Journal Your Christmas Giveaway

I'm starting my planning now and hoping to do less shopping and more MAKING of truly meaningful gifts this year. At least that's the plan. I'd love to win the class spots so that I can get my two best friends on board with December journaling!

My plan usually consists of getting any groceries I can long before hand. I have already bought the stuffing mix and some ingredients for my favorite goodies. I make the goodies I like, to make it more enjoyable, and have no problem dropping traditions that are too much work and no fun (if someone else wants to do the work, cool with me. ;) ) I don't do all my decorating in one day, like I used to. It might take me 2 or 3 weeks, and that's ok. I only put out the decorations that I want to put out this year, and don't feel bad leaving things in boxes for the year. :) All of these things have helped make Christmas more enjoyable.

Our family is complete this year with the addition of our beautiful little girl SO I want to document everything for all of my children and I am going to try to use the December Daily ideas as well as just keeping the camera handy at all times! :)

The insanity has already begun in my house. I think my husband has asked me every other day since the beginning of October what we are getting everyone. I have no idea! But I did start a purse for my Mom today and have a few pages to add to their scrapbooks. Other than that just going to cook once and enjoy the day.

buying xmas presents online this year and smaller in size so easier to transport

I am just going to breath, relax and enjoy the little things. Even as we move home.
Bxo

I am going to try to focus on family and fun. Doing things that are fun and meaningful for all of us!

My plan for Christmas is to get the decorations up early, bake early, keep the gifts simple, and then just sit back and enjoy the second half of December.

Great idea. I'm taking control of the holidays by celebrating them in order. lol... This month I'm celebrating Thanksgiving & being thankful for what I have. Not focusing on what I need to buy or can't afford to buy for all my friends & family for Christmas! Love your blog!

i plan on buying less things and focusing on family during this christmas season.

I'm planning to deliberately slow down, to observe and notice what is going on around me - trying not to let things just fleetingly pass me by.

I plan to put the tree up earlier, wrap the gifts sooner, and get the Christmas cards out ahead of schedule. My husband and I have decided to buy one large gift for the family and then each boy will get one small gift from Santa and a few things for stocking stuffers. Anything that doesn't get done can be attempted to be accomplished next year. That's my plan...and I'm stickin' with it!

**((thump))** just fell out of my chair-what an incredible giveaway!!!! i'm super excited about this one. For this year, I am trying to set some traditions-we do not have children yet, but I want to be even stevens and do the things that we love to do without the hustle and bustle, sooooo...the hubby and i are going to make a list and schedule-how exciting that he wants to take a part :)
xoxo
sarabeth

Wow! I would love to take Shimelle's class and have my dear BF join me too! This year I am letting go of the things that don't matter and doing as much as possible before thanksgiving. Thanks Ali!

A more sane Christmas? Not sure if that's possible, but I am anticipating stealing my family away for three days to a nearby city to relax in the pool, see the sights, take in a play and learn to enjoy being with each other again with no cell phones, computers or TV's in sight! It makes all the insanity leading up to Christmas tolerable. It's my 'happy place' I go to when dealing with stressed clients.

I decided this year to get one thing done at a time, and wrote a list of everything needed. I have managed to buy all but two Christmas presents now (last two being purchased this weekend). Now I can focus on making cards and wrapping paper, then its planning meals for Christmas day. I have even ordered the meat for the main meal of the day! I am mostly looking forward to enjoying Christmas day with my 14 month old and family.

Ali, I'm planning to make Christmas cards earlier (meaning now) to give away to friends and family. Over the last couple of years, I have been making them as I go, and it just didn't work.
Thanks for the giveaway!

We're keeping things simple and enjoying the "little things" in order to focus more on the big thing-- the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It isn't about presents (we're doing name exchanges w/ friends and family to avoid long lists and budget-blowing shopping, just one special gift to buy). To get into this mind frame, I'm actually working on a November "Thankful" album with my family- each of us names one thing we are thankful for each day, and I'll include a picture for the layout. The things that matter are already shining through, only 4 days in :)

I have slowly decreased my gift list over the years. Deciding to spend more time together than money on each other.

I've already sent Christmas gifts to family up in Indiana...but that didn't really help....I need more time to shop and get things together for family here in Florida and get a flight to visit/etc.....Christmas seems so far away- but it is right around the corner!