Our Christmas Week

Wow! What happened to the past week?!? I can’t believe it’s New Year’s Eve already! We had a great Christmas with several family gatherings. It’s always a bit crazy, but I love seeing everyone.

The boys wound up with way too much stuff and we’re in the process of putting it all away and deciding what needs to go because it’s not played with anymore. I have the hardest time parting with toys that were once loved, but I desperately need to do it because the house is being overrun with their things that just are used.

Merry Christmas!

This morning we’ll probably be up somewhere between 6 and 7AM. Ideally, the later the better. We’ve all been a little under the weather and could use the extra rest. Hopefully the boys get the memo.

Today we’ll be tearing into our presents, working on our “thank you” words, and enjoying our time with family.

Whatever it is you do today, I hope you have a great day and remember the real reason for today.

Gifts Santa is Leaving Out

We received products in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.

In our house, Santa wraps most presents. The big ones are left out unwrapped looking pretty awesome first thing in the morning. For Charlie’s second Christmas, his presents that were left out from Santa were a chalkboard and a kitchen. The items that are left out are usually the big ones that need put together. I hate the idea of spending Christmas day putting together gifts that the kids could be playing with instead.

 

This year, the boys will come downstairs to find a pile of wrapped gifts and some sitting out ready to play.

Mom’s Holiday Picks from Netflix

As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I receive a Netflix subscription and a streaming device. All opinions are my own.

Most of what we watch is for the kids. This time of year, everyone is talking about the movies for kids (and there are a ton of them that we love). I’m going to share some of my favorite movies to watch on Netflix during the holidays once the kids are in bed for the night or on the rare occasion that they nap simultaneously and I’m able to get through a show of my own.

Holiday Books from Candlewick Press

I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We love reading! It’s that simple. I grew up reading giant books in just a couple of days and hope that my boys develop a love of reading as well. Right now, I think we’re on track for that. We actually have a ton of books and if you ask Charlie, “I not need any more books. I has plenty”. He does have plenty, but I don’t think you can ever really have too many books. I think the key is to only have so many out at a time. I love being able to pull out holiday books and stock our shelves in preparation for Christmas!

Candlewick Press has some beautiful books that are perfect to pull out with our Christmas stash or to give as gifts!

Handprint Christmas Tree Wall Art

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We’re finally adding some art to our walls and I love being able to add some for the holidays. Since Charlie loves any kind of crafting, this was the perfect choice for a new canvas for us.

 

Christmas Tree Traditions

I absolutely love Christmas trees! Every year, we go to one of our local tree farms, Cherry Grove Tree Farm, to pick out our tree. I really like taking the wagon ride out to explore the land and pick out a tree that we love. Last year, Owen was only about a month old so we skipped the wagon ride and picked out one from the barn that was pre-cut.

This is actually the same tree farm that we used to go to when I was little. I love being able to take my family to the same places I grew up going to. Creating more memories combined with my own just seems extra magical to me. This year the ride took us way out to a part I’ve never been!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

We received some of the items below to include in this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

For the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be sharing some great finds for stockings. Most of these you’ll be able to find in your local chain stores, but others will be online only. Be sure to check back for stocking stuffer ideas for everyone in your family!

Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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I knew I wanted to do the Elf on the Shelf with our kids someday, but didn’t realize all the work it was! Tom got me the Elf on the Shelf for Charlie’s first Christmas in 2011. We attempted to do it in 2012, but Charlie was too little and we didn’t worry about it too much. Last year, we tried a bit harder, read the book and still failed. This year- this year we’re going to really try! I’m sure in comparison to most, we won’t be up to par, but hey… if I remember to move him- I’ve succeeded!

I’ve gathered some great Elf on the Shelf posts from my friends to share with you and save for myself! We’re going to need all the help we can get to make it this year!

Christmas Gifts at Family Christian Stores

I received a gift certificate in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.

If you’re not thinking about visiting a Family Christian Store for your holiday shopping, you need to!

As far as getting ready for the holidays, the Little People Nativity is a must for us! I’m so excited to put this out this year and explain things visually to Charlie. And, since it’s Little People, I don’t need to worry about him breaking them. My mom has a beautiful Precious Moments set and I hold my breath every time Charlie goes near it. This year will be worse with Owen on the run. I think Mommom may need one of these as well this year!

I saw something posted this past week that sounds like a great idea for the Nativity Set. It said to place the three wise men in other rooms and move them closer to the manger every day. It also said not to put baby Jesus in until Christmas morning. I thought this was a great idea and something we may be trying this year.

Minted Holiday Photo Cards

Thank you Minted for sponsoring this post. Affiliate links may be included.

We send Christmas cards every year. Last year we only received about ten cards though. I was super bummed about it and hope this year is better. We live in such a digital age that’s all about social media and email, but I love getting those pretty cards for the holidays. Anytime after Thanksgiving (it’s this week if you haven’t looked at your calendar) I expect the cards to start rolling in.

Earlier this year, I made a beautiful new piece of art for our wall from Minted. While Minted sells a ton of awesome products, I’m talking to you today about their Christmas and holiday cards.

I don’t know about you, but I have THE HARDEST TIME trying to pick out which card to send. For starters, I have four people that need to look good in a photo at the same time. If you’re a parent (you probably are if you’re here), you know the struggle. Once I narrow down a couple of pictures, the problem is deciding which design to choose.

 

Buck Denver Asks… Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I received a free copy to facilitate this post, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Charlie is at that “WHY?” stage and has been for some time. I don’t really see an end to it actually. This movie from the creator of VeggieTales answers a lot of whys in Buck Denver Asks… Why Do We Call It Christmas? 

 

Christmas in July Sale at Personalization Mall

This post contains affiliate links.

We’ve ordered from Personalization Mall many, many times. Most of those orders have come from their Christmas in July sale.

70% Off Christmas In July Sale at Personalization Mall, 7/1-7/6! As always, personalization is free!

Here’s some of the ornaments that you can find on sale, there’s so many to choose from!

Think wedding, graduation, birthday, and Christmas gifts!