Four Tips for Simplifying Christmas

September starts the season of celebration in my family.  Last year our list was insane.

The sad thing is that many of these things I can't cut out. We have 13 people in our family (his immediate family and mine). TEN of them have birthdays between September 1 and December 30. It makes things crazy.

I want to simplify.

Here are the big things that I am planning this year.
- Hubs birthday night in Indy. This is so needed for us.
- Pumpkin Farms (that is really just picking where we are going)
- Halloween -- I am seriously just buying costumes. No time to plan or make anything elaborate.
- Little Mister's birthday party.
- North Pole Breakfast!!!!
- Little Miss's birthday party. (I owe her a nice one I was so sick last year and it was just not fair to her).
- Christmas Eve: Pizza, Movie and PJ night!
- OUR CHRISTMAS MORNING!
- Wisconsin Visit for Christmas

Here are your 4 Tips to Simplify Christmas.

1. Plan for it.

Make a plan for it and stick to it. If I don't have a plan my stress level increases easily 10 fold. I like having my plan all in one place so I tend to make myself a planner for this time of the year.  This year I might print someone else's planner.

I really like this one from Live Craft Eat.  ** this is not an affiliate link, I just really like it.**

2. Say No. 

There are things that I just have to say no to. Like last year I went a little crazy helping out with the Christmas parties at church. This year I am picking one roll and I am picking at most 2 parties. It became a chore. So, we will be snack makers for 2 parties this year and that is it.

3. Be Flexible

Life happens. You have to roll with the punches. I just pray they are not the same punches as last year.

4. Be authentic

Your Elf on a Shelf does not have to be Pinterest Perfect. Be you. Your Christmas cards do not have to have the perfect saying, pose and outfits. (But if that is you and you rock it than do it!) BE YOU! Ask yourself what do I want my kids to remember about Christmas in your family?


What do you do to keep your busy seasons stress free and moving smoothly?

Christmas A to Z: Y is for Yawn and ZZZZZ

Well we have made it to Y and Z.  Yawn .. and Z z z z z z  z   z

Merry Christmas Everyone.  I hope you are all immensely blessed!

Christmas A to Z: X is for ...

X is for ...

Okay, I really struggled with this one. I couldn't decide to use x-mas (and since that would be a more negative post - and who wants to do that on CHRISTMAS EVE!

Excitement.  Okay, yes doesn't start with x, but the sound is the same.

Excitement of Christmas surprises - like going for a drive to just look at lights.

Excitement of Date Nights because your babysitter insists on giving you sitting for gifts.  - I am okay with that!

Excitement of not being afraid of going up and down on the carousel.  

Excitement of being able to bless others. 

Or the lack of excitement of having to clean up the house today.  :) Not to mention the excitement that is going to be ever present tomorrow morning.

Christmas A to Z: W is for Worship

W is for Worship

It is no secret that we are Christians, especially at Christmas. Our Christmas playlists are filled with songs of hope and Jesus right there with all those fun ones about Winter Wonderlands and jingling bells.  These playlists range from classics from Bing Crosby, Burl Ives and Andy Williams to hipster style versions of O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Seabird.

Worship is something that I do daily. Yes after July 1st Christmas music gets included.

One of my favorite acts of worship happens at our Christmas Eve church services.

We all light candles off "1" candle.  The auditorium is dark and the light just grows.  Ahhh... I just love it!  Sharing the light of Jesus!

It is looking like the Sicky McSickersons are not going to make it this year though.

Christmas A to Z: V is for Volunteering

V is for Volunteering.

I mentioned that I extended myself a little too much this past season at church.  I added 2 more parties than we did last year and passing out gifts.  The part that over did it was the 2 extra parties.

Passing out the gifts was an eye opening experience.

At the Healing Center they help HUNDREDS of people every week.  From job coaching to food and clothes.  I was handing out Christmas gifts in the "Market".  I was giving each guest a set of knives and a cutting board.  More importantly I was looking them in the eye and giving them a warm smile.

I saw everyone from the elderly to the working single mom.  From the extremely humble to the resistant and proud.

Our church helps so many people. I knew it in my head, but I saw it with my own eyes and I couldn't believe it.

I think what hit me the hardest though is how little the "Market" actually had to help them with the personal care items.  That is going to get worked into our 2015 goals, how can we help out more.

What are you taking with you from some of your service work this year?
Link Up!

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Christmas A to Z: U is for Unwrapping

U is for Unwrapping

Unfortunately, there is not much unwrapping happening our Christmas Morning.  Losing your only income 13 days before Christmas will do that to you.

However, I am sadly okay with this. It gives us a chance to sit back, listen to what is there when you just sit back and listen.  Love.

Besides, it's not about the gifts. It's about the hope that came to this Earth that morning.

This is still going to be the joy on their faces with the few gifts they have under there.  Because we went with what they REALLY wanted instead of how many we could get.

Unwrapping Joy on her 5th birthday.

Happy guy at Christmas with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie.

As we are coming to the end of this series are you getting more excited or more stressed?

Link Up!

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Christmas A to Z: T is for Treat Making

T is for Treat Making

Last year we started a new tradition.  Making treats for some of the Christmas Parties at the Healing Center at our church. They provide 14 Christmas Parties to the people we serve. They get entertainment, pictures, treats and gifts.

This year, I will admit it, I signed us up for too much.  We helped out with treats for 4 parties on 3 days and I gave out gifts!

We had a blast making our treats though, like we do every year.

How do you give back at this time of the year?

Link up your Christmas Posts below!

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Christmas A to Z: S is for Santa

S is for Santa

I never really questioned if I was going to "let" my children believe in Santa.  My husband never did either.  It was just something that we were going to let happen. It was our turn to get to play Santa and we were excited!

The first year we had to "do Santa" what do you do for a 1 year old who doesn't get it? I remember standing there trying to make a decision thinking, "Man, why can't Santa really exist?" I am sure I will find myself saying the same thing as my kids get older.

With the life struggles that have been ever present over the last few years I have been blessed that my kids have asked for simple, non-specific things.

This year -- oh the list was long!  Little Mister "The stay away from the Monster Thomas set." - that will frustrate the daylights out of him since not a single train he has will work on it.  Or the "Sing and Glow Elsa" - only the most popular toy!  So, I encouraged them to ask Santa for a few things and he will bring what you will have the most fun with.

We went for our yearly picture with Santa. AND Holy Canolies! My daughter spoke to Santa! Finally, at 5 years old - with her Daddy present - she told Santa she wanted Elsa shoes, Rapunzel shoes and Dora and her friends.  Then she stood there and took a picture.

My son - well that's another story.  Today - there was no speaking to Santa, no picture taking, none of it.  He isn't feeling well, so I will give him that.  He had already told Santa what he wanted, twice.

Maybe next year we will actually be healthy in December.

Share your Santa Stories below!

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Christmas A to Z: R is for Rudolph

R is for Rudolph

It's the 50th anniversary of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  That means that my dad was almost a teenager when it first came out.  My mom was 10.  So how many times have the really seen Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  They could legitimately say they have seen it over 50 times if they have watched it at least once a year.

Will take you to Amazon to purchase if you click here.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: 50th Anniversary [Blu-ray]

My kids are just getting into Rudolph.  They sing the song over and over and over again.  We watched it once so far. We have it on DVD and will probably watch it again this week.  To my surprise the kids were not scared.  We cannot watch the live action Grinch without nightmares.

What is the favorite Christmas special around your house?

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Christmas A to Z: Q is for Quiet

Q is for Quiet

Today we are just going to sit under a blanket and enjoy the quiet glow.

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Christmas A to Z: P is for PJ's

P is for PJ's

Yesterday I mentioned how Keith and I didn't have tons of traditions that we wanted to carry over for our family, so we decided to start some.

Not only do we do ornaments each year.  We also open new Christmas PJ's at dinner and a DVD that we snuggle and watch as we wind down getting ready for the big Christmas day.

This was much harder to find this year now that they are out of toddler sizes.  However, they were still found.

Last Year's Jammies - Seeing that this year's are wrapped and waiting to be opened!

haha, I think His are the same colors!  

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Christmas A to Z: O is for Ornaments

O is for Ornaments

Neither of us really had many traditions that we had to carry into our marriage. So we sat down and started thinking - what traditions do we want for our family.  Until we had kids nothing we tried really stuck.

But now we have a few.  After we had Little Miss I decided that I would love for her (and each child) to have a collection of ornaments that I can give to them when they have their own first tree - either when they officially move out on their own, or when they get married.  I am not 100% sure when I will give it to them.  It will be bittersweet I am sure.

We started buying each child and ourselves an ornament that signifies something from that year.

Our big thing this year was our zoo pass.  We got a Tiger and got Little Miss this Swan.

This was the first year that Little Mister understands "Santa." So much so he just had to talk to Santa the first time he saw him at the mall.  It was appropriate that we got this ornament for him.

I had taken pictures of all of our ornaments last year in hopes to create an ornament story book that we add to each year.  The idea is that the reason for the ornament, who the ornament was for, if it was from someone and the date would all be documented. That way when I am long and gone my great-grandkids will be able to have a glimpse into Great Grandma's Christmas Crazy!

Well, hopefully that will be done in 2015!

Don't forget to share your stories below!

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Christmas A to Z: N is for Nutcracker

N is for Nutcrackers

When you think of your childhood what is something that just screamed "IT'S CHRISTMAS!"?

For me it is these guys.

I am not even sure when my mom started collecting them.  For YEARS my brother would give her a new one.  I think they are cute, and have a very small collection.  I think it is something that could grow over time.  I think it is amazing how that you can find Nutcrackers for all your interests. My mom even has one that is a snowman baking cookies.

My goal for next Christmas is to see the Nutcracker Ballet on December's date night.

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Christmas A to Z: M is for Manger

M is for Manger

Pulling into church on Sunday Little Miss yells out, "Look Mommy!  Baby Jesus!"  

This little girl points out each and every, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus she sees. Honestly, it is adorable. She is really starting get into her faith and to be honest it is helping me grow in mine.  

She sat there and listens like a sponge when I read the "real reason of Christmas" from Charlie Brown's Christmas, or the Away in the Manger book we have.  

She is not afraid to ask me the tough questions she has about God.  Let's be honest. Some of them are tough to explain.  That is what faith is. I am thankful she is willing to ask, and I have been seeking enough to usually be able to answer.  

So we will still leap with hearts full of joy with each and every Baby Jesus and remember the reason he was born.  

Not sure where to find the birth story of Jesus in the bible?  Luke 2 is a great place to start.

*****

2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

****

Merry Christmas!  Link up below.

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Christmas Link Up - Highlights

I am so blessed to have so many amazing Teacher-Authors link up their great products.  I am sure they will keep coming between now and Christmas.

This one really caught my eye because I was thinking about doing something like this in that week after Christmas to focus on what we are thankful for over the this year.

Head over to Eugenia's Learning Tools to get yours.

Hands-on learning is my favorite!  I love how engaging it is.  Check out what is going on over at A Neighborhood Kindergarten.

Addition while making gingerbread cookies.  

I also love how this Teacher-Author is using free apps to make them educational.  Check out Erintegration.

Check out all the other great resources below.

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Christmas A to Z: L is for Lights

L is for lights (Picture heavy post)

We LOVE Christmas Lights. 

While on vacation we checked out the downtown Milwaukee Christmas lights.

Grandma looks really cold.  :)

Photo-bombed by Auntie

When we got home we went to the Festival of Lights at the zoo. We took our favorite babysitter with us.

(So if they don't talk and have their faces covered there is no fear.  Ask her if she wants to talk to Santa - I have a growth the size of a small 5 year old grown out of the back of my leg.)

Link up your Christmas Posts below!  (Link your TpT Products over here)

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Christmas A to Z: K is for Kisses

K is for kisses

Christmas kisses under the mistletoe? Not something we have ever embraced. 

These Christmas kisses; however, are a different story.

This simple bag of chocolate bring forth a complete lack of self control. 

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Christmas A to Z: J is for Jingle Bells

J is for Jingle Bells

{Click here to visit ChristmasTimeTV's YouTube Channel}

Every Christmas Eve my grandma made us sing a Christmas carol in order to open our presents. With grandchildren ranging 20 years 'Jingle Bells' was the only song everyone knew.

When I hear it this time of the year I can't help but think if her. 

What makes you remember Christmas past each year? 

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Christmas A to Z: I is for Innocent

I would like to blame the hustle and bustle of this season on why I haven't been able to keep up with Christmas A to Z.  That is just not the case. I have been knocked out with a winter cold.

My hope is to get all caught up before the end of the year.  Today's installment of Christmas A to Z is the letter I.

I is for innocent.

Have you ever stopped to look at Christmas through the innocent eyes of a child? The awe of a twinkling light? The amazement of the Christmas tree. The wonderment of a wrapped package. 

Looking at Christmas through the innocent eyes of children changes the way you view the holiday. It is not just the magic. It is not just the excitement. Both of which can be intoxicating. There is something more.

As an adult I loved Christmas - before kids. I love the sounds the smells the imagery. There is just something different about Christmas as a parent. When you add in the excitement of Christmas with kids and the innocent faith they have - it adds a whole new level.

Admiring a new to them decoration. One of my favorites that has not been put out this this year because of touchy hands.

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