Where Does Your Holiday Spirit Come From?

Your Holiday Spirit Comes From Decorating the House

You are a very visual and creative person. You have a clear idea in your mind of what the holidays should look like. You enjoy using this time of year to express your artistry and impress your friends and family a bit. You are a comforting influence on those around you. You are the perfect person to host a holiday gathering. You are grateful for everything you have. More than grateful, you're downright delighted.

Where Does Your Holiday Spirit Come From?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

If  you know me, you know this is true.  I love decorating for the Christmas season.

Start of 2011 Christmas Season

Thanks to so many that have left me comments and personal emails regarding my whereabouts.  I appreciate all the concerns.  Sadly, my health has taken a big turn for the worse this past year.  Also, since I started homeschooling my children (and remember, I am single mother) it has been very difficult to find time for me and things I want to do.

But, here I am.

I have LOTS of Christmas reviews, Christmas songs, Christmas stories, and Christmas ideas to share with you, so please come back and visit often.

Merry CHRISTmas!

A Gift of Thoughtfulness

Yes, I'm aware that it's the thought that counts.

But, I am also of the age where I detest clutter. Though, I do enjoy collecting things and even lining up the various tchotkes and other well-intentioned gifts that I have gotten for Christmas. Now, I guess, a part of me has turned into a scrooge because if I get one more body lotion, one more scarf, or one more tea towel, I am going to scream. I do donate these items and feel very good about bringing them to Goodwill.  Please think about sending a simple card before sending me one more bar of soap that I don't need. You see when you give me one of those items then I get the impression that the gift has nothing to do with me and everything to do with your being able to cross me off your checklist.

I, too, have been guilty of picking up five scented candles, four boxes of chocolates, three pairs of generic earrings, two extra scarves, and a dog collar with a dog treat when I get exhausted and simply want to be finished with my gift shopping. These items just simply seem to scream from their cluttered shelves and tables "Grab a few of me and be done with it." Well, this year I am going to resist the temptation of those chaotic tables and shelves and leave extra time to select items that have personal meaning for the people that I give gifts to. I mean, how many scarves can you really wear with the one winter coat? How many tubes of lotion can you stuff into your night table drawers? 

So, join me in this challenge and call to action.

Top Ten Favorite Things About Christmas 2009

1. My children still believe in Santa Claus.
2. The gifts my children pick out for me from the school's Santa Shoppe or when I take them to the dollar store.
3. The surprises.
4. The happiness and laughter of my children as they open their gifts.
5. The help from agencies so I am able to buy gifts for my children.
6. The time spent with friends.
7. Our annual Open House.
8. I got 42 trees up and decorated. Whoo hoo!
9. The annual baking of dozens of cookies. This year a new friend helped us bake.
10. The fuzzy feeling I get when giving gifts to my friends.

Join Amanda, our hostess, and others as we list our Top Ten lists.