Planning Homemade Christmas Gifts

Good Afternoon Everyone!

   Today I would like to talk to you about Christmas. Yes, Christmas. I know that y'all have gone to the store and saw that there are Christmas decorations already out, right next to Halloween. The only reason that I am recommending this is because crafting takes what? TIME! We all know that as the holidays creep closer and closer we have less and less free TIME. Do you see a pattern here? Now I am with y'all procrastinators, waiting until the last possible second and then stopping at the gas station on the way to the party. I get it, more than you know. However, in the spirit of planning I am recommending a jump start on Christmas gift making. Now I know ladies who started back in January for December gifts, bless their diligent hearts. That is not me and if you are still reading, I assume this is not you either. I can plan like a rock star but I just cannot think that far in advance, and that is OK. Here are some tried and true steps to getting this stuff done before Christmas.

• Make a list of everyone you are gifting this year.
• Do a Pinterest search. (Suggestions are: Easy Christmas gifts, DIY gift ideas, mason jar gifts, homemade Christmas)
• Once you have all your ideas saved, make a list of items needed to make the projects (I recommend doing multiples of each gift {ex: if you have 5 aunts make all 5 the same gift with a small variation})
• Looking at the list determine if this is a realistic amount of money you can spend to make these gifts, if so, proceed. If not, try and modify it until it fits your budget.
• Gather materials and set aside some time to work. Let's be honest, you can craft and binge Netflix your favorite shows. Or even better is to get a group of friends together and make the stuff together, assembly line style, don't forget the wine.
•  Starting now will help you not panic at the last minute. You will show up to the party with a beautiful homemade gift and a non frazzled last minute gas station special.

I hope that these tips help you be a proactive gift maker/giver this year. Enjoy the time spent with friends and family with a little less stress this holiday season. 

Finding Peace in a Situation

 

    How many times have you sat there and just screamed inside? How many times have you been in a situation that you just could only see one side? I think we are all there more often than we like to admit.

 For those of you who do not know me personally, I started my first semester of college last week. I have been met with a whole hill of naysayers from the beginning but, throughout this whole process of registering and battling with the massive paperwork and dealing with some, who probably should learn to do their jobs better, I forgot something. I suppose forgot really isn't the right word, maybe failed to consider? Yes, I failed to consider the fact that once in these classes I will be dealing with 18 year old kids. Yes, kids. I am really trying to remember the world through their eyes and can't. I am taking classes and having debates with people who think that grocery shopping is a "mom thing." Kids that think that tattoos are a right of passage when you turn 18. Believe me, I have been there but, when did I transition? While debating different kinds of marriages for a class I find myself getting so frustrated with them. WHY ARE YOU TALKING!? I literally yell at the computer forum as I read through post after post of nonsense and then I remember that they don't even know what real love is. They don't understand the time and commitment and highs and lows of being with one person for the rest of their life. That is not something that will be taught in a textbook or class. That realistically may be something that they never experience. I feel so frustrated but who am I actually frustrated with? I am more frustrated with myself. I need to find a way to reach the kids who are open to listening. I sat next to someone who had asked about my planner. He said he had never used one or saw one in use. I told him how I lay it out and let him flip through the pages. He said he would go get one to organize his classes. Now if he does great, but if he doesn't I still won't be upset. He was receptive to listening and I was able to share "wisdom" ( am I really THAT old!?). I am hoping that as time goes on I will be more open minded because right now if I cannot find peace, it is going to be a loooooooong 8 semesters.

   That is my current situation however, you may be in something similar. At work maybe? Or maybe you have to call a service center and talk to someone. Maybe there is an obnoxious co-worker or friend of a friend.Whoever you are dealing with try and make sure you remember that they are people too. You are no less of a person to think to yourself, man, this dude needs to take a long run off a short pier, but find compassion for them regardless.

  My challenge to you today is simple, see both sides of the world at face value.