Hello Friends! Christmas is just around the corner. I have heard mixed reviews on how people are feeling this year. Some say it is just like any other year. Others are struggling and say inflation has them in a choke hold. Personally, I think it is harder this year. As adults it is our responsibility to not let this holiday stress spill out on our kids, I know it is hard. I think that is where the beauty of simple Christmas comes in. My kids are older so, might be the perfect year to start the 4 gifts, a want, a need, something to wear and something to read. Kids can still make a list. I know my youngest’s book list is a mile long. We have also tossed around only buying gifts from small businesses. I know it’s more work but it has been my experience with small businesses, when they know it is a gift, they go above and beyond. An added bonus is that money stays in the community.
I’ve always tried to make Christmas Magical for my family. I know that means a lot of work for me, but I always try and plan it out to make it as easy on myself as possible. I also like to sprinkle in lots of free family activities along the way. Nothing beats loading everyone up for a parade or a drive to see all the houses lit up for Christmas, listening to Christmas music and drinking cocoa can take it to the next level. Even have a Christmas movie marathon! Most of the Christmas Movies are free to stream this time of year, so plan a day and be lazy together. Trust me, the kids will have a great time, it makes a sweet family memory and only costs snacks. It’s a win any way you go!
We have talked about staying organized while wrapping before so, a refresher. Make a list of who gets what and what Santa is bringing so you can make sure you have everything ready to go. I suggest using different wrapping paper for each person, that way you can see the paper and know exactly who it is for without looking for the tag. For Santa gifts I like to wrap everything from Santa is different paper that I keep hidden. A few years ago, I started printing cute little tags that say from the north pole. My kids know but they still enjoy the extra Santa touches. It is tradition now, so they will probably get Santa gifts till they have kids.
My biggest cleaning tip for the season. Remember no matter how clean your house is, if it doesn’t smell clean it is not clean. Take the time to wash pillows and blanket. My favorite thing to use at Christmas is those scented Christmas tree sticks, they go in the tree and smell amazing. Light a cinnamon candle and you get the best Christmas smell besides Christmas dinner.
Lastly, as this year comes to an end, I want to tell you all that you ROCK! We survived another year! Whether it was hard or not, we persisted and that is worth celebrating! Remember to be kind to yourself, holidays are stressful everyone deserves grace. Including you!
Happy Cleaning!
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