The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Part Four

CHRISTMAS MORNING

CHRISTMAS MORNING BASKET

Using a basket or box, fill it with things you may need for Christmas morning such as: scissors, batteries, extra ribbon, marker, paper, pen, trash bag.  It will help so you won’t have to stop and scramble.

DO IT AHEAD OF TIME

Before wrapping your kids presents, open up the box, undo those little plastic ties that hold the doll in place.  Make it easy on yourself.  Let’s face it, one way or another you will be taking those little, plastic tie things off of the toy – before or after.  This way, all your child has to do is open the box and play.

CHRISTMAS PAPER MOUNTAIN

Don’t be neat.  As your family unwraps their presents, just let the paper fall where it may, allowing it to pile up.  When all the gifts are unwrapped, your kids can then climb through the mountain of paper.  Make sure to take pictures of the mountain climbers. This has been one of our family Christmas traditions since Marky and Missy were small.  We still do it.

ONE MORE THING…

STOCK UP ON THANK YOU & HOSTESS GIFTS

Next time you are out, grab a few candles, pretty notebooks or colorful candy dishes to have on hand for those hostess gifts.  Make several “Thank You Gifts” with cards for those people who are working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  For instance, the gas attendant, the fast food person, your local mini mart or grocery store and the barista at your favorite coffee shop.  It can be cookies, candy canes or Christmas candy mix, hot cocoa, ornament, gloves or gift card.  Allow your children to participate in making the gift box/bag and card.

So there you have it.  All of my Christmas tips and pointers – for this year.  Have a Merry Christmas and allow yourself to enjoy it.

OH – DON’T FORGET SMELL THE COFFEE

I love the Starbuck’s Peppermint Mocha and I even drink it hot.  (I don’t like hot drinks.)  But I always make sure when I get my drink, and take that first sip…. I savor it.  I close my eyes and taste the coffee, mocha and peppermint.  Yum.  So remember, savor the moment.