As Advent approaches, I begin to organize myself for the Christmas season. I make lists and plans, think about friends to gather with and family with whom we share sweet memories. I remind myself to stay focussed on family and faith when the hurriedness of the holidays falls upon us and I spend time reflecting on […]
Each year at Christmas I like to make a handmade gift. I have made candles, notecards, decadent chocolate truffles, soap, potted paper whites among the favorites over the years. For more ideas on handmade gifts, you can check out this post about Getting Organized for the Holidays. I love the creative process of brainstorming what […]
Quite possibly my favorite day of the year. It rivals swimming in the ocean and snuggling my littles at bedtime. Hunting for our Christmas tree feels that good. We load everyone up, bring along hot cocoa and often a picnic and head for the hills. My husband and I have been doing this ever since […]
With the first Sunday of Advent this weekend, I wanted to share a few of our most treasured family traditions. I look forward to this part of the holiday season most and try desperately to be as organized as possible for the December frenzy that ensues so that I can focus on my family and what […]
I have been wanting to make this colorful felt ball garland for my middle daughter’s room for a year. I kept putting it off and finally decided that I’d make it for a Christmas gift this year. Well…that didn’t happen either. I did get everything ordered and literally made this SO simple garland in the […]
I’m signing off for 2013 soon. Before I go I wanted to share some simple ways to wrap your holiday gifts. These are affordable tips that make your packages look like beautiful little gifts themselves. All you need are a few basic supplies that also happen to be some of my favorite things. Kraft Paper Red […]
Elf on a Shelf Our family has had an elf joining us each December since 2009. The kids named him “Zitter.” No idea why really, just because. He arrives sometime around the 1st of December and leaves us on Christmas Eve. Zitter is fun and funny, mischievous and wild, and always a good reminder that […]