Journal Your Christmas Giveaway
The first time I did any sort of journal/creative adventure during the holiday season was Shimelle Laine's Journal Your Christmas back in 2005 (check out my December 2005 archives for more).
My experience in Shimelle's workshop inspired me to create my first December Daily in 2007 that was published in my Studio A column in Creating Keepsakes magazine. The main differences being that I set up the structure of my album in advance (trying to keep it simple) and that I wanted to focus on documenting the daily activities over the course of the 25 days leading up to Christmas without specific prompts.
Over the last couple of years there have been lots of people that have combined the two concepts - creating a foundation in advance and using Shimelle's prompts as guides for page topics and inspiration.
It's a creative adventure I highly recommend so I thought it would be fitting to give away a spot to Shimelle's class this week.
One person and a friend of their choice will recieve a spot in Shimelle Laine's fabulous Journal Your Christmas online workshop.
Journal your Christmas is an online class that takes you right through the Christmas season, from the 1st of December to the 6th of January - the twelfth day of Christmas. Through 37 full colour prompts that arrive in your inbox daily, you'll be inspired by topics that let you enjoy this year's celebrations while reliving your very favourite Christmas memories, and you'll have plenty of ideas for making your pages with hundreds of beautiful examples from a variety of scrappers.
Instead of letting the holidays run you, a Christmas journal has helped many women take back their Christmas so they can enjoy and celebrate the magic of Christmas. Other class benefits include a printable Christmas planner, digital and printable supplies designed exclusively for class and a bonus guide to improving your Christmas photographs including easy-to-use tips from dozens of professional photographers.
To be entered into the giveaway please leave a comment below sharing how you plan to create a more sane holiday season (or more crazy if that's what you need). Comments will be closed on Thursday at 8pm Pacific with the winners posted shortly after.
This year i'm creating a more sane and meaningful holiday season by taking Aby Garvey's Holiday Organization class (i actually won a spot from Benita Larrson's blog!). We celebrate a lot of things in December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Years & some birthdays, too. It's been tough trying to make our varied traditions special and manageable for our son. It's a lot to celebrate without getting completely exhausted and burnt out, and i'm hoping this class will help me prioritize and keep it together! Thanks for the chance to win! i really need to document December.
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I started earlier this year, and I'm doing less. All of my gifts for the kids are almost bought. I'm not putting the stress I normally do on myself. The day is over in a blink of an eye if you aren't careful!
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I plan on buying a large group family gift this year so that is going to cut down on all the shopping for little stuff this year. I am also having a cookie baking day with the girls in my family so it will al be done in 1 day and we will have a variety of different peoples favs.
LOri R
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This year, I'm not going to overcommit, I'm going to stop, breathe, relax and enjoy every single moment of every single day. We're going to do family get togethers - 1 for each side only one of them NOT on the holiday. And Christmas morning? We'll wake up when we wake up, open gifts, eat breakfast, stay in our jammies ALL DAY, play and cuddle at night!
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I am very excited to do a project like this, especially since we are expecting our 2nd baby around January 8th! My plan is to make the last month of my pregnancy as relaxing and stress-free as possible! I want to make this Christmas very special for our 17-month-old, as it will be his last one (with us alone) before his brother or sister gets here! (Plus, I just found out that I have Gestational Diabetes again, so I'll need to do some creating to keep my mind off of all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies I'll be missing!)
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I am already improving on last year...hubby was deployed, I had a broken elbow and was home with my 5 yr old! We treasured it all the same, but this year we are altogether, hopefully no broken limbs/joints and I am seriously considering a December Daily that will be ready to roll come December, so that I can ENJOY every moment of our family being together. Thanks for the opportunity! Love the inspiration and encouragement!
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My plan for a sane holiday? To plan....plan....plan. I do so much better and don't stress as much when I plan ahead. This class would so help me take the holiday season day by day and enjoy it!
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This Christmas will be about celebrating the reason for the season and being with family. thanks for the chance to win. cindyml
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I am attempting to have my gifts all purchased before Thanksgiving.
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I am hoping to focus as much as possible on my family this year, and focus less on the presents, the parties, and all the "have-to's" this year. It is very likely going to be my grandma's last Christmas with my family, and I would like to just cherish this season.
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I want to be in the moment this year and let the other stuff go!
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We made the decision of not traveling this year. We will stay home for the holidays and invite our family to a half point for our son's birthday on Dec 28th. We will miss seeing our family for the actual holiday, but we hope to see them later.
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Hi Ali,
I have enjoyed following your blog since the beginning when I read your first book. I am looking forward to completing the 25 days of christmas this year. Like you, I plan to do it ahead of time...looking forward to capturing the everyday stuff during the holiday season (family, traditions, decorations, etc.)
Thanks for sharing!
Tina
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I'd like to work in an advent calendar activity with our girls everyday to get them ready to fully engage the season when "the day" actually arrives.
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i just hope to be more organized this year. we are doing it more low key this year so organization will help me be able to just enjoy the season.
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My family all agreed to buy all of our gifts on craigslist and $10 or under. I think it will be fun, economical and 'green'. yay!
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Since I am spending Christmas at my sons' this year, I am trying to to make little treasures to occupy the kids and keep things lite..and bright!
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I am going to get my shopping done EARLY so that I can enjoy the entire season....
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My plan for a more 'sane' Christmas this year is to stay in the moment more! I tend to get carried away with "one more gift", "one more decoration" and "one more party"...not this year! We're going to simplify the process, enjoy each day and OH YEAH...document it all with December Daily!
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Keeping it low key this year. Simple Christmas dinner with family, lots of relaxation, and traveling only to a minimum. Enjoying the true spirit of Christmas with my family and close friends.
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This year we're focusing more on experiences. Making cookies, time with family,etc. I don't want Christmas for the kids to be all about the presents, so I'm trying to emphasize the togetherness and family aspects this year.
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I'm going to try and be better with planning. Christmas for me is a pretty low key time as it's just me and my 2 boys and family are abroad. I'm going to try and do a December Daily Album, I think the boys would love it.
I would love to do this class, I'm a fan of Shimelle's creations and her blog. Thanks for the contest :)
Karen
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This year will be crazier than normal as it's our turn (and first time ever) to host turkey dinner.
Wish me luck!
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I am making plans now for the fun activities for the kids-making Christmas crafts, making the gingerbread house... I usually do it all last minute. I'm already gathering supplies an getting it ready.
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We are having smaller, and more simple expectations this year that I think will help keep us in the spirit. And keep us mindful of what we are celebrating. I am really looking foward to Christmas this year!
tammy t
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