Journal Your Christmas Giveaway

This year like most people we will be cutting back on a lot of things. Will also be trying to make some of my gifts too so won't get caught in the crazy shopping !

Hi Ali, I've actually finished one album with my collection of old christmas pps to go along with you when you do your journal in December. I've always wanted to do one so you inspired me to go ahead. However, I am thinking of using my canvas Prima album as soon as I saw yours for this year and set aside the other one for old pics. I am so scared to wreck this album and hope the stress of thoughts juggling in my head will soon be over so I can journal my own peacefully come December... Thanks for the inspiration.

I plan on giving less materially and spending more quality time with loved ones.

I really want to take some time over the next couple weeks before thanksgiving to plan, declutter and make some lists. I want to have some free evenings to sit in front of a fire in the fireplace next to the tree and enjoy time with my husband and kids!

I have been trying to purchase/make gifts all year so I won't be one of those last-minute shoppers who spends more money than intended. I am also going to try not to do everything that I am invited to. I tend to over-commit myself during the holidays and end up overwhelmed.

my plan for this holiday is LESS STUFF and more togetherness!

We will try to have a 'basic plan' but not be so packed in with 'obligations' that we miss out on spontaneous holiday fun or an opportunity to start a new tradition. We will 'go with the flow' as much as possible so as not to feel frenzied. It's amazing to me as the mom of a 12 year old boy & a 17 year old young man how much they count on and enjoy our traditions. Thanks to journaling, I have been able to note these traditions (who knew my son liked it when I changed the furniture in preparation for the holidays?!)
Thank You for the opportunity to win this fabulous memory in the making!

I am hoping to simplify by saying "no" more. Anything that will involve fewer than all 4 members of the family, I'm saying no. I want this Christmas season to be more family filled and meaningful.

I'm planning for a simple, homemade Christmas so we can focus on Jesus and come into January free of financial burdens. I'm already finding that setting the holiday mood is not at all dependent on how much money we spend, but on the state of our hearts. My nine-year-old is enjoying the planning and crafting already. What fun!

I spend every year (in December) planning how to enjoy the season, and actually forget to experience it. This year, I'm doing the planning in November. Shopping, execution, December Daily, hopefully EVERYTHING to be finished by Thanksgiving so I can just be in the moment. And if it's not finished, I'm gonna give myself permission for that to be ok too.

This year I am going to take time to enjoy the little things and look at Christmas with the same Magic as my Kids. We are already reading a family Christmas story to get us ready. I like to scrap the important things about Christmas that I want my Kids to remember as adults.

I am going to let the little people help (my three sons, not the elves...) and so what if things are a bit less than perfect. Hopefully they will make some happy memories.

I just completed cut the crazyiness out of christmas class. I am further ahead than I have been in a long time. Journaling needs to be part of my christmas.

Well to make it less insane than last year I'm hoping not to have builders working in the house until the week before Christmas. I'm determined to stay small with the presents and reduce the stress of doing too much that really isn't that important.

We are not buying to many presents that they really don't need or want this year. Each of my children will make a list of one thing they need, one thing they want and one thing for the family. Hopefully this will help them think about what is really important in their lives and their families life. Hopefully or it may all just backfire.

Having a running list of ideas for gifts to buy or make and starting my shopping and creating very early, has really made my holiday season much more enjoyable. Last year was easier and hopefully this year will be even more so, especially with hubby coming home in a couple of weeks!
Right now, 90% of my shopping is done and I only have a few things left to create...besides my cards and my December Daily album, which I am starting now!
Thank you for continuing to share your December Daily album and for the chance at winning a spot in Shimelle's class, I've heard great things about it!

My mantra for the 2009 Holiday Season is JUST SAY NO to excess. Excess spending, excess parties, etc...

Like last year, i hope to keep things simple and just enjoy being with my family. And hope to do most of my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving instead of after:)

My hope is that my husband is able to get time off to enjoy the holidays and we can spend uninterrupted time together.

Ali you always so inspiring and last year I completed the Daily December album. It was so much fun to do and I really savored the little things of the season. I had no idea at the time I created the album that it would be our last Christmas in that home. I am so very thankful that I will always have the album to remember our daughters first home.