Journal Your Christmas Giveaway

I am making all of our holiday gifts for family and friends this year. It has forced me to slow down and really think about the person we are giving the gift to, and it's been a way for me to take some time to myself to craft them. I also think people really like handmade gifts because you took the time to make them. All and all I have 3 gifts done, and I have ideas for the rest of them. I am carrying on this "tradition" to next year as well as for the other gift giving occasions this year.

Love your album and love the idea of this class! Our plan this year is to keep the focus on time together and off gifts (and purchase very few of them). Thanks, Ali!

We are trying to leave 1 weekend day a weekend free to just be with each other (it is already proving to be hard!) we are forced to really look at what is important and what we don't really need to add in to our calendar.

Would absolutely love to win this class! I have been planning since early October to try to make sure we spend our time on things that are truly meaningful to our family and enhance the spirit and spirituality of the season! Less busy = more 'fizzy' (fun!)

I started a few weeks ago making presents for family and friends...want to be done by Thanksgiving so that I can relax and enjoy the season and be a nicer mommy to be around. :)

I just need to be organized so that on Christmas Eve I don't realize all of a sudden that we haven't put up the tree or bought presnts. At this moment, I can honestly see that happening............

This Christmas I am trying to get a head start on everything...presents, cleaning, birthdays (right before Christmas) and the baking, so we can enjoy the Christmas season together. I just finished the bones for my first December Daily and can't wait to get started.
Thanks for all the great ideas.

This year I am making my gifts so that I am not running around stores trying to figure out what to buy. Also, I'm limiting my travel this year during the holiday season.

I'm planning to live in the moment and enjoy the time with my kids, husband and family more. Simply things when possible. Cutting back on the number of presents we are buying/giving. Getting shopping done early. Wrap early, not on Christmas Eve...that would be my #1 Christmas resolution for 2009!!!

I'm so blessed that I have three weeks in December off!! I can cope with all the great happenings including our wedding anniversary. I really love the Christmas Holiday season and can't wait to document each day with my December Daily (almost finished book). My advice-enjoy!!!

I have been working on accepting the concept of "enough." I plan to bring this into the holiday season--hopefully it will make the holidays magical, instead of crazy.

With a new baby arriving next week, we plan on having family come to us this year. No traveling. That will simplify our holiday season!

I will try to get things done on time, not waiting until the last minute. Planning to make most of the gifts myself (knitting, scrapbooking etc.) in order to save money, although this will most likely cause some level of anxiety as well (getting everything done in a timely manner) but overall it's more fun and meaningful. Most importantly, I will try to enjoy the time spent with family and friends!

We have so many birthdays and anniversaries during the holiday season, I plan to take it all in stride and breathe.

Because we are dealing with our 13 year-old son's medical issues, I want to try to make this Christmas season especially stress-free. This will improve his health, and will be good for the rest of the family, as well. Planning ahead, and expecting less, will help to make this season more enjoyable. I have noticed Ali's motto, "Be in the moment". That will be my goal.

Wow great prize giveaway !

I am already doing the class but I would love to be able to give two away to my scrapmates.

I'm planning on taking things really slow. Focussing on gratitude and family, and taking most of the other "stuff" off the table as options. I think it will be precious, since our previous Christmas was very busy and full of material things.

I have already started my Christmas shopping and have cut the presents done to one per child (I have 5 boys). I am also going to get the boys involved in the decorating and baking. It is easier for me to do it but the memories are for them!! We will focus on the true meaning of Christmas and who we are as a family!!

I'm so excited for this Christmas! For the last 7 years my husband has played in a show that runs the entire month of December, every Wed-Sun, with two shows on the weekend (he's a musician). This year, he's not playing that show and so we'll get to spend so much time together. We're also purchasing less and talking to our families about doing the same.

I've cut out some unnecessary events and will make an effort to do something special, even if it's chocolates on pillows, everyday!

This year we're hoping to keep things more simple. Less gifts more togetherness. I'm also working to get the house really deep cleaned and de-cluttered now. Things always feel less chaotic when there's breathing room. Thanks for a great giveaway!

I am following the flylady.net's Holiday control journal concept to help me stay organized and on track for the holidays. I would love a spot in her class. It sounds very enjoyable. Thanks.

Baking... Lots of baking...

Every year I say the same thing - Its about the moments that make the memories-the simple things-enjoy-enjoy-enjoy-That's my plan again!