Our crazy family Christmas (+ permission to skip traditions!)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

THIS WEEK, ON THE BLOG:

A few weeks ago, at the dinner table, Dave and I suggested that our family go shopping together to buy gifts for each person instead of hiding gifts away all month only to open them closer to Christmas.

The kids were initially hesitant, but quickly warmed up to the idea as they would get their gifts right away... so we did it!

This past weekend, we had our "Family Christmas". We enjoyed a big breakfast at home, then ventured out to the mall and a few thrift stores. We went out for lunch together and everyone came home with several items from their list. We ended the day with a Christmas movie, special snacks, and some online shopping for the few items we couldn't find in stores.

We're DONE with gifts -- no shopping, wrapping, hiding, unwrapping, or returning.

Merry Christmas to me! 🎉

I share this in my email (as opposed to on the internet for anyone to read) because I realize it's non-traditional and possibly shocking for some. I don't think this is the "best" solution for every family -- but it just might be the perfect idea for some families looking to simplify this year.

I don't love change, but I am quick to change if something feels like it's not working... and gift-giving just felt like it wasn't working for our family. The kids are old enough to want specific things, but not old enough to purchase those things on their own, so shopping together felt like the best alternative.

I doubt we'll do this every year, but it was a refreshing change for me, and our kids seemed to thoroughly enjoy picking out exactly what they wanted.

If you need a little more motivation to tweak, change, or completely skip a tradition this year, keep reading!

And... happy shopping 😉

simple food.

If you plan to decorate Christmas Cookies this year, you must try this easy recipe for cut-out sugar cookies that actually hold their shape.

I've been using this recipe from my friend Bonnie for over 16 years and they turn out perfectly every time!

get my recipe -->

organized home.

Need a simple gift idea for those people on your list who already have everything?

These 5 gift ideas are perfect for grandparents, teachers, coaches, or other hard-to-buy-for people in your life.

learn more -->

**5 Gifts for the person who has everything**.

intentional living.

Do holiday traditions cause unwanted stress, busyness, and tension? Do you wish you could take a break from some of the traditions that no longer work for your current season of life?

I'm giving you full permission (and actionable steps) this year!

keep reading -->

In other news...

Favorite Christmas Photo: We were looking back through a bunch of our Christmas pictures and I came across this one from 2018. The boys were 4.5 and 3.5 years old and every morning, they came down and just stared at the tree. It was so cute!

Fun Girl Gift: Both of our girls asked for a clay bead bracelet-making kit this year, and happily made bracelets for many friends and cousins over the weekend. Nora got Ugg boots (her top "wish") and Clara got new PJs and slippers.

Fun Boy Gift: Our boys both requested new football gloves and a dart board. The football gloves arrived yesterday, and their new dartboard hangs proudly in our basement. It has been the source of much fun these last few days.

Clutter-Free Cash Gift: I will continue to preach that cash and gift cards are always great clutter-free gifts. If you're looking for a simple and festive way to give the gift of cash, try this angle ornament tutorial using two bills, a bead, and some ribbon -- you could even do it with two $1 bills for a super frugal gift.