WCMD: Blog Candy!

It seems a little early to start thinking about the holidays, but I'm taking a more thoughtful approach this year. I purchased a great book that helped put the holiday madness in perspective for me (and lucky for me, I found a used copy for cheap!). The book is called "Simplify Your Christmas" by Elaine St. James, and she details some strategies to help cut down on the stressors that take away our joy during the joyous season.

For starters, I got tired of the financial burden that gift-giving put on my families during that time. Here's how the scene would unfold:

"Merry Christmas, nephew! Here's your $25 gift card!"
"Thank you, Aunt Mary! And here's your $25 gift card!"

I'm not quite certain what this ritualistic passing of plastic cards has to do with Christ's birth. So I told all of my extended family that we were opting out of the gift-exchange plan this year. No one can afford it! I will make a few inexpensive and thoughtful gifts this Christmas...nothing too elaborate or time consuming. Just some simple stitched gifts, maybe some baked goods packaged with care.

I'm also opting out of the dreaded Christmas card list. Last year, I probably made at least four dozen cards, and I think I got ten or twelve in return. It seems like heresy for a card maker to bow out of the Christmas card tradition, I know. I may make a few for some of Ed's business associates, but the major production line will be shut down.

So I'll be taking a few things out of Christmas, but I'll be putting a few things back in, too. We will begin assembling our shoe boxes this month for Samaritan's Purse "Operation Christmas Child." Our church will be collecting them this year, and I just love this simple way to share Christ's love with the children of the world.

I'm certain that we'll be helping our new church in more vital ways during this holiday season, whether it's feeding the hungry or making cookies for the prison ministry team.

I also want to create more holiday memories for our little family...Christmas caroling, viewing the holiday lights, taking in a holiday concert, going to see a live nativity. And most importantly, making time to truly celebrate advent and Christmas with scripture and prayer.

So tell me...what are you doing differently this holiday season? If you leave a comment here on my blog sometime before Wednesday at midnight, I will draw winner for this holiday crafting package. In honor of our World Card Making Day celebration, I thought I'd offer a little blog candy to you, my faithful blog readers. I've assembled a little kit to help you get a start on some holiday crafting. This kit includes:

Desktop calendar from Stampin' Up
Karen Foster Winter metal tag lines
Snowy Jo brads from Imaginisce
A few fun felt snowflakes to put you in the mood for winter crafting!

Leave a comment any time until Wednesday at midnight, and I will randomly draw a winner.

Need some more inspiration? Visit Splitcoast Stampers this weekend for their WCMD challenges!