The holidays are always such a busy time. Today at MOPS, however, we talked about ways to simplify during this Christmas. Here are some ideas our table came up with:
- Bake cookies ahead of time and freeze them
- Organize/participate in a cookie exchange to get a greater variety of treats
- Read the Christmas story the night before
- Give your kids only 3 gifts (reasoning: that's how many gifts Jesus received)
- If you set up a manger scene, don't put baby Jesus inside until right before you open presents
- Make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday
- Celebrate the advent season with a daily devotional and other activities
- Buy any gift cards for mailmen, delivery persons, bus drivers and teachers ahead of time
- Use the US Postal Service's partner website to create your Christmas postcards - upload your address book and photo, choose the design and they do they rest!
- Use Kodak, Shutterfly or Walmart.com to create your own personalized ornaments, calendars, mugs, blankets or bags for friends and teachers
- Exchange names among the adults in your family so each person is only buying one thoughtful $50 gift
Be sure to include your husband in your planning. Ask what things "make" the holiday for him and then try your hardest to accomodate his wishes. It's a lot less stressful when your spouse is on your side!
And if all else fails, plan a vacation and getaway to escape it all!
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