Thursday, December 20, 2012

10 Holiday Planning Tips!

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love everything about this time of year. I love the music, lights, homemade treats and most of all - the holiday smells and family traditions.

The aroma of pine trees, fresh baked cookies, Christmas cards from family and friends and holiday scented candles. Holidays are all about family and traditions. I love opening the mail to find holiday cards from those I haven't heard from or seen in quite some time. 

My personal favorites have always been photo Christmas cards. Seeing how much everyone has changed is always fun, especially the children - they always change so much and it's hard to imagine!

Since the holidays are right around the corner, I'm going to share10  Holiday Planning Tips:


1.  Fresh Baked Holiday Cookies!    

Baking with my children is one of my guilty pleasures. It's fun, a learning experience for the kids and it brings us closer together. Making memories that will last a lifetime. I still remember how much fun I had baking with my mom and siblings as a kid. Sugar cookies, gingerbread houses and peanut butter blossoms are just a few of my faves.   

2.  Fresh Cut Christmas Tree! 

It's been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. Getting all bundled up, driving into the woods and cutting down our very own Christmas tree. My parents always let us pick it out, we had some Charlie Brown trees growing up, but we always loved them! We even got to decorate the tree ourselves as well. Now, we do the same thing with my kids and it's always something they look forward to doing.

3.  Dress for the Holidays! 

Don't be embarrassed or afraid to wear those outrageous holiday shirts and hats that are covered in bright ornaments and even those that light up! The holidays are all about having fun! Reindeer antler headbands and Santa hats are the perfect holiday attire

4.  Get Outside! 

If you are fortunate to live where it snows, get out and build a snowman with the kids. If you don't have kids, find the kid inside of you and build one yourself. Everyone loves playing in the snow. Making snowforts, snowmen and having snowball fights will bring out the kid in just about everyone!

5.  Enjoy the Holidays Through the Eyes of Children! 

There is nothing more magical than enjoying the spirit of the holidays through the eyes of children. They notice all the little things that as adults, we often miss.

6.  Decorations! 

Garland, lights, snow villages, reindeer, sleighs and bells. All of those things (and more) are what make the holidays magical and cheerful. Stringing popcorn to hang on the tree, while sipping on hot chocolate is always a fun activity for the family to enjoy together.

7.  Remember it's the Thought That Counts! 

It's not about the gifts you give (or receive) or the amount of money you spend. It's about spending time with family. Memories are going to last forever. I know that I don't remember many of the gifts I got when I was a kid, but I do remember the times that I spent with my family.

8.  Give Yourself Enough Time! 

I know that many families travel during the holidays. Whether you are driving or flying, be sure to give yourself enough time to arrive safely. It's not worth the risk of being rushed, time is precious!

9.  Remember the Reason for the Season! 

Kids think that Christmas is all about the presents, which is totally understandable. But, it's important that they know the reason for the season! 

10.  Help Those in Need! 

We always choose several ornaments off the Giving Tree at our school. The kids help me pick the ornaments and then they help me shop for the gifts. It's important that my children know how important it is to help others. Every child deserves to have a memorable Christmas.


It's easy to get caught up in the hussle and bussle this time of year. There are so many things to do, shopping, gifts, holiday events. Just make sure that you take a little time for yourself. In the midst of taking care of everything else, you can't forget to take care of yourself too.


Remember to take the time to ENJOY the holidays and make memories with family and friends!

No comments: