December Daily Giveaways: Elle's Studio + Evalicious

I am excited to take my kids to see Christmas Lights and t odecorate my house. I am determined to have a theme tree this year.

I am looking forward to treating my mom to a week in the sun. We are leaving for Puerto Vallarta on the 13th of December for a week of girl time. She deserves it!!!

I am most looking forward to having a cancer free Christmas. Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late September and was started on chemo on Oct. 4th. I told myself then that I would try to keep things as normal as I could for the holidays. On Thanksgiving I got the stand out for my artificial tree. Then every day I added a branch or two. It was all I could do to go up and down the basement stairs to do this since the chemo had zapped most of my energy. I told my family "I wanted to do it myself" and refused help so I would feel a bit normal. I finally got the tree all finished in two weeks. It took me another week to get it decorated. I had my "Christmas" chemo on December 21st - so it was hard to try and find the energy for the big day. But on Christmas day I was so glad to be able to say "Sunrise Recorded" and let the others take care of me. I had made it to Christmas! My mom passed away shortly after and I was unable to be with her in another state. It was a really tough winter.
So this year - after chemo, a double mastectomy and 25 radiation treatments later, I really want to celebrate the holidays. I want to decorate the house, the tree, put up the wreaths, be with my family, and document all that is wonderful in my life during this holiday. I want to be able to write again "Sunrise Recorded" in the new holiday life journal you inspired me to create with your notes this week. For it is the small joys that really make the holidays - and living to see it is one of mine!

i'm looking forward to taking my daughter to the nutcracker for the very first time--a new tradition for us!

I'm excited about actually HAVING a Christmas this year! Last year my husband and I were in the Peace Corps in Azerbaijan. Being a Muslim country, they don't celebrate Christmas, and we missed out on a lot of the fun times. :( We did get to have Mexican food at a restaurant that had a Filipino band singing classic rock hits... BUT, I'm looking forward to a more 'traditional' celebration this year. The hanging of the greens at church, buying a Christmas tree, setting up the Nativity scenes, Christmas light drives, EVERYTHING!

Focusing on the simple things. Enjoying the season. Having my son home with us (from college). Making every corner of the house smell yummy from baking cookies.

That's a tough one - I love *everything* about the holiday season. Am most looking forward this year to just taking it slow; taking time to enjoy every little moment with my family.

I can't wait to decorate the house and cozy up by the fireplace.

I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with my family and making every moment count. I love the holiday season!

What I most look forward to is Christmas dinner when the entire family (Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother, Children, Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews)sit around the dinner table together. It's beautiful.

Of course I look forward to family time, etc, but I REALLY, REALLY look forward to having an excuse to have all the goodies in the house to snack on- as well as the cooler weather, which means more layers of clothing to hide the results of too much snacking!

My girls and I started attending a great church this summer and have found our church where we feel comfortable. I am looking forward to sharing the true meaning of christmas this year with my girls and sharing it with my new friends I have found by attending church. michelle

I'm most looking forward to enjoying a peaceful holiday with my new son--we found out we were pregnant last Christmas after years of trying.

besides the usual decorating, baking & christmas music, I am looking forward to my dh going back to work (we're a boeing family) and having my 3 girls meet & spend time with my estranged father

Every year we buy gifts for the sick kids in the hospital. I really look forward to seeing my kids GIVING at this time of year. I hope they can look back when they are older and realize the important lesson my husband and I are trying to teach them. 'Tis better to GIVE than receive. peace and blessings,
Cindy B.

- Spending loving moments with my family and friends
- Try to "Live the in moment"
- Decorating the house
- Stealing a little private time to journal and photograph the season
Ooh, now I'm excited for the upcoming season! Cathy F.

This holiday season, I'm looking forward to being back home in Oregon! We've lived in Germany and Kuwait(by our on choice!) for the past (nearly) 4 years, and it'll feel SO good to be home with family and friends, have an OREGON Christmas tree :) and meet new members of our family (born since we've been away) as well as introduce our "new" (one year old) son... ahh, we're finally coming home! :)

I am really looking forward to decorating the house this year with more homemade crafts made by the kids and I.
And I have my December Daily Album all ready to go, so I am looking forward to documenting the holidays in that!
Thanks for being so inspiring!

I'm looking forward to many things. I love putting up the Christmas tree, Nativity scene, baking and visiting with friends and family at parties and dinners. I also love getting just the right little gift for everyone and suprising them with it.

Spending time with my family in the kitchen cooking up our favorite holiday recipes!