Wow, you are thinking the holidays are here again?  Here are some tips to help you enjoy the Christmas Season this year.

Shop early – avoid the crazy rush.  Consider ordering from a catalog or online for

hassle free shopping.

Christmas Cards – try writing a couple a day, this makes it more doable than trying

to write out 15, 20 or more cards all at once.

Baking – If baking brings you Joy – then BAKE.  Fresh baked cookies, gingerbread or other items make wonderful gifts.  Easy to put a small gift basket together – you will need –

Small Basket

Colored red or green tissue paper along with ribbon

Fill with fresh baked goods and maybe a homemade ornament, other small gift or a coupon where you offer to do something

 To d-STRESS from the chaos, try taking a walk – walking is good for mind, body and spirit. Put on a coat, maybe a hat too and the enjoy the brisk fresh air.

Wrapping Presents  – invite a few friends over and have a Wrapping Get Together,  friends  bring their gifts, suggest they bring some paper and bows.

 You can offer some light refreshments, put on some Christmas Music and wrap away

Some Fun Things to Make

Up-cycled Bottle Candle Holders

Craft elegant centerpieces using glass bottles (hint: wine or beverage bottles work well). After removing the labels and cleaning the bottles, place evergreens into bottles and fill with water. Feel free to add a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color! Rub sticky candle wax to the bottom of a taper candle and place in the bottle opening. Don’t forget to replace the water every few days to keep the greens fresh.

Christmas Table Wreath

Rather than hanging your holiday wreath, turn it into a festive centerpiece by securing a few candle wood cups to a wreath form. Of course, you’ll need plenty of greenery and a few tapered candles to bring the look together.

Ceiling Ornaments

A beautiful blend of whites and reds, this Christmas table setting is classic yet festive. For added drama, there are ornaments hanging from the ceiling, which you can recreate by using fishing line,string or ribbon

The Spirit of Christmas

Christmas is a time that can bring joy as well as sadness, Joy in celebrating the season, craft shows, getting together with friends and family, trimming the Christmas Tree. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces. Sadness maybe from loved ones long lost, a dear pet that crossed the rainbow bridge.

Try to be thankful this Holiday Season, focus on all the things you have instead of focusing on what you do not have.  Everyday create a little Christmas magic. Hmm how do you create magic?  Smile and greet someone you pass by, thank someone for a service or favor someone has done for you. Celebrate the blue sky above and all the creatures below.  Remember Jesus.

Fix yourself a cup of herbal tea, maybe a slice of the pound cake you made, hug your dog or your spouse and keep loved ones you have lost in your heart