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This is a new tradition we are starting this year.
Over the years we have spent too much money and too much time late at night, the night before Christmas Eve or Christmas wrapping numerous gifts. It’s not like all of them were toys; items often included lots of things like clothes, socks, underwear or others but I feel like it was getting in the way of what the season is really all about.
Plus the regular ole items (undies, socks, etc.) our children need anyhow could just be purchased throughtout the year and don’t need to wait until Christmas to be given.
It can get overwhelming buying a lot of gifts. Especially for 4 kids (we are expecting baby #4 at the end of this year or beginning of next year) 
Plus they really don’t need a lot since it’s not about the gifts and we have more than enough.
So, I first came across this idea from my friend Erin, The Humbled Homemaker and Stacy, from Stacy Makes Cents. I thought, gosh, only 3 gifts, but the past couple years the concept has grown on my husband and I.
So we decided to take snippets from both of those ladies and create our own. They will get 5 things plus one Santa gift and of course their stockings. Here are some thoughts on Santa and reasons we “include” him.
Five Gift Christmas:
I won’t take a lot of time to explain all of these because they are self explanatory. These are the categories of what we are going to get our kids this year:
- Something they Want
- Something they Need
- Something to Wear
- Something to Read
- Something Kingdom (faith-based)
Examples could be: Lincoln Wants a specific Lego set, London Needs a small dresser for her room. Something to Wear… Julia needs a new coat and something to Read… Lincoln is going to get a chapter book he’s been asking about. Something Kingdom, which we are using instead of spiritual, meaning faith-based. So maybe a cross necklace for Julia or a boy’s devotional book for Lincoln and a Veggie Tales Nativity for London. (We are still working on getting gifts and deciding exactly what we are getting our them.)
To go along with this new tradition, I made a printable my kids can fill out as they think of things that fall under certain categories. Feel free to use this concept with your kids!
You can get your Christmas Wishlist Printable here.
What new traditions are you starting this year? How many gifts do you get your children?
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Written by Kelly @ Eyes on the Source, Contributing Writer
Peppermint is such a cool, soothing and invigorating scent. Peppermint Oil works as a fever reducer, hunger suppressant and indigestion treatment. It can increase alertness and circulation. A couple drops in the humidifier freshens the air and clears nasal passages. At this time of year especially, I enjoy using peppermint oil all throughout my home.
Peppermint soap is a simple DIY gift for Christmas! With just a few ingredients you can quickly whip up a very moisturizing and refreshing soap.
How to make Peppermint Soap:
Ingredients:
2 lbs Shea butter melt and pour soap
Peppermint Oil
1 box Crushed Candy Canes
Rubbing Alcohol (in a spray bottle)
Soap Mold or silicone cupcake pan
What to do:
I order my pour and melt soap HERE. It is the only shop I have found so far that does not include unnecessary harmful chemicals in the ingredients and it is such a smooth and moisturizing soap. I like to use my crockpot as it slowly and evenly melts the soap. However, you could also use your microwave if you melt and stir repeatedly until it is a smooth, pourable consistency.
1. Slowly melt the shea butter soap block. (about an hour in the crockpot)
2. When melted, add 10-12 drops of peppermint oil and stir in well.
3. Spray the soap molds with rubbing alcohol to prevent bubbles in the soap.
4. Pour melted soap into soap molds and sprinkle crushed candy canes over top of soap, immediately.
5. When soap is set, wrap right away to prevent it from drying out. (sets in about 2 hours or less)
I love the super fresh scent in the morning, such an invigorating way to start the day. Makes a beautiful Christmas or hostess gift!
Are you making any homemade gifts this year?
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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer
I love Christmas.
I love the spirit, season, the holiday, the decorations, the food, and being with my family. I wish Christmas lasted ALL year and here is how I extend it as long as possible
Here are my 3 tips for extending our Christmas spirit and love throughout the entire year.
1. Gather the gifts
Despite my best efforts to cut down on the gifting of Christmas, my kids get tons of gifts. They have a lot of people who care about them, and they show that at Christmas time with the gifts they give. Once the initial excitement is over, I gather up the gifts and store them in a big box.
A little at a time, throughout the year, when we can appreciate how very special each gift is, we take one gift out at a time. When we’re buried in snow in February – how about a new board game? When it’s raining non-stop in April – what about some new legos? It really helps us to value the kindness of our friends and family to space things out like this. The rule is when we take one new gift out, we choose one item from the house to donate to those who need it. Find a local respite center, non-profit, or family in need. My area has an online fb group (a big one of about 1000 moms in the area) – if you put out there that you have some gently used toys that you would like to give to a family that needs them – a family that needs them will get them.
2. Give the gift of yourself
This year I have learned a lot about the creation and struggles of small non-profit organizations. Research. Look in your communities, towns, and churches. Someone you know is involved in a small non-profit. One that is based in your community and run on small donations, volunteers, and lots of love. Reach out to them. Offer yourself, your time, your service, and your support throughout the year.
Big organizations are wonderful, but much of their money goes to advertising, marketing, and salaries. Many times smaller non-profits have NONE of those costs, put every single donation toward their mission, and are struggling to continue. This means they could use your help. You could offer to file, type, make phone calls, or just your time to do what they need.
3. Keep the nativity
Yup. We leave it up all year. I love it, it is beautiful and why not? Not only do we remember what Christmas is REALLY about, but we are reminded all year round, what our lives, our hearts, and our families, should be centered around.
What do you do to keep the wonderful feeling of Christmas alive all year?
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