It’s TUESDAY TALK with Fancy Ashley! On the third Tuesday of every month, we join forces by inviting you all to join us to chit chat about absolutely anything.
Today, we’re talking CHRISTMAS!
As the Christmas Coordinator of my house, I know that if I pre-plan for our holidays the season goes so much smoother for the entire family. I’m not rushing from place to place at the last minute if I’m prepared.
Here are some things I’m working on now to prepare for the season…
*Christmas Cards*
We aren’t taking our family pictures for Christmas cards until after Thanksgiving this year. But as soon as the pictures are back, the cards are number one on my to-do list.
*Online Shopping*
I complete 99% of my shopping online. I have a list of things I’m looking for this season for everyone on our list and I’ll keep an eye out for the best deals. Some items will never really go on sale so typically I spend one day making some big purchases {those items that never go on sale} and then I feel SO MUCH BETTER about Christmas arriving. I know stores have been encouraging us all to order early just in case shipping is delayed a bit so I’m working on my shopping over the next two weeks.
*WRITE IT DOWN*
This is one of the most important things I do all season. With football games, Christmas parties, kids sports’, and everything in between if I don’t write it all down, I forget and then we miss out on things. I’ll write something as simple as, “Christmas Movie Night”, on our calendar so that we really take advantage of all our free moments this season. There will probably way less social events for us all this season but then we can focus on more at-home Christmas activities. Local friends, I’ve seen several different drive-thru light options if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy the holiday season and still be socially distanced. That’s my plan, anyway!
*Remember the Reason*
Sorry, these pictures are so dark! I took these pictures by twinkling lights last night.
Every Christmas season I work through some sort of Christmas Bible Study. Last year I did the Advent Bible Study from Lifeway and highly recommend it! You can still purchase this one! The new 2020 study is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. I ordered it over the weekend and can’t wait to dig in.
Loving My Actual Christmas-An Experiment in Relishing the Season is a great read for anyone who finds herself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the the chaos of the season. This author shares her own personal experience of being present and it will strongly encourage you to do the same. Great read! And I just ordered an Advent book by this author!
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift-I tucked this one away last year and am excited to use this with our family this year.
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift-We’ve read through this advent book as a family. Highly recommend it. As much as my adult heart can get caught up in all the busyness of the season, their little hearts can too. Such a great reminder of what we’re celebrating.
The Christmas Promise-This one seems better for younger ages so we might do one during breakfast and one before bed. Britt will definitely benefit more from this one.
The Way to the Manger-Another great option we’ve used before…25 devotional stories reminding us all what we’re celebrating.
*Advent Calendars*
Last year we stuck to simple Advent Calendars but I decided 2020 called for something bigger. I ordered this one for Ebby Lee and she’s gonna love it. She’s not wearing make-up yet so this one was my favorite because it’s mostly shampoos, bubble baths, lotions, etc. As I was scrolling Instagram, a football figure advent calendar scrolled across my screen. For the life of me, I cannot find it to send you the link and they haven’t arrived yet but I ordered those for my boys. And then for Britt, I got this Disney Storybook Advent Calendar.
*North Pole Breakfast Supplies*
Our North Pole Breakfast where our Elf on the Shelf arrives is on a different day every year. Sometimes it’s the day after Thanksgiving, other years it’s December 1st or possibly even December 5th if I don’t have my stuff together. I’ve already bought our fun festive breakfast plates and napkins for the easiest breakfast ever-powdered donuts, strawberries, and chocolate milk.
*Christmas Pajamas*
I ordered these Christmas pajamas for my mom, sister-in-law, and myself as well as these for my boys and nephews but a change of plans has us visiting them after Christmas instead of them coming here for Thanksgiving. I got these for Britt and this pair for Ebby Lee. The boys just got new pajamas pants. New Christmas pajamas just make me happy. It’s the little things in 2020, am I right?
*ENJOY IT*
Now take a deep breath, friends. And let’s really, truly ENJOY all the moments this season!
Okay, friends…WHAT am I forgetting? What else should I be writing down and adding to my to do list? Happy Tuesday, Everyone!
First, how did I miss Tuesday Talk this week? And second, I need to buy that book about rushing through Christmas!!!
I love this!! I always try to do some holiday baking too!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Just bought the book about rushing through Christmas! And I’m doing that Advent study this year!
After all that great planning you did last week for Thanksgiving…I am sorry that your family won't be coming down. But…glad you will be able to see them at Christmas. 🙂
YES! The best advice is to ENJOY it!!!!
I live by my lists! That and getting things done early that can be done early. Our cards are finished, most of my gifts are bought (or at least picked out where I just need to actually order them), and I have a huge list of holiday baking and activities we're hoping to tackle this year.