I was answering some emails this morning and was laughing that I spend more time on customer service than I do on blogging. So I thought, while I’m here I want to wish you all Happy Holidays!! Hope your year is coming to a wonderful end. Happy Hanukkah to all my lovely buddies celebrating it right now! I’m getting ready for a handful of birthdays this week and next (including mine). Then we’re celebrating Christmas next week. Merry Christmas to all of you celebrating it too!
It’s been a fun year for me. I added seven patterns to my collection. Rounded out our family when our baby came early. And started several other pursuits (tell you about those later).
I’ve spent the last few weeks just enjoying my family and trying to wind down before the holidays. It’s usually such a stressful time of year for everyone. It’s so easy to get caught up in the glitter of the holidays and forget what really matters. In my house, we’ve donated 20 bags of clothes, baby items and toys this month. I convinced my kids to give back to our community in preparation for their birthdays and Christmas. It’s not like I’m spoiling my kids for the holidays…we follow the 4 present rule…1 they need, 1 they want, 1 they wear, 1 they read. And Santa gives educational toys to my kids. Yep. Because every time I go out shopping for regular things like groceries, I see the frenzy in the crowds to buy the “perfect” gifts for everyone. It makes me want to rack up my credit cards but then I remind myself we don’t really need all of it. I’m practicing A LOT of self-control this season, lol. We’re trying to add “experiences” to our lists instead of actual items. Which includes a lot of one-on-one time with the kiddos, fun little trips out for hot cocoa and driving around admiring the Christmas lights, secret service projects, and phone calls to loved ones. And it’s really fostered a joyous feeling in our home. I’ve caught the kids watching Christmas movies every day while I’m making dinner.
Oh and on the topic of my birthday. I’m going to say, I’m really hard to shop for. There’s not a whole lot of things I really want or need. My list this year was things my kids wouldn’t want to borrow or take from me. So fabric, Craftsy classes and patterns. I like self-improvement, whether it’s educational or developing my talents. Those are the kind of things I value. I know, right….lol hard to shop for.
But I’ve really seen a difference in the normal holiday spirit around here. My kids aren’t begging for toys. They’re decorating cookies and gingerbread houses with me. They’re thinking of people to drop off cookies to. They’re helping each other with homework, and they’re playing games together. It’s a very low-key, happy atmosphere. And everyone is enjoying it.
My hope for all of you is to have the holiday that you love. Whether it’s surrounded by family and friends and a buffet of food, or a quiet night in with a glass of hot cocoa, pizza, and your cat. Whatever makes you happy. Just remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed and not just endured. So if things are getting too crazy in your celebration you have my permission to duck out for a minute to text your friend, call a loved one or just enjoy the stars twinkling in the night sky. Relax.
Happy Holidays my lovelies! Hope you have a wonderful month. 🙂