pre holiday planner

It’s that time of year.

You know what I’m talking about:

We coast along, munch on our kids’ Halloween candy and then, bam! Christmas is knocking on your door before you’ve even taken your jack o lantern down.  I know, hearing songs about angels and Jesus in the stores while the shelves are adorned with witches and ghouls seems somewhat “off”, but it does remind us that there is goodness to come.  Sparkling lights, white angels and Jesus are on the way. In the midst of the dark skulls and goblins marking the shelves of our stores… and, our world.

Unlike the spooky decorations that are now bargain priced in clearance bins, the darkness in our world is on sale year round.  Human lives are disregarded, children are sold like merchandise, and people are lost, wondering and wandering how and where to find their purpose. Mankind turns to war, and hatred permeates borders.

With today’s technology negative news travels fast.. and far.

But you know that already.

So, this season: I’m taking a step back from the world and stepping into my world. I know that sounds really selfish, but first let me explain…

Holiday plans 2015:

I decided that I’m  not going to suffocate my mornings/free time/stoplight time scrolling social media.

If it’s meant for me to see, someone can get it to me, specifically.

Gained: over an hour a day

I’m not going to pop into random stores looking for the perfect “meaningful” gift…

Let’s face it: Meaningful gifts are homemade, and acted out.

Nothing says love more than an act of love.

You can’t buy acts of love. You do them. Every morning, my husband (although he has to go to work and I don’t) takes the time to make our bed before he leaves. He doesn’t have to.  He wants to. It’s in those  small acts he does everyday shows me that he loves and cares.

When you take the time to do something you don’t have to do, is when you show an act of love.

That hour I will  save from social media detox?

I will  have time to do more, say more and love more.

Of course, you can’t wrap up an act… and.. it will be awkward when your bestie hands you over a gift and you say, “Oh I’ll wash your car next Saturday, as a love act.” Ummm. No. That won’t work.

Best friends deserve a little something…

How about these?

For my husband,  on  our anniversary I make a scrapbook page collage that documents our year. It’s a year at a glance in a frame.

Homemade fudge is always a treat. Try this creamy no-fail recipe

If you don’t have a lot of time to spare in the kitchen, try this:

Dipped shortbread cookies can be finished in 15 minutes.

If you need a big batch of something for an upcoming party….

iced sugar cookie trees are perfect!

If you’re more of a non baker:

Homemade butter mints, yes they have real butter… mmmm

Eggnog truffles! Gingerbread truffles:

A winner every time, the classic chocolate chip cookie, in a no bake form:

And, finally never underestimate the value of a handwritten letter to share your sentiments….

There you have it; part one of holiday planning tips.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a few crafts that people will actually want. 😉