Reinventing Christmas (and a giveaway!)

Since my family is undergoing so many changes involved with moving this month, we are rethinking how we “do” Christmas. We’ve had to let relatives know things won’t be the same this year and we are thinking of ways to make Christmas special for our kids in new ways.

I’ve never been one who felt I had to hold to certain traditions that weren’t working for my family. So it isn’t too much of a leap for me to reinvent Christmas.

My son really enjoys shopping and buying new things. I am not sure why he has this trait…the minute he gets bored his first thought is ‘we should go to Target’ (ok, maybe he got that from me)! Usually I can get him interested in a toy he already has (with enough persuasion) but in his mind, the immediate cure for boredom seems to be shopping for something new. Oh, where have I gone wrong? Holy cow, he is only 8! Clearly, I have some work to do on refocusing his little mind. Especially at Christmas when the temptation to WANT is everywhere!

I am trying to teach him to enjoy the simple joys of the season, like spending time together creating things, listening to Christmas songs and drinking hot chocolate.

Last week, I decided that my son and I should make a paper garland together. Of course he would much rather play a video game or shop, but the process of reinventing what makes us happy doesn’t always come easy! So while he protested and complained about the idea (remember, he is an Eeyore), we sat down and got to work.

We traced festive shapes on to scrapbook paper and old holiday cards using our cookie cutters. Once we got into the tracing and cutting, his disposition changed and we started having fun together. We punched a tiny hole and strung our shapes on string and hung it proudly from our cabinet! Now every time we see our garland we smile and remember how much fun we had making it. It represents finding joy and making memories in the simple things that money cannot buy.

THE GIVEAWAY

I have another giveaway for you today! Hooray! ‘Tis the season! This one is from another of our own great Moms Unite members, Amy Locurto! Here is what she is offering, it would make a great gift too!

Personalized Wall Art by Amy @ Living Locurto

This giveaway is for an 8″x10″ personalized frame with matching ribbon. Photo size is 4″x 6″. I will create original art with any design and colors you want! Send me a photo of you or your child’s room and I can design something from scratch to match the decor. Frame can be any color. (frame design my vary from samples) I will also touch up your photo to make it look extra gorgeous! Total custom order worth $85!! This doesn’t have to be for children. Would be great for anyone!

If you’d like to see more samples, visit Amy & Living Locurto! To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post at The Inspired Room!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

FINALLY! THE WINNERS OF THE JEWEL BOX HOME (SMALL HOUSE STORIES) GIVEAWAY!
(so sorry for the delay on announcing these winners–I had a series of mishaps trying to get these posted!)

Genevieve of The Jewel Box Home received so many wonderful small house stories she said she couldn’t limit the winners to five. She generously is giving away an apron to SEVEN lucky winners! WOW! I will share your name and part of your email address, so if this is YOU, could you email Genevieve with your mailing addresses?

* Katie – makingthis…
* Audrey – audrey.bu…
* Suzanne – easyat…
* Chrissie – csaesto….
* Chi-Girl – Colleene…
* Leslie – leslierutla….
* Imelda – imelda.phi…
See you tomorrow for our Holiday Mr. Linky, where you can share your holiday posts for the week! And be sure to visit the Blissfully Domestic Home & Garden Channel to enter the giveaways, including a new one posted today!

Tagged as: christmas, paper garland, simple living, simple projects