Journal Your Christmas Giveaway

I think I"m going to stop copying other people's cool ideas for traditions, and concentrate on what's going to be really meaningful for our family. There's lots of cool ideas out there, and I can chase them all down, but in the end, it just makes us busy. The holiday's aren't about that....

I plan on shopping early and keeping it simple with gift buying only for the children on my list and making some homemade gifts for close friends.

I am totally committed to my december daily this year, I hope I can complete it in time to keep the holidays sane this year - but mostly to stay focused on what is really important, that is so very much on my mind these days. Your normal day prayer has really helped me tune in on that every day and now for the holidays I want to carry that same theme through. I would love this giveaway because I could share it with a good friend who is going through a very tough time right now - it would be good for her to be able to try to focus on the blessings in her life (they seem a little cloudy these days!) Thanks for the inspiration!!

We are going to be spending Christmas with my entire in-laws side of the family for the first time ever, so I'm praying life doesn't get too crazy.

i'm trying to be organized, enjoy the season and my family. not stress about things that aren't important (trying to do that!) and keep things in perspective!

I'm cutting my work hours back so that I can actually be home to celebrate the holidays with my family and hopefully make some heartfelt gifts that I have been wanting to do for a while now. Just never enough time.

Christmas usually jumps up at me since I'm still in college. I have most of my shopping done already so that helps, but this year I want to make Christmas cards for everyone so I need to schedule school time and card time. I am planning on writing out my actually schedule to keep track of everything. I actually want to decorate the house this year! Christmas is my favorite time of year!

i plan only to make my gifts......not to go overboard with gift buying......not to go toooo many chrisy party's ledding up to chrisy day......also more hands with the kids....let them hang all the decos....it will not worry me that i will be on on side of the tree.......Mel {gundy}

make lists and use them!!

We have decided not to give gifts this year, but instead to donate to a family in need. No shopping required! More time to focus on fun activities like decorating and baking!

I'm not sending out Christmas cards this year. That's what I need to simplify.

I have been putting a LOT of thought into how to make Christmas more sane this year. In a nutshell plan, do things in advance, be clear about expectations, get plenty of rest.

To simplify, I'm going to shop online for everyone who lives out of town that I exchange with AND just have the gifts wrapped & mailed directly to them! In the past I have paid double shipping and spent more time getting everything boxed up than I care to! Normally I'd have to go to the post office 2-3 times! This year my motto is "less time wrapping, more time scrapping!"

To make these holidays more ane I have just told myself to relax more and dont sweat anything. Now that I get the day off from work, I am learning to enjoy it and not rush around.

I'm trying to start a little earlier and do a little less... Wish me luck!

It takes just a bit more time, but I'm focusing more on handmade/homemade gifts. I make great salsa and like to put it in old-fashioned Ball Jars with a cute tag + ribbon. Santa only delivers 3 gifts each to our boys, just like Baby Jesus only received three gifts from the Wisemen. So they must choose wisely what they put on their "wishlist".

I am taking the 'Cut the Crazy out of Christmas' class at Big Picture Scrapbooking and so am highly organised with my little planner well underway!

i plan to take more time off this holiday season to accomplish all the crafting and baking my heart desires. i look forward to taking things at a leisurely pace this year and not working until the last minute. my bff loves shimelle, so if i win she would be the friend i would pick. thanks ali!

This will be the year when I don't stress if the house isn't decorated, the cookies baked and presents bought and wrapped as I have planned to pace myself and only do what time will permit. I want to relax and enjoy myself in the company of friends and family!

I always like to be done with my Christmas shopping early, like in November. That way I can relax and enjoy the time I have with my family.