Getting back into the swing!

Did you think I fell off the face of the earth?  I felt like I did!  After my surgery (one month ago today!), and set back, I was then re-admitted to the hospital for 4 days, only to be sent home on bed rest and being told I was back to zero with my surgery recovery.  AHH!!!

Well, this is my FAVORITE time of the year, and I NEED it to raise my spirits, so here we go, all together.  Yes, we didn't finish the October focus of Craft Organization, and I am sorry, if you have specific questions that you would like me to answer just send me an e-mail.

Now it is November (can you believe it?), and our focus is Holiday Organization!!!  It is NO secret that Christmas is my all time favorite holiday.  I look forward to it, plan for it, and long for it almost all year long!

Many of you do not feel the same way.  Christmas, for many, is hectic, stressful, and a big let down from the expectations and promises of Christmas Carols.  I think that I have found one of the main reasons that I enjoy Christmas so much more than the stressed out masses.  Sorry to say, it does go back to organization.

Thanksgiving is three weeks from today, which means my tree goes up three weeks from tomorrow.  Weather you are a Christmas fan or not, it is almost upon us, and with a little prep time, I hope that you can all enjoy the holiday season a little more this year.

My most important holiday tip?

Sit down with your family before the holiday season begins (now!). Have everyone list the “traditions” that mean the most to them, there may be multiple for each person.  It is a great reminder to parents about what REALLY matters to your children during the holidays!

Once your list has been finished by you and your family, schedule your holiday around fitting those traditions in first.  This may mean less parties, but it will mean more memories.

To get you started, here is the Christmas season list from my family:

• Train ride with Gramie and Papa for our girls

• Temple Square lights
• Thanksgiving Point drive through lights
• Creating a gingerbread house or tree

• Letter/e-mails to Santa

• Christmas cards with a family picture
• Girls gifts to each other
• Girls gifts to parents

• Visiting Santa

• Christmas movies

• Delivering neighbor gifts/foodbank donations

• Outside lights on the house

• Girls decorating their own trees

• Decorating with my sister the day after Thanksgiving!!

• Christmas Eve Italian Food  and nativity traditions

• Advent Calendar
• Listening to Christmas music in the car (typically starting November 1)

I hope all of you can take the time to make your tradition list, and enjoy the wonderful memories with your family this holiday season!