I’ve been blessed with 20 Christmases as a mom and it’s truly been fabulous!
However over the years…
I’ve over done, stressed out, expected too much, done things the hard way and learned a lot of lessons!
This year I’ll be sharing my lessons learned along with my favorite family activities, Christmas crafts, homemade gift ideas, planning tips and a little on-line shopping.

And rememebr your inspiration is essential…so please include your ideas, recipes, tips, homemade gift ideas etc. by submitting a comment below and check back often throughout the season!

The First Few Things on My Holiday To-Do List

Plan Ahead for Family Fun
Take the time this weekend, or the weekend after Thanksgiving to plan your holiday schedule.
Not the shopping, cooking, cleaning or shipping but the activities that you all enjoy together. Gather around the table with peppermint cocoa, a calendar, a pad and a pen. First make a list of all the activity options, allowing everyone to select one that is most important to them; seeing the lights, cutting the tree, making a gingerbread house, watching holiday movies, a visit with Santa, entertaining friends…
Then add the selected activities on the family calendar before time gets away from you.
Remember, you CAN’T do it all…an important aspect of the season is PEACE ...which includes peace of mind!

Planning Ahead with Supplies
Now is the time to stock up on supplies you’ll need for holiday crafting.
If you intend on having the kids make gifts, visit AmazingMoms.com for gift making ideas and then purchase the supplies.
Two favorites of the Bennett kids are the reindeer treat holders and  jingle bell door hanger you'll see below.
You may find it difficult to find enough jingle bells, so you’ll want to shop early, or look on line.
Both are easy to make and are fabulous gifts from kids. Fill the reindeer with baked goods, candy, dried fruit nuts etc.

You'll Need:
Craft glue, glue stick or glue dots
Terracotta clay pots; 2"-5"
Plastic eyes
Red pom-poms (glitter pom-poms are a fun addition!)
Three shades of brown craft foam, cardstock paper or construction paper; we combined all three to make our reindeer family.

Find the reindeer craft instructions on AmazingMoms >>    

 

                      

 You'll need:
Metal Jingle Bells (15-20 mm)
heavy gauge wire
wire cutters, pliers
curling ribbon
1 inch metal rings (key ring)

Find the craft instructions on AmazingMoms >>

 

 

Gingerbread Houses

I once baked all of the pieces to build a gingerbread village – it took all day and it was much harder than I expected...so
now it's a kit for me! Here is a gingerbread house kit from our sister site, Birthday in a box.
You can find the kits in most big craft stores and often in your grocery store. I prefer this Wiltons Kit
and I always buy a little more candy or decorations for the kids.

Gingerbread House Kit

Kit’s Tip
Buy an extra to use for Valentine’s Day or Easter – the gingerbread lasts a really long time and you just have to add seasonal candy.

Prepare the First Decorations

Advent Calendars
Over the years I’ve taken to collecting advent calendars…fabric, wood, paper, books…
A family advent tradition is a great memory maker! This year I might get a Lego toy advent calendar...
I’ve always thought they were adorable.

Check out these advent calendars for your family >>

Next week, just in time, I’ll provide directions for making your own candy advent calendar and tips for beginning your own advent tradition – check back.

Outdoor Lights
Unpack and check the lights. I can never remember from year to year if we had issues with the lighting.
This year I’d like to use less lights and/ or energy efficient outdoor lighting. In the spirit of a "green" Christmas, I 'm thinking of making luminaries with recycled cans. When I'm done, I'll post pictures and instructions!

Yay…it’s time for holiday music!
It’s time to take out the Christmas CD’s and drive everyone nuts for the next month!
Last year I bought the James Taylor and Sarah McLachlan holiday CD’s – I love them!

How about you?
Click on "comments" below to share your time saving tips, favorite Christmas CD’s and family traditions.

Until next week...keep life fun and festive!
~Kit
Mother, Auntie, Nana and Founder of AmazingMoms.com