* Christmas Cheer* {12.4.2019}

Today, I’m highlighting some things us moms can do to prepare for the Christmas season. I would have loved to have finished this earlier, like in November to help us all remember things we might forget. But YOU GUYS! This year/season has snuck up on me. So, hopefully you’re all ready for the Christmas season, but just in case you’re anything like me and a bit on the struggle bus on December 4th maybe this will come in handy.

*** ONLINE SHOPPING***

I used to complete all my shopping in stores and a lot on Black Friday. However, after becoming a Mom and being extremely busy, I complete 90% of my shopping online. I have a list of things I’m looking for this season for everyone on our list and I’ll keep an eye out for the best deals. Some items, unfortunately, will never really go on sale so typically I spend one day making some big purchases {those items that never go on sale} and then I feel SO MUCH BETTER about Christmas arriving.

***ADDRESS LABELS***

I order Christmas Address labels from Shutterfly. This makes my address labeling so much easier. They typically have a sale going on or some sort of coupon code, so I’m able to get them for a great deal.

***WRITE IT DOWN***

This is one of the most important things I do all season. With football games, Christmas parties, kids sports’, and everything in between if I don’t write it all down, I forget and then we miss out on things. I’ll write something as simple as, “Christmas Movie Night”, on our calendar so that we really take advantage of all our free moments this season.

***ADVENT CALENDAR***

I have been looking for an advent calendar to use for the past few years. I mean I have really looked… (Lowe’s, Pottery Barn, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, Target, Birch Lane, Pier 1)… you name it, and I’ve probably looked. I even looked at a Christmas store while we were out of town this past weekend. They were WAY overpriced there.

I settled on this one from Birch Lane, and am excited for it to come in and get started. I know I’m a few days late, but I think Addison will love talking about it every day. They have several other options and all at a great deal right now!

***CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS***

I always order Addison lots of festive pajamas to wear. I used to order them from Gymboree, which was my favorite, but sadly they are no longer in business. 🙁

I bought a couple of pairs at Target and she got a cute pair from Kohl’s for her birthday.

I also started a tradition when Addison was born, that on Christmas Eve night, she will open a pair of Christmas pajamas to wear that night and a Christmas book.

***ENJOY IT***

I’m going to slow down this season and try to soak it all in. Everything is always so rushed, but I’m going to try to relax. I’m taking full advantage {and you should too!}

***WRAPPING STATION***

I always set up a folding table and all my wrapping paper, bags, bows, etc… upstairs in one of our spare bedrooms. It makes it so much easier to have it all in one space. I usually spend a couple nights and try to kick all of the presents out at once.

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So the rest of the post is about some of my Christmas decor in our living room. So, come on in, and enjoy. I love for it to feel cozy and homey. Nothing too flashy. I like a more rustic look. Most of our decorations I have gathered over the years at places like Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, or at random little gift shops.

My Little School House sits on our hallway table.