Christmas eve, eve!

Surviving today, tomorrow and

THE next day!

As Children we called today Christmas eve eve. It meant that Christmas was almost here, and was really real. As Adults it means that we now have to get everything DONE, because time is running out. If you are feeling stressed because you are fretting over gifts, wrapping said gifts, trying to clean the house perfectly, baking and more baking, cleaning again from baking, realizing you need to buy more things for Christmas dinner, needing to look up directions to you Aunts house, and running out of wrapping paper AGAIN, here are a few tips to simplify today, tomorrow, and THE next day:


Take time for you, no good will come from you being grumpy, if a few things are missed, but you are smiling Christmas will be better for your loved ones. So take some time today to do something that brings you joy maybe it is praying, taking a bubble bath, or just grabbing a mocha. Maybe it is all three, do whatever it takes!


If you are traveling pack light and go early. Everyone sleeps in on Christmas eve, usually because they have the day off. And we all take longer than we mean to getting out the door on holidays. So to avoid the holiday traffic, pack the night before and go early. Pack light, often we over think our packing, if you are only going to be there one night then one change of clothing, pj's, and gifts can all be packed the night before. Grab toiletries as you are getting ready in the morning and any specific items you need such as medication or diapers. And take the Camera! Also, fill up your cars gas tank if you are running errands today.


Baking: If you are running around still trying to shop and then still have hours of baking to do, you might consider picking up chocolates, bakery items, or other things while you are shopping. Often you can find them cheaply and it saves you time.


If you are Hosting a Christmas: Double check your menu ahead of time just to make sure you have everything needed and plan your time. Can anything be made ahead of time? If you are trying to clean your house to perfection, start with the rooms everyone will be in the most: Living room, Dining room, Bathroom, and Kitchen. Then move onto the other rooms that way if you run out of time you will not be stressed. Do not start any major decluttering, decorating or furniture rearranging projects either! Your guests will love you home even if it is not perfect.


Still buying gifts: Can you buy any online? Or, buy several of one item to give to everyone outside of your immediate family is one way to simplify the Christmas list. My Husband use to buy Frangos for everyone and he always bought a few extra just in case anyone surprised him with a gift.



You are still the most important part of Christmas: If your family could choose between watching a wonderful movie with you and seeing you smile at them or having you run around hectic before Christmas even if it meant one less gift which would it be? YOU, and not even almost. This does not mean drop everything, but remember that THIS is the time to create memories. Twenty years from now they will not remember the gifts they were given at Christmas (except maybe a few). What they will remember is the traditions you have created, the board games you played, their mothers laughter, the popcorn while watching a movie, and the excitement of Christmas eve, eve!

Things Currently on our to do list:
Play with your Children, Spend time with a loved one, finish up loose ends, clean, run errands, pack, and Smile!
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