjustin@sbcglobal.net
I'm not conforming to my families expectations of what they want me to do. I'm doing what's best for my family with a special needs child. I'm Not buying gifts that are overpriced or aren't useful. Only meaningful gifts this year. And I'm Not buying my kids toys unless they have an educational purpose this year. Ok, now I'm ready to wrap these gifts! :)
I am not stressing over last minute gifts this year. I made a conscious effort to shop the deals all year long, so that I will have more time to just savor the season of advent with my family this year!
We are trying to get gifts that are meaningful or useful and not just a bunch of clutter. I am making many gifts. They are straight from my heart to the recipient. Love those aprons and mugs.
~Lisa
This year I am focusing on the Joy that family brings. I am not letting "stress" enter my Home! I will strive to keep Christ the center of all we do.
I am not buying gifts or sending out cards. Instead, I'm giving my children heirloom gifts...a quilt I'm making for my son, and an engraved ring handed down to me from my husband's grandmother will be given to my daughter. That's it! Whew! I feel better already!
Im not buying gifts ..i plan to do some homemade this year...some crafts that have meaning rather than just something to give...I am also going to focus on the atmospher of my home..not alow anything like extended family stress touch my family and to keep my focus on Christ...
we are doing less of everything since I am working in the retail world in the evenings (need I say more?) But we are enjoying the simple things much, much more.
auntpippy_at_hotmail_dot_com
We are moving...so I'm doing LOTS less in this dept. No sending out cards, putting up the tree, million parties, class parties, etc. Presents are going to be simple and sent to Grandmas. The Christmas books will still come out though~that's one of our favorites. Have you read Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect? You would *love* it..
I am NOT going into debt to buy Christmas presents. Each of my boys will be getting one $25 gift and that's IT. We are NOT exchanging gifts with any other family members. I am NOT going to the cookie exchange this year because I'm the only one who ever eats the cookies. We are NOT putting lights outside the house.
I AM putting up three nativity sets.
I will not be putting up six trees, I will not be attending or hosting 900 Christmas parties, I will not be baking tons and tons of cookies, I will not be caught up in the shopping craze. I will be spending the majority of the month with my hubby and two boys in a one bedroom apartment in Pasadena where my husband is for work. It seemed the most important thing this holiday was for us to be together day in day out being thankful for our Savior. Kind of seems like a perfect holiday and we will be home just in time to spend time with our family, go to church, eat Christmas dinner and celebrate His birthday.
I am not writing out christmas cards this year. I did order photo cards that are already done, but last year I sent out ones that I had to put together and hand wrote messages on each one. It took me hours.
awesome post. i think it is so refreshing to focus on the true reason for the season and not get caught up in the materialism and craziness! I will NOT be buying any gifts just to buy something. I am going very minimal this year and have agreed with other family members (extended) that we just need to enjoy spending time together!
I am not unpacking all of my old Christmas decorations. I am going to put up the neccesities this year to make it feel like Christmas...but I'm not going to worry if every inch of my house feels like the holidays this year! I am going to try and make stockings this year though...because our old ones are really sad!
I'm not stressing about the fact that my dh only worked like two months all year. My children ought to know by now that JESUS is the Reason for the Season! (I get excited just thinking about it!)
LOVE this post! I am not going to care that my kids take all the ornaments and hang them on the light strands rather than in the tree.
Heather Bivins
mail4bivins@yahoo.com
I am not buying useless gifts, only a few well thougt off gifts for my daughters. I will be spending my time sitting in the couch with them watching movies, and looking at pictures, and just doing stuff with them. No senseless shopping.
Have a blessed holiday season, and thank you for such a meaningful and eye opening post.
Yanira.
ydatmillslaw@hotmail.com
I'm not waiting until the last minute rush. I have most of my presents bought and wrapped already. I will relax and enjoy time with my family.
I will not be stressing about the little things and I will not be overthinking what to give everyone! I will not be sending Christmas cards.
Thanks for the chance to win some cute stuff!
We are not visiting my husband's family in Canada this year. The plane tickets are too just to expensive and driving through the unpredictable, snowy mountains isn't an option with a 2 year old and 6 month old. We will still have a wonderful Christmas but I'm sad for my husband that he won't be with his family too. kennasha@hotmail.com
We do the 4 gifts for our children, something they want, need, to wear and to read...I found the idea online..maybe it was Emily? Last year was our first year to try it...a bit rough..we had clearly taken Christmas giving too far...this year....no worries. The kids also get one gift from Santa...they still beleive..and he fills their stockings with fun little things...candy, socks, pens, paper...No more senseless gifts...I am done too!
We are filling a box for a child at St. Jude's... and participating with a local angel tree.
We are still sending Christmas cards...the kids picture...Grandparents will get pictures of the kids for Christmas for presents.
I am already done with decorating. I did this the day after Thanksgiving and what I didn't get done...isn't getting done this year....I want to sit back and watch all the great Christmas movies and have fun this year too!
Thank you! You know what thought actually crossed my mind a few weeks ago? "I need to start decorating now so I can show the blogging world how wonderful and fabulous my decorations are. And they'll all be in awe."
Um, what? How deranged is that thought?! I'm NOT decorating for the benefit of those outside of our home (ok -only a little). I'm putting out (a few humble) decorations for the benefit of my family in the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas will definitely be different for us this year. My youngest sister is in the hospital fighting Lukemia. We will not be drawing names like we have in the past. I am buying less for our boys and making sure that what we do buy is good quality and useful. I'm not sending out cards, but emailing a sort of newsletter. My motto this season is to simplify and enjoy!
I am not going to drive myself crazy trying to create the perfect Christmas. I am going to relax and "go with the flow" so to speak and just have fun!!!
Nope... nothing crazy here either!
Each gift is practical ad useful and each room has some kind of reminder of the true reason I celebrate Christmas!
Blessings!
Patricia
I am going to have a handmade Christmas. I've made Tea Towels and felt ornaments and aprons for most of family. I'm still trying to figure out what to make for the kids..LOL!!!
Blessings to you Nester!
Susan
I say give it to Emily! ...Her comment rocks!!!
I must say that I LOVE the aprons and mugs. How perfect are they? And that nativity...LOVE IT TOO!!
Last year I went into overbuying psycho mode and wanted a BIG presentation for the kids on Christmas morning. After about 4 or 5 presents the kids asked...and Im not kidding...if they could take a break from opening presents. Seriously? Wow! I learned right then and there that I will NOT be buying useless junk gifts just to make it look like they have alot of presents. Why was I doing that anyway?
This year I will also NOT be DRIVING AROUND LIKE A MANIAC FROM THE 24TH UNTIL THE 26TH to visit people I haven't seen at all this year. Are you kidding?? No, this year we will spend our Christmas at home, baking, drinking hot chocolate and watching Home Alone for the 732,000th time. Our families will come see us on Christmas day to see what the kids got from Santa and all other Christmas celebrations will have to be done before the 24th if they are going to include us.
Thanks Nester girl for continuing to inspire us!!
I am not putting up my decorations until the week before Christmas because we are travelling overseas to see our daughter and hubby and newborn granddaughter! When we get back I will put out a few simple things that already have, light the candles, bake and watch movies...would love to have some families over for dinner since we will miss all the parties and church programs! Simplify. I love the line of Jesus is the Gift items...they say it all!
I'm not decorating the Christmas tree this year... I let the kids do it last night!!! And I LOVE it! Even though ornaments are clumped all together and on top of each other, it is beautiful and meaningful. It was also fun to listen to them recount memories as they pulled out each ornament. We really do have too many ornaments, enough for at least another tree. So their "more is more" look on our tree looks great! It's done and I didn't stress!!! Blessings!
We have a tradition of three gifts per child representative of the gift for the Christ child. We've learned this year to concentrate more on what we have than what we wish for.
Blessings,
Lise
We've all cut down as a family. What I'm not cutting down on is all the food we cook. You see, everybody brings food and Zip lock baggies and we divie up the food so nobody has to cook all week. It makes me happy that our kids are fed by us for a couple of days anyway!
We are not going overboard on the gifts this year, we are not sending out a ridiculous number of Christmas cards - just a few to close family and friends...we are having our annual "Hayless Hayride" to look at lights, but we are not stressing about having the perfect food and decorations for the night - we're just focusing on celebrating the Season with our loved ones!
I love this post! Heartfelt memories are made by remembering to act on purpose towards them as a final goal, savoring precious and sweet times remembering what this time of year is all about. Jesus really is the reason for the season, so we try to focus our times and gift buying appropriately keeping that in mind. Thanks for a wonderful post today, love it! :)
I am NOT going to overeat. I have started working out and I do NOT want to ruin it!
I will not be waiting until the last minute to ship gifts to family. I'm going to get my shopping done this week if at all possible, so I can focus on the beauty and Real Reason for the season.
I am NOT overbuying for my girls...they are really young so i have actually only done about 3 gift per each this year.. we are NOT just doing our own thing this year...we are spending much more time as a family..we will NOT be doing just the regular store bought best gift..everything this year will be handmade...which means so much more to me and my husband...Merry Christmas!
awesome post! and I just went shopping at Day Spring! Oh my gosh LOVED the Happy Birthday Jesus ornaments w/ feather tree-sooo buying that.
I am NOT buying gift cards, but neither am I agonizing over every gift (it's my love language!). I am going to reflect on the advent every day and help my family to focus on the true gift.
I'm expecting our 2nd baby and this month will likely be the worst of the morning sickness, so I am really avoiding anything that isn't necessary this year. I'm skipping our neighborhood cookie exchange, even though it's fun and tasty, and not making any homemade gifts this year. I am not a naturally crafty person so that just stresses me out. We'll be buying simple, useful gifts and sticking to a budget.
Thank you Nester, I'm doing the same thing! For about 5 seconds, I wondered whether I was doing enough! I'm glad I'm not the only one!
I am not buying any gifts after Thanksgiving! Many people love to shop during the season, but I'm trying to get it over with so I can remember the REAL reason for Christmas and not just stress over the perfect gift
3 gifts per child: one from Mom and Dad, one from sibling and one from Santa. And gifts they want...not big ticket things. Little wants race cars. I think he will be just as happy with a lot of used eBay Matchboxes as he would with some nifty new electronic toy. And he will use his imagination, to boot!
mhosgallery at hotmail dot com
We are not putting up a Christmas Tree. We are moving over Christmas break and though I really wanted to, my husband thought it would be best if we didnt this year so I abliged. I did still put up a few things to cozy up our apartment~
I am not replacing my rag tag garland I tossed last year. No big Christmas party. I am not taking all the decorations out of storage. I am going simple. I am not going to make it about presents. It is my daughter's first Christmas so this year Christmas is not about pleasing anyone else, but about making sure my daughter starts off the right way knowing Jesus is the gift as these beautiful items so elequently put it.
I love the plate. SUch a nice reminder of Who this holiday is all about.
I am NOT stumbling aimlessly through malls and stores around town with a crying toddler in tow for the next month, trying to gather up gifts for extended family and killing the holiday spirit in the process.
I AM going to shop online while my child is napping this year :-) Maybe that will free up some time to make my first batch of holiday cookies with my child (who is just barely old enough to cook with me!).
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!
We have decided this year to stick to 3 gifts for each child, that is what Jesus received so we know that is plenty. We will not be shopping and worried endlessly about finding retail treasures...this year we are knitting, making things homemade for our friends and family. We are giving each of our kids $10 to buy a child in need a gift that they pick out and wrap themselves.
We will not be at the mall constantly getting panicked about the countdown. We WILL enjoy making family recipes together and laugh and have white hair from the flour we are heavily baking with and enjoy what God gave us, a family!
I forgot to leave my e-mail address (see how scatterbrained I am already? And it's not even December yet!). It's mrs_apple_juice (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks again!
I so agree with simplicity in the holiday is really what makes it special. I, too, plan on less to make Christmas more! Thanks for encouraging me that it is okay not to have a Martha Stewart Christmas!
I am not decorating the Christmas tree until Christmas Eve, so that we do not forget about Advent. A bare tree is a great reminder to not go overboard. I am not going to stress out about visiting family, I am not going to over-book my children and drag them from house to house for days on end. I am not going to let Santa take precedence. If it doesn't fit in a stocking, then he will not leave it on Christmas morning. I will not be too busy to bake, make, give and pray with my children this season.
And I will not forget to light the Advent wreath every day with my children :)
I am not going to spend more on gifts than we can afford. We're going home this Christmas, and it will be a year and two months since we've seen family - I may want to come bearing lots of gifts, but the cost to get there is too much. I'm thinking of putting a bow on my head and saying "ta-da!" *lol*
I am not making myself crazy trying to "make" the perfect Christmas for everyone by making all our goodies from scratch. I'm doing a lot of easy dishes this year.
P.S. We're moving to the Charlotte area as soon as our house sells. Hubby accepted a new job there. Maybe I'll see you in the thrift stores!
Love your nativity, Nester. I think that's a great idea especially since I've had to glue heads back on the figures of the one I have several times over the past 20 years!
What I am NOT doing this year is stressing ~ at all! I'm making 98% of my gifts, so I'm not stressing over what to get people. I'm using a lot of what I've got and anything I'm buying is very inexpensive.
I am not going to stress. I am not going to worry if everyone is happy with their gifts. I am not going to "their" expectations interfere with mine.
Just what I needed to read today as I have been thinking alot about the pressures of Christmas.
Here is what I'm NOT doing...spending all my free time shopping and doing Christmas stuff while my dirty clothes are piling up! I think rather than having the perfectly decorated house it would be nice to have the boys not say, "MOM, I DON'T HAVE ANY CLEAN UNDERWEAR." Yep, seriously...sad, huh?
I'll be washing clothes as soon as I get off work. :)
I am not letting my pride or my less than perfect (and sometimes messy) home keep me from having friends and family over often this holiday season.
I WILL *NOT* FEEL GUILTY!!!
This year will be our first full Christmas season with our nine year old daughter. She came to live with us last year on December 11th as a foster child (our first child), and we spent the rest of Christmas scrambling around trying to learn how to be a family. We are now in the process of adopting her!
This year, I am not going out to buy new Christmas ornaments, even though they would be really nice in our new home on our new big tree. Instead, my daughter and I will make homemade ornaments out of salt dough and felt. Each ornament will be a name of Jesus. Instead of focusing on the prettiness of the tree, we will focus on our savior.
I am also opting out of white elephant gift exchanges to take the focus off of gifts and put it on people. For extended family and close friends that we normally have gift exchanges with, I have suggested that instead of buying stuff, we go out and do something fun together. Making memories is so much more fun!
I am not going to try to impress our Christmas Day dinner guests and will instead prepare easy to fix food that my children and husband enjoy so that on Christmas morning I am present and not letting my mind wander to the kitchen timer etc... To precious not to be present.
We will not be going over the top and trying to decorate every room. We will not be cooking a large meal. We will not be sending Christmas cards either. We will not be trying to be the best exterior house in the Historic District. We also unfortunately will not be a whole family this year- our daddy/hubby will deploy to Afghanistan for 7 months on December 9th. So, he will not make the preschool Christmas pagent, He will not make Christmas morning and he will not share in the love here but he will be sent tons of love.
tammy
Amazing post! Love the items Jesus is the gift! they are so neat and meaningful!
We are not traveling for the holidays...and I am thrilled. I want to be home, in my own house, for Christmas morning. Traveling with a family of 8 is just a PITB!
We are not expecting gifts from my husband's parents this year! His mom has decided to sponsor some orphans in Peru in our children's names and I couldn't be more excited!
I am NOT stressing out about perfection! I am going to enjoy the chaos and imperfection knowing that I am HIS beloved child!
I've always kept it simple. But this year I am not going to buy any new Christmas decorations. I also culled out holiday items I no longer use and off they went to our neighborhood thrift shop. Please consider doing the same so others who are less fortunate can have holiday decorations to enjoy.
One Saturday night in December, three friends and I have a baking extravaganza. We each bring an appetizer, open some wine, and bake away. And we each take home a beautiful tray of cookies and candies, along with happy memories of sharing time together.
I want to step back and enjoy every minute with my family as we celebrate the real reason for the Christmas season. And to appreciate the time we can all spend with my husband who has a much deserved one-month vacation. Ü
I am trying hard to stress out. I am trying to make my family learn that gifts are from the heart and that THAT is not the "reason for the season"
I am not stressing over gifts this year. I am not going to walk past the Angel tree without getting an angel off of it. I am not going to worry if my cards get to their recipient late.
I did put up three trees and I do smile every single time I see one of them.
Even now that my children are grown, it's so good to keep reminding us all of the reason for the season. Thanks for the gift ideas -- and everything you post about.
Jesus is REALLY the Gift - the true meaning of Christmas! Thank you for this post. It puts things in perspective and I needed that!
I love red so I adore the aprons, the mugs, the plate, etc! WOW! Beautiful!
Merry Christmas!
Wanda
www.mellettemoments.blogspot.com
jwmellette@comcast.net
I'm not doing Christmas cards either and I'm not saving all of my wrapping for Christmas Eve.
"I am going to put as many reminders around our home that Emmanuel, God with us, is the reason we celebrate." Love that!
I will not be exchanging gifts with close friends this year. We all agreed that the expense and the time spent shopping was not necessary.
We all feel the love, and share the love all year long. I love girlfriends!!
I am NOT going to let family drama interfere with the celebration of my savior's birth!
I love this post!! It is so perfect and such the message we all need at this time of year in comparing ourselves to others and a world focused on materialism. I'm sharing this with all my friends on facebook! I've simplified so much of the decorating this year and have it almost done, so we can just enjoy time together as a family. Thanks for your inspiration!
We're "laying low" this Christmas as well and most of our gifts will me homemade. I love the mugs and plan to buy some to also fill with homemade hot chocolate! Thanks for the link!
I made the chocolate dipped candy canes last year with mini candy canes to give in gift baskets and they were a huge hit. This year I am NOT going to get stressed out. I am NOT going crazy with gifting. And, most importantly, I am NOT going to get so wrapped up in what makes a 'perfect' Christmas that I lose sight of the 'Perfect One' that gave us Christmas to begin with.
Looking forward to the party on the 14th.
Pam
I am not spending money we don't really have on way too many gifts for too many people. We are keeping it simple and finding the perfect, useful gift for our immediate family without spending much at all.
I WILL NOT stress out over Christmas this year. We are also sticking to a budget - not buying more that what is necessary. We WILL remember the birth of Jesus. It is so special to me that our kids realize the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to everyone,
Natalie
I am not putting off my kids when they ask to bake gingerbread, make hot chocolate, or watch a Hallmark Christmas movie so that I can do something "important" like putting out more decorations or cleaning for company.
I am not buying new toys for the kiddos only pieces to add on to the toys they already own. I am also not sending cards this year. I am looking forward to our simple holiday.
taajma9@sbcglobal.net
I'm trying to slow everything down this Christmas season and make lots of memories... drives searching for Christmas lights, Christmas movies on the couch, making Christmas cookies with the kiddos. For gifts I'm all about something that will be used more than a handful of times & things that will be memories... such as an activity (sporting class, museum pass, etc).
I am not overdoing anything.
Just the tree and mantle are and will be done. Nothing new purchased. In fact, for the white garland, I ripped up a white sheet into 6" thick strands and it looks magical!
No new outfit. If we're invited anywhere, I wear nice jeans and my 'dressy' hoodie I feel good in. If I don't remember what someone wore, why would they remember what I wore? It just doesn't matter. (then again I don't go to fancy parties...)
Minimal gifts. my mom will get some decorating/decluttering and taking her out to dinner as her gift. She doesn't need 'stuff'.
And I'm going to implement that 4 rules thing for my son's gift. Fab idea! I'll bake up some goodies for my son's daycare as their gift.
Oh! I also allow my son to pick one thing out of a selection of something I need as a gift to me. It's important to him that I open something alongside him too. :)
Donna
We are not stressing out about ANYTHING, rather just enjoying the gift of being together. We have a precious new baby to love on and so thankful to have a happy, healthy family.
I am not putting out all of our decorations this year...only half of them are up, and I like the simplified look. Also, I am not going to stress out about making every extended family member happy by going to every single family function or having five Christmas dinners at five different houses. Instead we are going to enjoy our own little family (my son is 17 months old) and start our own family traditions.
mcbwelborn@gmail.com
This Christmas our family is not going to buy many things, go many places, or allow ourselves to become stressed out about the details. We ARE going to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and what He did for us. Our family does the Christmas baskets that our church distributes to shut-ins, and others that can't get out often. This project helps us focus on the right priorities during the holiday season.
juliecarns@juno.com
We are not buying a christmas tree, since we travel anyways. I'm not buying decorations- we have enough-time to shop the house.
It all sounds so beautiful. With 2 young children, we're always looking for ways to simplify. I'm making our gifts this year, and we'll go caroling and make cookies. Just simple things that hopefully the kids will remember.
I am not dressing a "perfect" tree. Instead, my 7 year old made the garland out of decorative paper and all three boys, 3, 4, and 7 have made some ornaments and are putting them where THEY want to. :) And I happen to think it's the most beautiful tree we've ever had!
We aren't doing gifts for each other or our babies, just small stockings. Our toddlers get so much from their grandparents and aunts/uncles that they don't even notice our gift, so we'll do a small board book, an orange and a little train in their sock for Christmas morning. Also, I gave away most of my Christmas decor, because I just didn't know how I was going to babyproof it and I actually like how it looks better! It was so easy to put up stockings, a wreath and a tiny tree. Oh and no outdoor lights. We both realized we hate putting them up and the babies like to look at our neighbor's houses instead.
I am absolutely inspired by this post! Emily's comment about the four gifts... brilliant! And that is exactly what I am going to do for my kids this year. I always end up buying useless items that get tossed aside quickly, but this year I vow to not buy gifts just because their on sale!
I am not stressing over the traditional holiday meal, but rather incorporating everyone's favorite dishes and everyone's hands to help.
crystalgrant84(at)hotmail(dot)com
I am NOT putting all my decorations up this year...only about half. Also, I am NOT buying gifts for all the children in the family (8 great nieces and nephews) this year. They have enough already and it stresses me out trying to shop for them.
My wife and I began a new tradtion in our family two years ago when our youngest son got married. We began to draw names for Christmas, anyone who wants to get a present must be in the drawing, we do the drawing over Labor Day week end so that every one has enough time to find just the right gift. We set a $50.00 spending limit, our kids are all newly married and we know money is tight. This has decreased the stress level so much for all of us. My wife and I do not buy gifts for each other, we have everything we want, and if we don't we just go buy it. We take the money that we would have spent on each other and buy gifts for the children at our local Mission. This has just made our holiday less stressful, and made more time to spend with family and friends. Wishing every one a Blessed Christams Season, remembering always that JESUS is the reason for the season....
I am not letting my kids' childhood pass me by and will not sweat the small stuff. My 7 year old helped with the ornaments this year and I will not "rearrange" what she did.
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