Okay people, who’s counting down to Christmas?? I know, Thanksgiving is next week, but Christmas-time is just such a fun time of the year!
Last year it felt like it all went by at lightspeed. This year I want to be a bit more prepared. I have my December Daily book ready to go – only it’s going to be more of a Holiday Season Daily…or so. We cannot forget Thanksgiving, now can we?
Here is the Flickr set of the pages in my book. I didn’t buy anything to make it – I used what I had. I obviously had a lot LOL! My favorite pieces are the fronts from Christmas cards we received the last few years. I either plan to either journal or place a photo of them. I used a 3 ring binder that was just sitting on the shelf as a dust collector. It may be shocking to hear that I had lots of extra fabric unused in the basement. I know!! So shocking!! I made a binder cover out of this holiday themed embossed felt, and added some ribbon. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out quite straight, so maybe I’ll redo if I feel like it. I don’t feel like it right now.
Next was the innards. It is no where near as fabulous as Ali Edwards, but I’m still pretty proud of it. I can’t wait to fill it! Now with her tutorial on the December Daily album, she started on December 1. Our holiday season starts before that date, though. I mean Santa comes to the mall in mid-November and the Operation Christmas Child boxes are sent out this week of November 17-24. Really its going to be less “daily” and more “the moments” of the season. At least I’m using the concept, right?? I think having the book and journaling areas ready to go will really help it get done. 🙂
Some other things to think about:
- Operation Christmas Child – the boxes need to be to the distribution areas by November 24.
- Throw a party for charity! – I would like to do this again this year, I just need to get a date set. I’m not sure it will get done, but hopefully…
- Give charity gift certificates as gifts – With the economic downturn it seems charities need funds now more than ever. You can do this through Just Give or Tis Best.
- Clean out your pantry and give to your local food bank. During the holidays they need your help more than ever.
- Remember the reason for the season.
the kids and their Operation Christmas Child boxes
*****
Last week we cleaned out the basement and got rid of a whole bunch of baby stuff. I wish we could have given them directly to a shelter or crisis nursery, but they don’t take used clothes, toys, car seats, mattresses, etc. Why can we not donate our barely used crib mattress and perfectly fine infant car seats?? Why??? They are expensive items in good shape that should get used again. The mattress is destined to land in a landfill, since I found no charity that would take it. It is so frustrating! It’s not like I’m hocking cholera here…I”m pretty sure I cleaned them up good. I know if I put them on Freecycle someone would want them, but I’m pretty leary of giving out our address or going somewhere to drop them off. There’s Crazy out there, you know? *sigh* At least the charity we gave everything to will be able to sell it and get money for their cause, which is helping people with disabilities. I’d much rather give to the charities than spend 10 hours to make $2 on Ebay. Not worth it!
Cute idea with the book. Your kids will enjoy looking through it. We participated in the Operation Christmas Child. The twins really enjoy doing this.
I’ve done operation child in the past and like it.
The book is a good idea.
I am definitely thinking about Christmas earlier this year. That book is a great idea. I just don’t know if I am that organized. I have picked up freecycle stuff before without a problem and I have sold stuff on craigslist. I can understand your hesitation, but I have never had a problem. I agree with you. I would much rather donate something than to deal with ebay.
I vote to not redo it, lends a more personal touch.. *there I go stickin my foot in my mouth AGAIN* not that what you usually do is not picture perfect. “I’m just saying”
Amen to the reason for the season!
and what is it with the ungratefulness out there. I’m just waitin for the panhandlers out there to use a sign: Don’t bother stopping for a buck, make it a fiver or drive on by here!!
Rach and I dropped off some of itty Bits (older) used toy’s and clothes at Goodwill last weekend, and as I was unloading the stuff one of the workers asked if I had the charger to a big R/C truck? I said no, and he said I can’t take it then.
My Mom and Dad had picked it up at a yard sale for Itty Bit just the way it was for a couple of bucks, and he had played with it just fine.
Go figure.
As always your post brought a smile and inspired me to consider…
(this very moment) “I know that came from Melody’s blog” :I’m just saying:
LOVE that book! What a wonderful keepsake! I wish I had the motivation to do the same, but I just have too many other things on my plate.
Another reminder…if folks are wanting to send Christmas packages to our military men and women overseas, they need to be going into the mail very very soon…December is to late to ensure it will make it there by the big day.
That is so frustrating !! I can’t believe they wouldn’t take GOOD second hand stuff !! At least you were able to give it to a charity that will be able to get $ for people who need it !!
Oh my goodness, that book is adorable! And it’ll be a great keepsake!
Crazy that the charities wouldn’t take a mattress or car seat. I just don’t get that. I use Freecycle regularly..but I do understand that concern. What if you ask at the kids’ school if anyone could use it?
I LOVE the book! I knew you would have some goodness for us today. I’m going to look at the flickr pool now.
Thanks for the reminder on the Op Christmas boxes, too. We did it last year and the girls really liked doing it and I had intended to do it again this year. Maybe we can still get them there in time!
I’ve so got the Christmas bug…even though it is 87 degrees here today! 🙂
What a great book! Christmas gives me a stomach ache, to think about. We have to celebrate 2 weeks of Christmas, because there are SO many family members and SO many parties. Not that it’s not fun; it is, but very overwhelming!
We wrapped up our “life boxes” (like operation Christmas Child, but for a local child), today and we get to hand deliver them sometime in the first week of December. I can’t wait! 🙂
Thats a great scrapbook. I have always wanted to scrapbook, but I knew it would cosume all of my energy, time and money if I got into it. How great that you used supplies you already had. I would not have had the willpower!
That scrapbook is a great idea! I might have to work on something like that next year. I am already making lots of presents this year, so it will have to wait. Have fun filling it up!
WOW!! Awesome book! You are always so ahead of the game!
And, I’m right there with you…I never try to sell our old stuff…just give it to charity…so much easier and for such a better cause!
Oh Stacy, that is just gorgeous, I can imagine them poring over each page for years to come as they anticipate future Christmases. What a family treasure you have created, and what wonderful memories you all will make together!
I love reading about Christmas ideas. I just wish I had time to implement a few. I realise now why it’s so hadr here. Our school year ends at christmas and so it’s exams, reports and end of year stuff dominating our minds right now. No time for gentle card writing/making and preparing divine Christmas scrap books. 🙁
We break up on 12th Dec however so maybe in that last 12 dyas I can do a Christmas craft/prep activity every day with the kids. Oh no, that’s right, the BA is going to Sydney on the 14th and won’t be back til the 30th. Ah well. Mum and Dad will be here. Perhaps Mum and I can enjoy some crftiness together. I love your idea of the December Daily book!
This expecting mom probably would have taken some of you baby stuff no problems there. 😉
I made fabric photo albums too for several years, however I found the straight line thing perplexing also so I just gave up and went for cute fabric exteriors instead.
I love that idea! I saw those on Ali’s site too and it’s such a good way to keep things in perspective during this swamped time!