French Press Friday

Christmas, Simplified

As I sit sipping my coffee this mornig, my mind wanders to Christmas preparations and decorating.  Last night I was at church helping the ladies group get trees up and all the decorations out.  I wish I could say it was a wonderful experience.  I wish I could say we had music playing and everyone was in the holiday spirit.  But it was just a chore that needed to be done.  Question:  How many ladies does it take to hang garland from the balcony?  Answer: Only two, but about half a dozen stand below shouting directions.  Please don't get me wrong.  We all worked well together, we chatted happily and the church is beautiful, but it wasn't, um,...a Christmasey experience, know what I mean?  Kind of felt like Charlie Brown wondering what had happened to the Christmas spirit.

So I contemplate all of that and the Christmas decorating that needs to be done at my own home.  And the word that stands out in my mind is "needs".  So I allow myself to wander down a new path of thought. 

What if...

       ...I don't get out all those boxes full of Christmas decorations?
       ...I don't scatter Christmas memorabilia all over our home?
       ...I just use candles?
       ...I only pull out the stockings?
                    And our Advent wreath?
                            And our Nativity?
       ...I suggest just decorating the tree?

And do you know what?  I feel relief.  I feel joy and anticipation returning.  I think to myself, "So this is Christmas, simplified?"  I can do this.  I think I will do this.  I think I will spend less time adding to our clutter and more time baking, making gifts, sending cards, listening to music, watching classic Christmas movies.  And cuddling on the couch with Hubby.  These things bring me joy. 

I encourage you to find your "Christmas, simplified" this year.  Go for making memories and enjoying traditions of the past.  Enjoy Advent!  Anticipate the coming of our Savior and the salvation that means for us.  Find your joy.  Check your personal headaches of the season at the door.  They aren't worth it.

Christmas Wish Lists

 

Do your kids write out wish lists to give to Grandparents around this time of year?  Mine do.  I don't know that they've always made it to the G's homes, but at least I know what to tell them when they call asking that all important question, "What do they want for Christmas?"

This year I decided to make a cute Wish List "wallet" that could be tucked into a purse or pocket.  Here is what they look like:

 

 

I started by cutting an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of cardstock widthwise, into 3-inch stips.  Then I folded one end up towards the other end leaving 1/2inch at the top.  Made a sharp crease then folded the 1/2 inch top down, making another sharp crease.  I then pulled out scraps of Christmas paper and, after measuring the size of the front, I cut a piece to adhere to the front of the cardstock.  This fit under the 1/2 inch flap.  I measured and cut another coordinating piece for the back (no picture).  I took a wallet sized school pic of each boyo and glued it to the bottom corner.  Punched 3 scalloped circles and wrote "My Wish List" on each.  Used a little liquid glass to accent the dots over the I's and glued them down.  In the 1/2 inch flaps, I punched a little hole to thread my ribbon through and adhered it on the inside so it would stay put.  The cute little bows I learned to make on Pinterest, with a fork!  No kidding!  It's so cool.  I keep the fork in my craft room now. 

 



 

Anyway, on the inside I glued down a long strip of lined paper and folded it up accordian style so it would fit within the wallet.  The paper clip on the outside was a last minute "what am I gonna do" problem solver.  I wanted the little flap to stay shut so my first attempt was using sticky velcro, cut to size.  I just didn't like the way it looked.  Too bulky.  So I ripped them off. Carefully.  But some of the paper still tore.  Oh well.  Nothing a little adhesive couldn't hold back in place!  I really wished I had some tiny adhesive magnets...alas I did not. (Do they even make those?)  But I did have colored paper clips.  Clip to the rescue!  Now I figure if the G's have coupons, they can clip them right to the list.

  

 



 

 

Honestly, they didn't turn out to match the idea I started with in my head.  But I like them.  And there is always next year, right?  Always room for new ideas, improvement and change.  Love that about crafting.  Have you started any holiday crafts yet?