Simplifying Your Holidays: Alternate Gift Ideas to Show the True Meaning of Christmas

Every year at this time, we hopefully get the opportunity to spend more time with our families, enjoying the spirit of the Christmas season.  Christmas really is about giving.  Remembering the true spirit and meaning of this holiday is just so important.  Jesus gave up his throne in Heaven to come to earth and be born as a baby boy, growing up to be a man Who would one day give His own life for many....to me, that just blazes out the spirit of giving that is so important at not only this time of year, but throughout the year.  Listen to the words of this song, Emmanuel by Tommy Walker Music....(we sang this song in our choir concerts this weekend; this is not us singing....but just listen to the words.) 

So, in the spirit of giving, here are some ideas for alternate gift ideas, gifts that might just make a difference in someone else's life, a life-changing difference.  You could be a blessing to someone this Christmas.

To read more about alternate gift ideas, visit Mel's post over on MamaBuzz.

Simplifying Your Holidays- Frugal & Creative Gift Ideas

Before you read on, don't forget today is the last day to link up your pics for the Christmas tree contest!:)

There are only 2 1/2 weeks left to get ready for Christmas.  For some of you this isn't so bad because you're well-organized and have been working on Christmas gifts for quite some time.  For some of us, though, this crunch of a time can get quite stressful, as we haven't even started.  Plus, we have to consider where the money is going to come from for all of these gifts we are supposed to get.  Well, maybe we just need a little inspiration to get us going.  Plus, maybe we can come up with ideas to help us curb the spending and invest in our creative resources.  Believe me, we are all in kind of a financial crunch this year, or at least, a lot of us are; wouldn't it be great to think of some great gift ideas that really do come from the heart?  Here are some ideas for frugal gift giving and creative gift ideas....

To read more about these gift ideas, visit my post over on MamaBuzz.

Simplifying Your Holidays: Christmas Tree Contest

This week, on MamaBuzz, I posted a few frugal decorating tips to hopefully give you a creative boost this Christmas.  We are also having a Christmas tree contest, in which prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places!  You don't want to miss this!  Come on over, and join the fun on MamaBuzz!

Simplifying Your Holidays- Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! This week, just thought I'd post a couple videos for fun. Just relax this Thanksgiving Day, even if you're cooking for a crowd. Take time out to truly appreciate and enjoy your family....

If you'd like to see more of my special Thanksgiving post, visit us over on MamaBuzz!

Simplifying Your Holidays- Recipe Swap

Thanksgiving is almost here!  Can't you just smell the turkey and the homemade rolls baking in the oven?  Oh, and don't forget that pumpkin pie, although I do not care for pumpkin pie.  (Gasp!)  I know!  I do love Pumpkin Whoopie Pies and Pumpkin Roll, though.  Before we get to the recipe swap, I just want to cover a little bit on prepping for the big day. 


To join in on the Thanksgiving fun and Recipe Swap, visit my post over on MamaBuzz for more info....

Simplifying Your Holidays: Traditions

This has got to be my favorite time of the year....I'm trying to instill that same love for the holidays into my boys; so far, so good.:)  I think it's just the suspense and that feeling of excitement in waiting....and it all leads up to Christmas Day.  Many families have traditions that they keep every year.  Some families might have traditions within the extended family, and then other families may each have their own traditions.  It's sometimes hard, though, to keep traditions when you have families that are all over the country, or you have several different places to be during the holidays.  There are ways, though; you just have to get creative, and get your holiday spirit up and running.  Even if you can't think of something on your own, the internet abounds with all kinds of ideas.  Also, who says you can only have one tradition?  More traditions make for more memories made with your families.:) 


To read more about how to create memorable holiday traditions with your family and to join in the conversation, visit Mel's post over on MamaBuzz.

Simplifying Your Holidays: Organizing Your Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time, especially if you're hosting a dinner or a party, or even if you're going out of town.  It can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be.  With some brainpower and a lot of planning, you can be on your way to being able to relax and just enjoy your holidays with your family, as we just never know what tomorrow, or even the next year, brings.  So, Mamas, take heart, and gear up; get ready to get your holiday on!:)


I've found a number of sites with advice, printables, and ways to help you plan for your special times with your family.  A lot goes into Thanksgiving and Christmas, what with meal prep, gift lists, supply lists, pantry needs, events (plays, concerts, etc.), and even volunteer opps your family is interested in helping with.  It's time to get out your notebook and pen, pack your printer with plenty of paper, and start planning....


To read more on how to organize your holidays, visit my article on MamaBuzz.

Simplifying Your Holidays

With the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I decided to start a Simplifying Your Holidays series to take us through the holidays in a more simplified, organized, and peaceful way. I really hope that this will encourage all you Mamas out there to remember the real reasons that we celebrate these joyous seasons together with our families and friends. As a work at home mom, life can be crazy busy with all of the responsibilities, but sometimes we just need to be reminded of the most important things in life, and nothing can do that more than making new traditions and spending quality time with each other. This series is designed to help you take a load off, to learn how to plan things out, and to help you just breathe....skating your way through the holidays, enjoying every single minute.

Here is a list of the topics that will be discussed and blogged about in the upcoming weeks, starting next Monday, November 2:

To read more, check out my post over on MamaBuzz!