Getting Ready for Christmas
Every year after Christmas I vow to start making and buying gifts for Christmas right away. Somehow it's already December and let's just say I haven't quite checked off my gift list. Thankfully I did make a lot of gifts last month so I am almost there. But there is always someone I totally forget about until the last minute and things that I think won't take that long often keep me up into the wee hours of the night before Christmas.
I honestly love Christmas and really don't stress myself out too much about it. I love making and buying gifts so it's usually fun for me. I buy all the kids and relatives who live far away online. We don't put up lights or decorate every inch of our home, we usually give homemade gifts and buy one nice gift for our children; keeping spending at a minimum.
The best part to me is the expectancy. I am sure I have shared before how I love looking forward to special occasions. Really, sometimes it's the best part. I love seeing my kids excited and making their own little calendars to count down the days until the big day.
Ellie and I sat down last month and wrote all the things that we want and need to do this month. I want to make the most of every day, because December always flies by. Here is our list:
*Finish making and buying gifts-done!
*Make Countdown Calendar-check
*Get Christmas Card/Photos made and sent out- check!
*Make sugar cut out cookies and decorate-check
*Make hot chocolate(as soon as it gets below 70;)- hasn't happened yet:( as it's still in the 80s!
*Make and decorate gingerbread house- check
*Make cinnamon and clay ornaments-
*Buy and decorate Christmas Tree- check
*Set up Nativity
*Make and decorate door wreath-check
*Listen to Christmas music- check
*Watch Christmas Movies-i.e. -Elf-Charlie Brown Christmas-It's a Wonderful Life-Shop Around the Corner-The Christmas Story- Ernest Saves Christmas
*Wrap Christmas presents- check
*Put together gift baskets-check
*Make treats to give and eat- check
*Go look at Christmas lights
*Watch the kids Aunt at the Nutcracker Ballet-check
*Listen to Adventures in Odyssey Advent Series- started
I really think that we need 2 months for Christmas celebrating. There is just not enough time to enjoy all the festivities. Of course here in Florida it can be kind of hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it's still in the 70's. I'm not complaining I am very thankful for our beautiful weather; I wish it would just cool down for a little bit so I can wear my cool boots and scarves.
Of course we will read the Christmas Story and Christmas always makes me think a little deeper about the reality of Jesus coming to earth as a baby in a dirty, undignified stable so that he could one day die for our filthy sins. But I truly want to celebrate Jesus and be mindful of what he has done for us every season.
I feel like it can be a fad during Christmas to all of a sudden be Christ centered and make a big fuss when unbelievers aren't. Christ was born, lived and died for everyone whether they believe in him or not. Let's enjoy this time when songs of Christ's birth are everywhere and make the most of every opportunity to live as witnesses for him during what can be a stressful and hard time for many.
I still have a lot of things to do but sometimes getting ready and expectant is the best part!
Are you excited about Christmas?
What are you looking forward to the most?
Are you all ready or getting there?
Linking up here!
I honestly love Christmas and really don't stress myself out too much about it. I love making and buying gifts so it's usually fun for me. I buy all the kids and relatives who live far away online. We don't put up lights or decorate every inch of our home, we usually give homemade gifts and buy one nice gift for our children; keeping spending at a minimum.
The best part to me is the expectancy. I am sure I have shared before how I love looking forward to special occasions. Really, sometimes it's the best part. I love seeing my kids excited and making their own little calendars to count down the days until the big day.
Ellie and I sat down last month and wrote all the things that we want and need to do this month. I want to make the most of every day, because December always flies by. Here is our list:
*Finish making and buying gifts-done!
*Make Countdown Calendar-check
*Get Christmas Card/Photos made and sent out- check!
*Make sugar cut out cookies and decorate-check
*Make hot chocolate(as soon as it gets below 70;)- hasn't happened yet:( as it's still in the 80s!
*Make and decorate gingerbread house- check
*Make cinnamon and clay ornaments-
*Buy and decorate Christmas Tree- check
*Set up Nativity
*Make and decorate door wreath-check
*Listen to Christmas music- check
*Watch Christmas Movies-i.e. -Elf-Charlie Brown Christmas-It's a Wonderful Life-Shop Around the Corner-The Christmas Story- Ernest Saves Christmas
*Wrap Christmas presents- check
*Put together gift baskets-check
*Make treats to give and eat- check
*Go look at Christmas lights
*Watch the kids Aunt at the Nutcracker Ballet-check
*Listen to Adventures in Odyssey Advent Series- started
I really think that we need 2 months for Christmas celebrating. There is just not enough time to enjoy all the festivities. Of course here in Florida it can be kind of hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it's still in the 70's. I'm not complaining I am very thankful for our beautiful weather; I wish it would just cool down for a little bit so I can wear my cool boots and scarves.
Of course we will read the Christmas Story and Christmas always makes me think a little deeper about the reality of Jesus coming to earth as a baby in a dirty, undignified stable so that he could one day die for our filthy sins. But I truly want to celebrate Jesus and be mindful of what he has done for us every season.
I feel like it can be a fad during Christmas to all of a sudden be Christ centered and make a big fuss when unbelievers aren't. Christ was born, lived and died for everyone whether they believe in him or not. Let's enjoy this time when songs of Christ's birth are everywhere and make the most of every opportunity to live as witnesses for him during what can be a stressful and hard time for many.
I still have a lot of things to do but sometimes getting ready and expectant is the best part!
Are you excited about Christmas?
What are you looking forward to the most?
Are you all ready or getting there?
Linking up here!
I'm excited too! :) Sounds like you have a great mindset, and an awesome month planned! I agree, it would be nice to get to spread it out a little more... I "cheated" and started listening to Christmas music early this year. I just needed the mental lift -- it's like auditory comfort food! ;)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!! Found you via Social Butterfly Sunday.
I understand, Christmas music is the best!
DeleteI love how you are keeping Christmas simple. That is just what we try to do. There is so much to get overwhelmed trying to accomplish, but picking the best of the best making the season so much more special and fun. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI've come to realize I can't do it all and I don't have to;)
DeleteI didn't know Adventures in Odyssey had an advent series, I love those stories! I may have to get us a copy for next year ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, they are a lot of fun! We love them!
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DeleteRight now I'm a bit overwhelmed. I forgot what it is like to have little ones around the house at Christmas time. More work, less time. Although seeing them get excited about Christmas brings me joy. Thanks for sharing today on Tuesday Talk. Your post made me smile.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is always so much to do and never enough time but we have so much fun getting ready. So glad this made you smile:)
ReplyDeleteLove your list of things to do this Christmas season! We also strive to keep Christ at the forefront of our minds when celebrating...it's so easy to get lost in all the activities. Thanks for sharing! #SmallVictories
ReplyDeleteThanks Danita!
DeleteHi, Rebekah and thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! It is crazy how quick Christmas is coming up! Thanks for sharing your list of things to do! Hope you will link up again this week :)
ReplyDeleteYes, time flies when you are having fun;)
DeleteWhat a great list! Always looking for new and fresh ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle!! Hope you were able to incorporate some of them in your Christmas traditions!
DeleteI love Christmas, too - everything about it! It's the most wonderful time of the year! :)
ReplyDeleteYay!! It's the best if you don't let yourself get stressed! I am sad that it's over:(
DeleteI always feel guilty that I'm not excited about Christmas. I try to be each year but somehow fall short...
ReplyDeleteAww..sorry you don't get excited about Christmas. I can understand that thought. It can be a hard time for so many. But don't feel bad because you don't. It doesn't mean you are falling short. Blessings to you!
DeleteThis time of year can bring up so many feelings. Different feelings for different people. For me, the feelings are usually mixed. But this year, is my year of joy! Thank you for sharing yours! Joining you today from #sittingamongfriends. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYes, Christmas can be hard for so many reasons. I am so thankful that this is a year of joy for you and I as well!
DeleteI'm excited for Christmas, but I found it to be stressful to shop this year! I tried to do most of it online where I could and make gifts instead to avoid feeling the need to buy everything. It reminds me that Christmas is not about the gifts you know? wishing you a lovely Christmas and happy new year!
ReplyDeleteYou're right it can be stressful if we don't plan ahead. I did most of my shopping online also. I love giving and receiving gifts but the best part about Christmas is remembering that Christ came to earth to bring us eternal hope!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Christmas stories. I love to see someone as excited about Christmas as I am. I have enjoyed all your Christmas posts. I keep reading you make many of your gifts. Just wondered what you make? Hope it was a great holiday.
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