Unique Christmas Presents Tradition

In didn't take long, when our girls were much younger, to realize that we were experiencing a bit of overload during the holidays. We had many conversations on how to cut back and get them to think about the season and not get caught up in all the lists of what they wanted.  We are blessed to have aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends who give our children gifts during Christmas and other times throughout the year. 

I had heard so many wonderful family traditions from friends and through research online.  But the one that stuck that seemed to fit our family was the Gift of 4.  With four categories we are able to control our spending, their lists, help them put the focus on giving not receiving and celebrating holidays for what they are in meaning.
Our girls, get Something they Want, Something they Need, Something to Wear and Something to Read.  They have learned to make lists with these categories in mind.  It is now one of our traditions.  I think families could maybe even come up with their own categories.  I read once that some families choose three gifts just like baby Jesus getting three gifts from the Wise Men.  The main point is that kids need to learn at a young age to be thankful for what they receive and not become numb to receiving. 

I will forever be thankful we stumbled on to this idea and have tweaked it a little for us.  I encourage everyone to look at how they give and receive during the holidays and how to take the pressure off of buying so much.

Onto the season of giving.  Remember to find ways to give throughout the year. During Christmas encourage your children to take an angel off of a giving tree, or fill a shoe box for a young child, or pick one toy from all of their gifts to pay forward to a child in need.  Help them see how they too can learn at a young age to give as well as to receive. 

If you have a good idea or a tradition that helps encourage young children or helps your family budget do you spread the word? 

Dance like no one is watching....

In a time when stress can be at an all time high, I am in constant search of those big stress busters!  I love to take long walks with my dog and that always is a great way to relieve stress, fresh air, exercise... But, nothing can really compete with that feeling I get when I dance like no one is watching.  That dance where you shake things you haven't shaken in a very long time.  You jump even though your body might not look that great being bounced up and down.  Dance like you did in high school or dance like they dance now and try those new moves.  Not only do you work out but you just feel joy. 

We all wait for a wedding or another perfect opportunity to get out on the dance floor.  But sometimes those chances do not come often enough.  Make your own dance floor.  If you have kids at home, get them involved.  Get out those oldies but goodies and have the kids pull out their favorite tunes and just dance, jump and sing at the top of your lungs.  I am telling you it's a joyful feeling and when your done you will feel a bit better than you did before.

Just saying...See you on the Dance Floor!

What's in a Name....

Do you know how it feels when your hair looks great?  Like when you leave the salon and wish you had somewhere to go because your hair looks so good.  How about when you love your outfit?  It’s so great when it all comes together and you feel like, “wow, I look pretty good today”.  To me it’s all about feeling fancy in whatever you wear.  If you are wearing your favorite old jeans and a t-shirt but you took the time to do your hair and put on a little lip gloss, you feel ready for anything.  I feel like I can take on my challenges so much easier when I am feeling good about myself. 

Don’t get me wrong it’s not all about what you wear or how you look to others.  I have my days and I have had my months where I just don’t care.  But those can be dangerous times.  Each day we wake up not knowing what the day will bring.  I remember reading a quote once that “each day holds the potential for a miracle”.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss my miracle if I am tired, stressed, missed my shower, didn’t shave my legs, have nothing to eat in the house and find myself running behind all day.  I’ve done all of it and know first hand. 

I have been the mom who drops my child off in my pajamas.  So many times, that I had a day (without warning) when I had to walk my daughter into school once in my pajamas and slippers.  There is nothing worse than doing that walk of shame as you see the faces of the moms who took the time to actually look presentable.  Now, on a school night, I think about what pajama pants on may have on since they may visit my child’s school.  Pajama pants can be fancy!

I remember when my children were younger and I was so sleep deprived I felt good if I even got dressed.  Even better if I got a shower before my husband got home, I felt like I hit the jackpot.  I think if you’re a mom you can relate.  If you’re a student up studying you can relate and like most women who juggle way too much in general, you just relate. 

I would often look at moms and think when do they find the time to actually iron their clothes?  We all notice the people who look like they have it all put together.  We never know what goes on behind closed doors to get that end result.

But here is what I will say and what I am learning.  We have to make time for ourselves.  We need to rest when we are tired.  We need to let something else go so we can shower. We need to finish the cup of coffee that we have warmed up three or four times.  And most of all we need to do the little things, maybe not the big things, but the little things that make us feel good about us.  So maybe some people say it’s time to put your big girl panties on and take on the world.  I say it’s time to put on your fancy pants, and that way when you’re taking on the world you feel good about yourself while doing it!