Comments on: Simplifying the Holidays – Giveaway!

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:33:13 +0000

I think this sounds great! My tip is to make up lists early( I do mine in the summer) and make/ buy as many things ahead as possible… I am working on having all my shopping done before December even hits, and having all of the items for baking already, too- I’m about 75% done already. This helps me to be available mentally and physically for the whole month of December for my husband and 4 children.

By: Manda

Manda — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:14:21 +0000

Sounds like a great resource! We actually do not exchange gifts within our immediate family. Our children receive so much from relatives that my husband and I do not find it necessary to buy them anything else. And being on a tight budget, we would rather just spend time together than worry about buying each other the “perfect” gift.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:45:09 +0000

I am always looking for ways to simplify the holidays. My biggest struggle is the Santa Claus influence from extended family members. I feel like I am taking the fun out of Christmas because I have to be the “heavy”. I do try to do some fun things with my children that center around Jesus, but it is so hard to tear them away from the world around us! Anyone have any suggestions for dealing with in-laws? I am very concerned this season because we are now living with my in-laws while we build our house.

By: Tami

Tami — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:46:05 +0000

I’d love to win. The holidays stress me when they should be a time for the Lord. I have no advice to offer.

By: Maria

Maria — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:06:58 +0000

I’m not sure it counts as simplifying Christmas or not…but for the last several years I have taken to making homemade Christmas calendars or other gifts that can be passed down and treasured for years. I got so tired of plastic toys and such that rarely were used or broken. For the children in our family, I focus on books or educational materials that will foster their imagination and creativity. Hopefully, I can pass this down to my children as they get old enough to be involved.

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:11:28 +0000

As an extended family, we have decided to limit our gifts to kids only. This helped a lot since most of the adults didn’t need anything so it was hard to buy for them. At our home we try (year round, but especially at busy times) to limit our activities. We decided last year that we can’t do it all and still remain sane. So we usually do family things and church functions only. Usually this encompasses most of our close friend’s anyway. And we try to do several things with just us four. Thanks for offering the giveaway.

By: Que

Que — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:43:50 +0000

We celebrate advent, putting an emphasis on fellowship. In late October – early November, we choose whom we want to invite to celebrate with us. For four Sundays before Christmas we have a few families over who are very special to us and enjoy a meal and a themed evening. The theme depends on which candle is being lit. (Love, Hope, Peace…) We plan simple crafts, or a special movie or making a desert or cookies to take home. This way, we don’t spend alot of money, yet we always feel like we’ve been able to give something special to the people in our lives who we feel we have been so blessed by knowing.

By: Cynthia Manion

Cynthia Manion — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:01:52 +0000

This sounds like great material to read. Please enter me in the contest.

By: Sharmista

Sharmista — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:01:09 +0000

I start making Christmas gifts in the early fall, that way I have them done well before the rush of the season hits!

Thanks for your lovely blog. It is an inspiration!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:54:10 +0000

This book looks fantastic! One simple thing we do is to make sure we take time each evening in December to stop and do some sort of Christmas devotional with the family. This takes the focus off of us and the fast-paced nature of what Christmas has become and places it back on Christ.