My dearest, childhood friend gave me the idea to start a holiday memory book. It is a simple way to gather the photos, cards and Santa pictures in one, safe place. I chose an expandable scrapbook style, so I can add to it when we need the extra pages. The first page is our first Christmas as a married couple. Once we had children I began to also send a small note with our picture. Every year has two pages. Our family photo and letter on one side and the boys’ Santa picture on the other. I buy holiday themed papers at a craft store along with a few embellishments. The beauty of this book is that I only have a small, quick project once a year. At the end of the holiday season, I toss our card and pictures in the back of the book- so they are ready for the following year. I am going to work on the 2012 pages this week. The book sits on our coffee table throughout December. I love looking through it. It is a treat to see how far we’ve come!
Two weeks people, but I am not going to panic. Two weeks from today my kids will be officially on break, which means I need to be officially done with my prep work. What? With Thanksgiving being so late, it is virtually impossible for me to out run this massive snow ball we call “the most wonderful time of the year”.
A perfect example is our advent calender. I usually have it stocked and ready. All the doors full of treasures to be joyfully opened each morning. This year has been an epic failure. In year’s past, I have used the LEGO Advent Calender but when I went the day before Thanksgiving to buy them I found they were sold out! I know better than to wait until the last minute-this isn’t my first time at the rodeo. So now, I am scrambling to find items that fit inside our calendar. {As you can see I am totally screwed come tomorrow! Nothing is ready for the rest of the Advent season.} Since my children are little sneaks, they peeked in all the doors and wondered why the calendar wasn’t full. I quickly quipped in return that they cannot be trusted and I have all the items in hiding. I am pure evil! Nope , in reality, mommy couldn’t get it together this year! Looks like my poor planning will be their windfall. In the end, I am down to cash and chocolate.
I am pretty sure I shouldn’t be using the phrase “totally screwed” when writing a post about Advent. Oh, well. Off now to buy mini-chocolate Santas and gather all the $1 bills I can find in the house. Be merry and bright!
I wanted to share the cutest darn Etsy shop around! A LA MODO carries the sweetest to-go containers for a slice of pie. I ordered these boxes right before Thanksgiving. The kit came with the boxes, bakers twine, wooden forks, and parchment paper for packing. I was able to send left over pie home with my guests. How fun is that? You could also pre-slice a pie and bring these cuties along with you. They are like little presents you friends get to open {and then eat!}.
I also love that the shop owner lives right here in Seattle. Supporting local, creative people is always a bonus.
Who doesn’t love a gift guide?!? This time of year I am a sucker for any sort of guide that helps with creative gift giving. I hope to post a few guides in the next couple of weeks. Let’s kick off the series with Gifts for Her. Your sisters, girlfriends and mothers all deserve thoughtful, beautiful gifts! {You may even find a few items to put on your own wish list.} Plus, many on this list are under $30. And we love that, right?
It is time. With December arriving at the end of the week, it is officially time to face the fact that holiday shopping is upon us. A few years ago, I simplified the shopping for my own boys. I give gifts in four categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. Santa still brings one special gift and usually helps me with at least one of the categories. My husband and I give each boy one present and they exchange gifts with each other. It sure has made gift giving more enjoyable. No frenzy. No need to get Christmas frantic. I thought it might be nice this year for them to complete their wishlists using these categories as a guide. I am sure there will be more than one thing under each heading and that is just fine! At least it will make them ponder a bit- instead of creating a long list of toys {and junk}.
Want to give this simple wish list a try with your family this year? All you need is this free downloadable template and a few minutes. Add some hot cocoa and candy cane and you are really going for it!
I am a firm believer in celebrating one holiday at time. However, when it comes to holiday cards you have to get started. Soon. Sharing a few ideas for your cards this year.
1. Decide on picture(s).
If you are like me, this may actually be a very difficult step! We always include a family photo. There have been years when December rolls around and there isn’t a snap shot of the four of us. Personally, I LOVE the cards that show the fun and joy in life! Who cares if everyone is looking at the camera? Perfect is boring. {Unless of course it is a professional portrait and those are pure awesome!}
2. Choose source for cards.
There are so many amazing resources to create your own cards. A few include: Shutterfly, Tiny Prints, Minted, Snapfish. {I know many also use Costco, but I am not a member.} This year I am super excited about Pear Tree Greetings. They have unique and fun layouts with tons of options to customize the greetings, artwork, and colors.
3. Select & finalize layout.
I find this is the most time-consuming step. I often will find a layout I love, but it doesn’t work with the photo I have chosen. One thing to remember is to pick a font that easy to read. Also, choose font colors that pop. Last year I selected to print our last name in green {see our 2012 card above} and I think red would have looked better. What do you think?
4. Update addresses.
What is it with people moving all the time? Every year I need to update {or add new} addresses. It isn’t a bad idea to look at your list and send a quick email today to everyone who is in a new home. Update your list as each person responds. Now you will be ready for #5
5. Stuff, seal & send.
Print address labels using Avery templates. I am sure there is some etiquette book that says you should hand address your cards. Check the copyright date on that book. Let’s be real, people. Print and stick. Now, I have a life changing tip for you. I found a moistener tube for $.99 at Office Depot that saves me! No licking. Just fill the tube with water, swipe the envelope seal with the moistened end, and seal it shut! {No need to thank me.} Lastly, I am dying to buy a custom address stamp! Easy to use and the type is gorgeous! {Think I better order one if I am going to use it this year!}
Ok. Ready, set, freak out! No, really, you can do this. If the time line is too short, send a Happy New Year card. Still think it isn’t going to get done? Take a deep breath and let it go. There is always next year.
