Christmas Plans

So Christmas is in one week! Are you ready? Any last minute shopping you have left to do? How are you all celebrating? Any family traditions you do year after year?


Here's a run down of our Christmas plans: First on Christmas eve we go to my grandpa's, on my dad's side, and we all celebrate there. Then after that party, my two brothers and my dad are coming over to my husband and I's home for a more intimate celebration. Then Christmas day we head over to my husband, Tim's, mom, and spend the day with her. Then the day after Christmas we head on over to Tim's grandparent's house for a party with his entire side of the family. And some where in between all of that we are having my mom, and her boyfriend, and my two brothers over for a separate Christmas with them. It's very busy, that's for sure! When you have divorced parents and are married, you have a lot of places to be during the holidays! Makes it very eventful!

I'm hoping this Christmas, is stress free, completely enjoyable, and focused on the true meaning: Jesus' birth!

picture: www.wehearit.com

These year for when my dad and brothers come over to our home Christmas Eve, we are doing something a bit different. A lot of hardships have happened in our family in the last year or so, so I'm trying to make it more about the meaning behind Christmas, rather than the money value of things. I don't want any one to feel pressured to buy something. So I read this idea in a book I recently read called 101 ways to give this Christmas away by Matthew west.

We are having a birthday party for Jesus. Now, I don't know how many of you believe in Jesus or not, but are family does, and our faith is something that's of great importance to us. So anyway, I am making a birthday party for Jesus at our home. I'm baking a cake, that's going to be a two-layered cake in the shape of a Christmas tree! Which should be fun! And it's going to to be Jesus' birthday cake, and although we may feel kind of silly at first, we are going to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Here's a picture of the cake I will be baking. You can decorate it any way you like. I got the idea from www.bettycrocker.com

We will read the story of his birth in the Bible. And hopefully focus on ways we can give back to Him in the New Year. So I'm excited to focus on God this holiday season. I'm trying to think of meaningful gifts for them still. We already have something in mind for each of them, but I want something more thoughtful for each one of them as well.

There's this Christmas candy that my grandma would have out every year around the holidays, and every time I see it, it makes me think of her. She passed away around 8 years ago. I thought about buying a bag or two and dividing it up and putting it in a little decorative bag for each of them, and sign it love, Nana, which is what we called our grandma. How does that sound? I'm also writing letters to them, telling them how much they really mean to me.

Anyway, I know I went on longer then I usually do, but I thought I would share some of our Christmas plans with you. And again, I would love for you to share you family traditions etc., with me!!

Just in case, I don't remember to say it later. Merry Christmas to all of you! I really hope you all have an amazing time with your family and friends!!