Journal Your Christmas Giveaway

I am trying to create a more sane Holiday season by getting things done in advance! I have a list of projects that need to get done and hopefully I will be able to get them all done!

Last year I took the BPS Cut the Crazy out of Christmas. That helped me stay organized through the holiday season. I need to get my book out and print off new 2009 lists.

I don't want to do too much as far as worrying about presents and those types of things go. I do want to create some memories that we can remember as a family and even introduce a few new traditions to start as well.

It's my first time not having Christmas at my house or my in-law's. We also happen to be living in Germany right now, so with the two factors, I really can't answer your question. I'm beyond excited to document. Would love all the help I can get. Thanks for a shot at a spot.
katie

I am planning to SIMPLIFY this year! The holidays are always crazy and this year seems to be no exception, and they haven't even started yet. With my husband going through military training right now, we're busy with class activities, play groups for my daughter, oh and did I mention I'm trying to lose weight??? Whew! We are traveling for Christmas this year and I told all my relatives (who all live in Florida while we are in Texas) that everyone's getting gift cards this year. Much easier, no wrapping and it costs next to nothing to mail. Last year we spend more money shipping gifts than to actually buy all the gifts. I'm really simplifying and taking it easy this year. I love your December Daily idea and plan on doing it next year when we're in a more permanent place and will probably stay home for the holidays. Thanks Ali, you're such an inspiration!

I remember you talking about this class last year and I wish I would have taken it (maybe my 2008 book would be complete). This year I'm in no matter what!!

This year we have a new "great" newphew coming (due xmas day) so I plan to get things done earlier this year and be able to help out with the baby. My family did it for me when I had my kids so it is time to give back...

A less intense Christmas season will be started earlier then ever for me. I have in the past started the first of December but I'm not starting the first of November. Being starting creating my holiday cards and such. Decorating will not begin until Dec. 1st but finishing last years 25 days is a much until then. Plus planning for 09.

planning planning planning beforehand is my plan to have the christmas sane.

More sane is definitely what I need!! Planning, planning, planning - while leaving enough flexibility that I won't get stressed if I have to change the plans at the last minute (or even abandon them altogether!)

We are keeping it simple....we are not focusing on giving presents and shopping until we can't take it anymore! We are going to just spend time with family and friends and RELAX!

Baking cookies, decorating a small tree instead of a huge "theme tree", and focusing on the time spent with family and friends will make for a more sane, enjoyable season of celebration.....I hope!

I struggle to be happy at Christmas time because my father passed away then. This is finally MY time to let the sadness go away and rediscover the happiness this season brings.
Any and all inspiration will spur on a fresh and happy mood! Thanks for the opportunity to move forward with this class. :)

I've already started:)
We had a friend come over last Sunday and take our family picture.. we got tons of beautiful photos!!! Including the one we will use for our Christmas cards/letter and several special gifts!!
It's actually a HUGE weight off my shoulders... Since it doesn't normally happen until after Thanksgiving.. and then it's a race! And I can't remember the last time my husband was in our family photo! Usually it's just the kids and me.. he hates getting his photo taken...
fa la la la la!

I don't know if it will be more sane or crazier but I really want to work on establishing a few more family traditions now that our little family is complete.

what a great giveaway! i will be simplifying by doing once a month cooking for december, so that a majority of our evening meals will already be made.

I've looked at those online classes before, and really want to take one or the other. This one looks awesome! Thanks!

I adore Shimelle's classes!
Well, my children are older now (15, 18, 20 and 22) so, Christmas is not as hectic as it used to be (thank goodness...LOL!). Since I usually host a New Year's Eve party, I'm going to make preparations less hectic by asking family members to pitch in to help where needed.

Not sure what I'm going to do to keep it simple.... looking for suggestions now! Definitely doing normal family get togethers, holiday parties for work, put up the tree.... other than that undecided!

going to travel to my mom's for xmas, so the mantra this year is simple, simple, SIMPLE!!! also, to let go if everyone isn't on the simple band-wagon with me. ;-) we'll see how it goes.