1. the girls LOVE to make their own ornaments - be ready with printouts, templates, and simple ornament ideas
2. we need more re-useable fabric gift bags in larger sizes - get sewing now!
3. the girls didn't miss all the cookies we usually bake - one or two is just fine for them - don't stress myself out by baking unnecessarily
4. the Christmas Eve smorgasbord is enjoyed just as much when it's simple - again a great way to reduce stress for the mama!
5. the 4-gift process is still working well - Something we want, Something we need, Something to wear, and Something to read.
6. the handmade gifts get more play time than the mass-produced gifts. Continue to purchase handmade gifts like the castle blocks we bought from ClickityClack on etsy.
7. open ended toys are the way to go. the gently used Fisher Price little people set we bought was loved more than the cake and ice cream maker Play-Doh sets. the girls like toys that *don't* tell them how to play.
I love the beautiful paper that you get in the stores, but I can tell you too that it bothers me EVERY year when we wrap with it, open it, and throw it away. I was so stunned to see you beautiful cloth (REUSABLE!!) wrapping bags. What an amazingly clever idea. I am going to see what is on sale at the fabric store and I have a whole year, by golly, to make my own. Thank you, Thank you! Caeryl
ReplyDeleteLove to you and the hubby and cutest kids too.
Caeryl,
ReplyDeleteWe've been using re-useable cloth bags for a few years now. I first made a simple bag with ribbon ties sewn into one seam. After using those for about a year and having the ribbons pull out I switched to a drawstring bag design.
We have some that we use for all occasions (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) and I've sewn up a few red flannel that we use pretty much just for Christmas.
I've found that flannel or a very heavy weight quilting fabric work best.
Also, while I use a 1/4" ribbon for the ties, people could just as easily use twine or a heavy cotton string for the drawstrings.
Happy sewing!