Christmas thoughts and preparations

Did you know there are only 6 weeks 'til Christmas? If you didn't, do I have you a bit stressed now;-) I often wonder how it sneaks up on us the way it does each year. Well, it really doesn't sneak up on us does it? It's the same day on the calendar each and every year.  Yet, we can all become a bit harried when December hits. We feel time is running out. But, time for what exactly?  Hitting the stores, getting the best deals and waiting in long, tiresome lines to obtain our "treasures".  Geez, I have a bit of a headache thinking about it!

I was at a friends over the weekend and she was going through the sale circulars. She is a "black Friday" shopper. I have never experienced one in my whole lifetime, I think it would induce a  full blown panic attack if I subjected myself to one.  Her sister was with us and we were discussing the economy and the lack of funds for Christmas shopping--anyone relate to this?  Both ladies said something that struck me.  They said black Friday lets them get the best deals on alot of toys that later they can just throw away. Yikes!!!  My immediate response was "what about our environment"?! Blank stares met my protestations.  No answer.  I suspect more people than not think this way. Sad, sad, sad.

I firmly believe less is really more with toys.  Toys that foster imagination, are made of natural materials, and yes, handmade if possible are really the ones that here, have seen the most play and have stood the test of time. Now, I am not in anyway saying don't EVAH buy plastic or electronics, we do, but we are super careful about our choices and we inform our children about why we feel and think this way.  Also, for me I try to keep the focus on Christ and the years I fail miserably at keeping Christ the focus or our celebration I feel defeated.  This year I really am purposing with some fun activities to keep our Saviour the center of Christmas. 

I will be sharing some of the places I buy our toys and some of my handmade gifts here. I will also share some of the ways I will have our family focus on Christ this holiday season. Maybe it will be an encouragement to you and yours or you will  pluck and idea or two from these thoughts.

What I would like to start off with is a little system I used last year.  I found it tremendously helpful and it kept me focused an organized. It is called Organized Christmas and all the pages are free (!) and downloadable. You can customize the pages to fit your lifestyle, beliefs, and what you feel most important to you this season.  Start off with doing a bit of pre-planning. Talk to your husband about how you want the holiday to flow , your goals and values tied to Christmas. Put them on paper and share this with your children. Most of all, don't stress! It can be a Christ-focused time of year for you and yours with all the fun and holiday memory making tied up real pretty!

If you don't wish to miss a post in this series consider becoming a follower of my blog. The link is in the sidebar and I will be having a sweet, sweet giveaway this weekend for one lucky follower!!!!