It's That Time of Year

Where we hustle and bustle to try and have the most wonderful Christmas of all. This year is going to be different. Yes, we are rushing a little to get things done for the kids and families that will be here in just a few days. But this year we are going simple. The decorations are up but pared down from years past. The treasure hunt prizes are ready but more simple than years past. We no longer do gifts since our family has grown so large but we do play the dirty Santa game. The kids love taking a gift from their sibling and this always makes us laugh as we watch and wait for our number to come up so we can grab someone elses gift. This year we are really cutting this game back and only allowing $5 spent on each gift. Its not the gift but the game of being able to tease someone by taking their gift only to have someone turn around and take it from you. We are having our big Christmas dinner but this year it is mostly from garden that I canned or froze. Megan is bringing the turkey and ham this year. One was a gift and the other she got free with store points so no money spent there. The hayride Christmas caroling won't happen this year but we have a fun surprise in the treasure hunt that will take its place. We will have our big ole country breakfast on Saturday and our annual red and green pancakes on Sunday. We will gather the grands around for the annual reading of the Christmas story. We will spend most of our time enjoying being all together. This year its not about rushing out, stressing over finding the perfect gift. This year its a simple homestead Christmas with our family making memories. After this weekend I can sit back, relax and enjoy watching others planning and getting ready for their Christmas. I can watch Christmas movies, sit by the fire and read. I can enjoy baking goodies for my neighbors and friends. I can spend more time talking to God and thanking him for my many blessings. I can spend more time reflecting on the reason for the season. This post gave me food for thought on how I wanted Christmas to be this year. Now on the other hand Rusty is having a problem. He is so excited all the kids are coming in a few days. He just can't decide which hat he should wear to greet them.

He is into snowmen hats this year. He didn't want to wear his santa hat. Said it made him look fat.
So how about you? What are you going to do this Christmas season? Do you have plans to make it less stress and more relaxing? Are you going to have a simple Christmas?