Christmas Tradition

We decorated mini gingerbread houses today.
I used to avoid this because I thought it was too much work, but kids of all ages and genders love doing this. It fits all my criteria for a good holiday activity, it brings us together as a family, we all enjoy it, I get to bake, it's worth the work. I start this activity by building anticipation. I tell the kids where I am going to display them and we talk about the kinds of candies that they might want to try and incorporate this year. It was fun today, Dad even joined us in the kitchen, he made snicker-doodles. Now I have cute little colorful houses to mix in the garland that I have hanging above the stove and sliding glass door.

Christmas Tradition

We did something during Thanksgiving that was lots of fun. I set up three different games in a couple different areas of the house. We divided up into three groups. The idea was to rotate these groups through each game. Each group started at a game and when the timer went off, the game stopped where it was and than we switched to the next game and started it just where the group before us left off. We did it until every group got a turn at every game. Everyone loved it. The only suggestion they had was to see if we could mix up each group when we switched to the new game. It was fun and we will do this again.

Plan your work and work you plan

Day three
I have written everything down that my family and I want to do this Christmas from baking to bowling and planned it all out on a calendar. We don't always follow the plan perfectly but I like to have a basic plan. I know it sounds crazy but I feel with a plan I can be more spontaneous. That's because I know I can do what I was going to do at another time. It helps me make better decisions. My month is all planned. Good thing, because it's 12 days until Christmas.

Picture a Christmas

Day two
Today I am going to visualize how the whole season is going to go. What do I want to happen and feel as the season goes along? I picture feeling warm and closer to my children and husband. I picture lots of time for rest, relaxation and time to become rejuvanated. I picture on Monday January 5th I will feel energized and motivated to start the New Year.

I have looked at what is on my "to do" list for the season. While looking at each item on the list I am going to ask myself the following questions:
Is it true that I "have to" do it?
Will this activity add to the feeling I want for the holiday?
Will it help me achieve the things that are on my "what I want for Christmas" list?
Can I trade with someone?
Can I ask for help?
Can I do it and just do a good enough job?

If something isn't going to add to my holiday, I am free to say no. I am responsible for the kind of holiday season and I need to protect my time and energy. I can't and don't want to do everything. I decide what I want and graciously decline those requests that do not fit my vision.

Christmas tip

There are so many great movies this time of year. At allrecipes.com they have a list of holiday movies and suggestions of what food to serve with them, some trivia about the movie and a famous quote from the movie.
This has really inspired me. When we watch "Miracle on 34th street" I will have bubble gum, because of the bubble blowing contest in the movie and frozen hot chocolate because it takes place in New York. We also might write letters to Santa.
This is taking an ordinary family movie night and making it just a little more special.

Happy Holiday

Day one
Today I am going to plan and prepare for a successful holiday. In the next five days I am going to get clear about what I want from Christmas and to intentionally go about creating it.

First I am going to write down what I don't want to become clear about what I do want.
I don't want to get fat and be tired.
I don't want to have tension in my home
I don't want to be lazy and feel depressed.
I don't want to miss out on the opportunities to connect with others.
I don't want to be without gifts for everyone on my list.
I don't want anyone in my family to be sick.
I don't want to have more things to do than time to do them.

Using the above list I am going to write what I do want.
I want to get plenty of sleep and exercise.
I want to keep my focus on my family.
I want to do things that bring me joy like bake and decorate.
I want to be involved in experiences that bond us as a family.
I want everyone in my family to be healthy.
I want to give thoughtful gifts to everyone on my list.
I want to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season.
I want to connect with my family and others.
I want to have time to enjoy it all.

Now my intention is set to have the Christmas I want.