There’s a saying I have heard many times over the years… and that is “Christmas is for Children”
I’d actually say that
“Christmas is all about the Children”
I believe my job as simplybeingmum is to make Christmas a magical experience for my Children, and I don’t believe that I can personally do this by participating in my perception of commercialised Christmas.
Each year I try and simplify further, in order that I can spend time with the children in an unstressed state. So that we can all enjoy these precious years and have magical memories for a lifetime.
Today is the 2nd December. The UK has snow and lot’s of it – Hurrah! I love snow! It allows me to participate in my most favourite activity – ski-ing. It hides litter, makes the world look soft and lovely and slow’s everything down – it enforces a different way of life. A way of life I could get used to.
My Simple Christmas Pledge
- Meticulously meal plan to be ultra organised, to feed everyone well but to have little if any waste
- To not overcommit to activities, catch up’s and evening’s out
- To make my Children’s (and my Godchildrens, and Niece and Nephew’s) Christmas Cards
- Not to send adult Christmas cards, but rather to make a charitable donation
- For my Children to make their cards as part of a family fun activity
- To make small Christmas Cakes for close friends and family
- To declutter my decorations and only put up decorations that are ‘useful, beautiful or seriously sentimental’*
- To give simple gifts to family, gifts that are useful, thoughtful but not clutter
- To attend a Carol Service and do one trip to Santa so the Kids can tell him what’s on their list
- To play festive tunes in the house, and dance and sing with the Children
- For Santa to visit the Children, with conscious thought as to what presents he leaves
- To have lot’s of family time and ultimately for the home to be happy and stress-free!
Throughout December I will be posting my ideas, thoughts and tips on having a Simple Christmas. It’s a work in progress for me, and I’ll share what works and what doesn’t. I’d also love to hear what your plans are, and what tips you can share to make this Christmas the simplest and happiest yet.
(I’d like to thank my wonderful Sister for the incredibly beautiful, useful and now seriously sentimental decoration she gifted my Children yesterday. The picture at the top of this blog is the centre of an advent calendar she made. I will include a full image once it is hung ‘pride of place’ in the entrance hall.)
* the term ‘useful, beautiful or seriously sentimental’ is attributed to Anthea Turner from her TV series and book ‘How to be the Perfect Housewife’ – which I loved!
That advent calendar is gorgeous. You will love it for years. What a great sister =)
Excellent pledge. There are loads of inspiring but extreme posts about gift giving out right now. I’m using them as motivation to reduce and be more thoughtful with gifts. But we’ll still have some gifts this year.
That advent calendar is gorgeous. You will love it for years. What a great sister =)
Excellent pledge. There are loads of inspiring but extreme posts about gift giving out right now. I’m using them as motivation to reduce and be more thoughtful with gifts. But we’ll still have some gifts this year.
That advent calendar is gorgeous. You will love it for years. What a great sister =)
Excellent pledge. There are loads of inspiring but extreme posts about gift giving out right now. I’m using them as motivation to reduce and be more thoughtful with gifts. But we’ll still have some gifts this year.
Thanks Rachel! I for one would not want to see Santa out of a job (who’d feed the reindeers?). I believe that those choosing to live a simplified or even minimal life can still give gifts should they wish to. Christmas is enjoyed by many (that’s one of the wonderful things about it – that there is a coming together), and taking others expectations and wishes into account, for me is very important – as is the tradition of exchanging gifts. Gifts can be given that are still in keeping with the givers ideals and way of life. With a little thought and creativity – gift giving can be a lovely way to show you care.
Thanks Rachel! I for one would not want to see Santa out of a job (who’d feed the reindeers?). I believe that those choosing to live a simplified or even minimal life can still give gifts should they wish to. Christmas is enjoyed by many (that’s one of the wonderful things about it – that there is a coming together), and taking others expectations and wishes into account, for me is very important – as is the tradition of exchanging gifts. Gifts can be given that are still in keeping with the givers ideals and way of life. With a little thought and creativity – gift giving can be a lovely way to show you care.
Thanks Rachel! I for one would not want to see Santa out of a job (who’d feed the reindeers?). I believe that those choosing to live a simplified or even minimal life can still give gifts should they wish to. Christmas is enjoyed by many (that’s one of the wonderful things about it – that there is a coming together), and taking others expectations and wishes into account, for me is very important – as is the tradition of exchanging gifts. Gifts can be given that are still in keeping with the givers ideals and way of life. With a little thought and creativity – gift giving can be a lovely way to show you care.
Super ideas, Jo! I’ll be looking to you this entire holiday season!
Oh Gosh R! The responsibility 🙂 – don’t forget to keep me up to speed with how your holiday season goes – I’m sure there is much to be learnt by us all!
Super ideas, Jo! I’ll be looking to you this entire holiday season!
Oh Gosh R! The responsibility 🙂 – don’t forget to keep me up to speed with how your holiday season goes – I’m sure there is much to be learnt by us all!
Super ideas, Jo! I’ll be looking to you this entire holiday season!
Oh Gosh R! The responsibility 🙂 – don’t forget to keep me up to speed with how your holiday season goes – I’m sure there is much to be learnt by us all!
Love your pledge. Most of those are my holiday to do list too. I’m intrigued by your Christmas cakes. We love to do holiday baking so please share more about those. 🙂
Hi Faith – lovely of you to stop by – I have been enjoying your blog over the last few days. I’m doing some baking planning this evening so am anticipating the cakes will be imminent – I will post once happy with the outcome… Jo
Love your pledge. Most of those are my holiday to do list too. I’m intrigued by your Christmas cakes. We love to do holiday baking so please share more about those. 🙂
Hi Faith – lovely of you to stop by – I have been enjoying your blog over the last few days. I’m doing some baking planning this evening so am anticipating the cakes will be imminent – I will post once happy with the outcome… Jo
Love your pledge. Most of those are my holiday to do list too. I’m intrigued by your Christmas cakes. We love to do holiday baking so please share more about those. 🙂
Hi Faith – lovely of you to stop by – I have been enjoying your blog over the last few days. I’m doing some baking planning this evening so am anticipating the cakes will be imminent – I will post once happy with the outcome… Jo
Hi Jo
Lovely post and gorgeous calendar. With all the
radical minimalist Christmas lists around I’m relieved that some people will still be buying gifts for the sake of the Christian economies.
best wishes
Deb
Hi Jo
Lovely post and gorgeous calendar. With all the
radical minimalist Christmas lists around I’m relieved that some people will still be buying gifts for the sake of the Christian economies.
best wishes
Deb
Hi Jo
Lovely post and gorgeous calendar. With all the
radical minimalist Christmas lists around I’m relieved that some people will still be buying gifts for the sake of the Christian economies.
best wishes
Deb
Thanks Deb! I’m a big believer in ‘everything in moderation’, for example eat healthily 80% of the time but have a treat if you want one (I had a doughnut with my free coffee this morning!), do plenty of exercise but occasionally have an afternoon on the sofa with a good film and do nothing! The same goes for gift giving, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s not as newsworthy just reducing your consumption but it’s a lot more achievable long term. Stick to your instincts and you won’t go far wrong in my book – Jo
Thanks Deb! I’m a big believer in ‘everything in moderation’, for example eat healthily 80% of the time but have a treat if you want one (I had a doughnut with my free coffee this morning!), do plenty of exercise but occasionally have an afternoon on the sofa with a good film and do nothing! The same goes for gift giving, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s not as newsworthy just reducing your consumption but it’s a lot more achievable long term. Stick to your instincts and you won’t go far wrong in my book – Jo
Thanks Deb! I’m a big believer in ‘everything in moderation’, for example eat healthily 80% of the time but have a treat if you want one (I had a doughnut with my free coffee this morning!), do plenty of exercise but occasionally have an afternoon on the sofa with a good film and do nothing! The same goes for gift giving, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s not as newsworthy just reducing your consumption but it’s a lot more achievable long term. Stick to your instincts and you won’t go far wrong in my book – Jo
that calendar is awesome! i love your tips! i am definitely going to remember these when I finally have children of my own 🙂
I have a very clever Big Sis who knows her way around a needle and thread! 🙂
that calendar is awesome! i love your tips! i am definitely going to remember these when I finally have children of my own 🙂
I have a very clever Big Sis who knows her way around a needle and thread! 🙂
that calendar is awesome! i love your tips! i am definitely going to remember these when I finally have children of my own 🙂
I have a very clever Big Sis who knows her way around a needle and thread! 🙂