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?
I love this list. Last year was our first Christmas in the new house and I was a bit saddened that we really didn't have any decorations. So this year, I have already started making crafts and such for it, lol. It's going to be so much more awesome this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Rachel! It was our first Christmas in our new place this year and it was simply amazing!
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