Merry Christmas to you!

By now, your husband has probably returned from a last minute dash to the mall (mine made one this morning). Hopefully you have completed your shopping and also the food prep for tomorrow's meal. In any case, it's time to turn your attention to your family. Christmas isn't about giving the "right" gifts or cooking the perfect (fill in the blank). Tell your family how much you love them, and share God's love with others as well. There are so many people hurting this December due to job losses, retirement fund downturns, and the bumps and bruises that happen no matter what Wall Street's condition is.
Take stock of all the blessings you have. While you're at it, on a practical note, make note of what worked for you this holiday season, and what you want to do differently in 2009. Pick up only the items you know you'll use next year if you shop the post-Christmas sales.
If you're like me and dread "undecorating" the house, host a tree "untrimming" party. Ask friends to bring their leftover appetizers and cookies, make a crock of spiced cider (email me if you'd like a recipe for spiked maple cider) and have fun telling the story behind your ornaments as you pack each away. I put mine into red and green plastic totes, easily identifiable even in the garage rafters. I also have orange and black totes for autumn, a blue one for birthday paraphernalia and a pink one for Valentine's Day items.
May God bless you greatly, as he has already done with the gift of his Son.

More holiday helpful hints

It's December (already!), so Christmas preparations are in high gear.
1. Skip the homemade cookie dough if what the kids enjoy is the decorating. Use refrigerated sugar cookie dough and get to the fun part in mere minutes.
2. Ask each family member for their favorite holiday dish. Make those and skip all the others. If everyone's favorites fall into the dessert category, make a quick pot of soup and some rolls for your holiday dinner and spend more time baking (and savoring) the sweets.
3. To discourage present shakers, use color coded dots for each member of the family instead of writing their names on tags. Be sure to make a key for yourself and tuck it away.
4. Send out Christmas cards to others as you receive theirs. Not only will you have their current address, but you will also save time by not sending cards to so many people. Let go of the guilt of not sending cards to your neighbor (from 18 years ago) and your dentist.