Simply Christmas.

I love this time of year! There’s  something about the anticipation up until Christmas that is so exciting. But sometimes the busyness just feels too much. I’ve been feeling the need to slow down and soak in the moments, rather than rush from thing to thing each day. It’s easy to make a million plans and have so many festive events going on, and while they are so much fun, it’s also so nice to focus on being present in the moment and not think about what’s to come or what happened. 

I have always been someone who loves to have a plan, and try to get as much accomplished and check off those to-do’s as quick and efficient as possible. Anyone else like that? But in doing so, I realized it’s not actually fulfilling and leaves me more exhausted. So... taking a step away from it all and focusing on what is actually important has been so lifegiving. Relationships and family time matter so much more than the gifts or the way we try to go all out having the perfect decorations which my 2-year old loves to destroy! Haha! Why do we set these expectations that we have to have everything perfect? My sweet girl has learned to push chairs around to anything that is out of reach and climb up to get it so NOTHING IS SAFE! Haha! 

Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love decorating for Christmas, baking, advent and making traditions with the kids. I’ve just been trying to simplify it. This will be a process I’m sure, but slowing down and letting myself take necessary breaks to be still will be so much better in the long run! (The book Present Over Perfect is totally inspiring and convicting) In the past I’ve stressed about finding the perfect gift for someone. A wise person once said “it’s the thought that counts” (I know totally mind-blowing ha!). 

One way we are simplifying it is with gifts. We still love to give gifts, but a friend had sent me this gift guide and it’s such a great idea! 

Gift Guide Simplified:

1. Something they want 

2. Something to wear (new outfit)

3. Something to do (an activity, puzzle, game etc.)

4. Something they need (helmet, skates, shoes etc.) In my daughter’s case she needs this backpack with a leash. ;) haha! But seriously I did get this for her - pretty sure it will cut my cardio from chasing her in half. 

5. Something for the family (skyzone, kidcity, movie, disney on ice, childrens museum, etc.) 

6. Something to read. 

And of course, since dental hygiene is important to me kids’ flossers and toothpaste is a must ;). 

This list has made it so much fun to shop for the kids and really think about them individually, to personalize it and not go overboard! We especially want to focus on the reason for Christmas and we have a little birthday celebration for Jesus! Riley gets excited to sing happy birthday and make a little cake or cupcakes! 

On a side note- has anyone read the book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”? I think this will be my next read! 

Hope you have a great week!

Lindsay

#christmas #giftguide #simplify #lessismore #kids