My family is blessed. I can’t even begin to think that we aren’t. Even on hard days when it seems a bit crazy, we are blessed. Christmas at the Storr household is about events, spending time then it is about gifts. Now they do get gifts, but we focus the attention off of that as much as we possibly can. We have a limit that we set to the amount that we give them. It’s not a cruel thing but it is due to the fact that there should be a limit and two they have two sides of the family that gives them things. We do not go broke keeping up with all of the trends. Waking up the day after and not regretting anything felt amazing.
What went Down on Christmas?
We get whatever we want and I look for as many deals as I possibly can. Why? I like to keep my coins accounted for. So for all of those who spent the light bill on gifts, that’s your choice. I for one like stability and love seeing their smiles within a budget. However let me say this too, the debate on how much to give is a personal choice. No one has to do it my way and I don’t have to do it your way, what we do works in our home. You do or don’t do what makes sense in your home.
Larry the Elf
We do the Elf on the Shelf in our house. I am not quite clear on all of the rules so I make them up on my own. He comes out at on Thanksgiving day and he goes back Christmas Eve. The kids absolutely love him. He is a focal point for them. I caught my son on Christmas Eve make up a story and read it to Larry. He was seated so cute next to him and was so upset when Larry left a note explaining he would see them again next year.
I know that the holidays aren’t about elves, presents, Santa, but for kids to be kids is always going to be what we push in our home. Larry was doing the most though let me say. He was into a lot of things. It kept the kids from getting into mischief. It was super fun having the kids say oohhhhh I am telling mom you’re not supposed to be in that.
Ginger Bread Houses
I love and hate gingerbread houses. I love the fun that they bring and the creativity but I do not like the stress of making sure this house stays in place. It took me and my husband holding this house up to make sure it was fit for the kids to decorate. Shout out to the parents whose houses look glorious. For us it came down to making sure the roof didn’t cave in and there were no tears. We made it though!!!!! I had a great time anxiety and all. The kids, well whatever candy they didn’t eat, made it to the house and they were making sure there was more candy at the end so they could watch movies and eat them. Just believe we made sure I was like a sergeant in the bathroom making sure there teeth were nice and clean afterwards.
Hot Chocolate
It’s a standing tradition in our home to make sure if not the entire month, that we have one dedicated movie and hot chocolate night. The requirements are simple, have candy and toppings available, have warm pajamas on, come with smiles, and leave with memories. As always we nailed it! The kids and I love this time. As soon as December comes, I get the whole when is it mom? They know and I love how excited they are.
This month we were able to attend a lot of Christmas themed events. Check out my blogs for all of the fun. One of the things I also enjoyed was watching my oldest perform in the choir for Christmas eve service. She always looks so beautiful when she’s super dressed up. I loved her performances. On Christmas we got up, opened up presents, had breakfast and traveled to my parents home to have Christmas with them and my siblings and their families. It’s always a lot of fun. The kids love playing with one another as well as eating well and opening up more presents from everyone.
Grateful Christmas
I am truly grateful for the things that God has blessed me with that don’t have price tags attached to them. Also for a family who honored my weight loss journey with gifts that will keep me accountable. I wanted a kettlebell and got one, as well as my new ear phones that are wireless so I can stop pulling the cord during my weight lifting or runs. I am grateful for friends who gave some of the best gifts this year as well. Overall my family had a great time. We had the most jam-packed month to be honest. I was actually super tired Christmas morning and that was with a lot of the gifts being pre-wrapped. If you celebrated with your family that far above what you received you were able to give. I pray that your family and friends had peaceful holidays.
Before we open gifts we always remind our children that there are a lot of things they aren’t getting. We let them know that there are children who woke up that morning with nothing or didn’t wake up. Life is precious and that enjoying the small moments is just as important as the big ones. We try to instill this all year-long, however because of the holidays and gifts I feel its important for our children to give back to their communities and they do. We make sure we donate, and get involved. It’s not important to simply exist in this world, we are all connected to one another.
