Christmas is Coming

I’m in danger of appearing fastidiously organised but it’s true: I’m thinking about Christmas.  Many of my precious childhood memories are bound up with the magic of Christmas: the lights; the music; the joy; the tree; the decorations; the presents; the nativity story; family; friends; the pure excitement of Christmas Morn. No “Bah Humbug” here; I love Christmas.

I’m blessed to be part of a large family.  Now, when I say large, I mean really BIG.  When I count, just family, I have 40 presents to buy so if I’m not somewhat organised, well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. {Hint: Kelly running around with a fist full of hair.}

Below are six of my Christmas-thinkings.

1. Christmas Presents Box

I have a present box at the end of my bed (or as Tina writes, keep a gift closet — which sounds much more romantic).  During the respective year, I buy presents, mostly on a drastic special, and place them in the box. I don’t necessarily know who each present is for, I have a vauge idea of what gifts I’m looking for.  Close to Christmas I go through the gifts and find that my shopping is almost done.

My Present Box

2. Christmas Cards

I’ve given up on traditional Christmas cards in favour of personalised photo cards.  Monique from Your Cheeky Monkey writes about being on the lookout for the best Christmas photo of her boys so she is prepared early.  I think this a great idea.

InkPink Designs did my gorgeous photo Christmas cards in 2009.

Christmas Card Ideas: Made by Meeya    &   InkPink Designs

3.  A Special Outfit

The festive season is party season, from playgroup break-ups to work functions. If you  are looking for an outfit, think causal elegance so you have the best of both worlds: a little bit of glamour plus a lot of comfort.  Here’s some ideas:

     Sara Ruffle Dress $69.95            Emerge Ruffle Dress $79.95       Capture Shift Dress $59.95

       

   Watch my Elegant Christmas Hair-do video tutorial

4. Craft

Do you need ideas for your Playgroup, Mother’s group or Sunday School? Below are some of my Christmas Crafts. My favourite is the Christmas Wreath Tree Decoration craft.   This would be a fun gift pack to make up for nieces and nephews too.

Christmas Mobile Craft

Christmas Story Games

Bethlehem Star

Jingle All The Way

Christmas Angel Craft

Christmas Wreath Tree Decoration

5. Santa Claus

Our family doesn’t focus on Santa at Christmas-time and the children don’t receive presents ‘From Santa’.  Firstly, when my children were very young, they were afraid of him, and fair enough I say; what could be worse than being handed over to a strange man with a long white beard for a photo? Secondly, Santa Claus is not the main reason for Christmas, and so I strive for balance on this issue.  I’m certainly not taboo Santa: Santa can be fun in moderation, and my husband has been known to dress up for the children; however, our family focuses on the Birth of Jesus and the spirit of giving.

I’d be interested in reader’s opinion about ‘believing in Santa Claus’.  My children don’t ‘believe’ in Santa; however, I respect other families decision to play the game and I teach my children to be considerate and not to spoil the surprise for them.  Colin from SuperParents has a clever solution to this predicament in the Santa Claus Club.

My husband playing Santa, minus the beard

6. Life-Changing Gift

There are opportunities to purchase a life-changing gift for those living in extreme poverty instead of buying a present.  For more information visit Gift Opportunity.  I love this way of giving.

Do you have any Christmas-thinkings? Tell me!  Or maybe don’t or I might just get carried away.

To see pictures of the entire range of Christmas Crafts on this blog, click here: Christmas Crafts.

Not into Christmas? I appreciated these posts:

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Bah Humbug

Not into Santa? Read these posts:

Why we don’t “do” Santa

Thinking About Santa

Christmas Ideas

Celebrating Christmas