Making Christmas Special in Simple Ways

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in the idea that you have to spend more, do more, and have more to be happy – especially around the holidays?

There’s always that new gadget to buy or toy to have. Last year’s iPhone is long outdated, and your kids are quick to tell you that they HAVE to have that new Xbox game.

In recent years, especially since becoming a parent, I have allowed the frenzy of gift-buying to paralyze me. Even to the point of becoming sad that I can’t buy EVERYONE in my life a meaningful gift. Aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandparents, parents, your kid’s teacher, your neighbor, sisters, brothers, best friends, co-workers – not to mention your husband, and children! It can get exhausting and overwhelming if you allow it.

Is there another way to approach this?

Maybe you’ve already discovered the solution for this sometimes stressful time, but for me – this year – I’ve decided that Christmas can be meaningful and special by the simple things – organizing a Christmas Movie Extravaganza, while stringing popcorn during the movie; drinking some hot cocoa and making the gingerbread cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and rich fudge during a fun giggly evening with the kids.

Less emphasis on the gifts, more emphasis on creating memories.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t buy gifts for your family! In fact, I love giving gifts! On pages 8-11, we at babyourself have found gift ideas for the many different women in your life, you can even make your own gifts with a laser engraver from BossLaser. Maybe our gift guide will help the gift-giving be a little less stressful for you, so you can focus more on making memories and enjoying the holidays with family.

This holiday season, at the top of my list is an extra dose of togetherness and memories – Simplicity.

Kristi Corley
editor in chief