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!
One thing my in-laws have really modeled for us is creating traditions; there’s something so comforting about having some things to expect at certain times. Tradition is a thread that unites present to past, and I love how you’re being intentional about creating some of your own (and recognizing the need for them). Children may resist them at some point, but down the road? When they’re away from home? THOSE are the things they’ll remember and want to repeat!
Wow, what an amazing giveaway! I’m so glad I saw it on Twitter. This would be beautiful in any room of my house!
-Monica (AbbaDabbaBags)
That garland is so cute, and such a wonderful way to use old Christmas cards!
I think ‘new’ Christmas traditions are always fun!
Diane@A Picture is worth….s inspiring blog post..Christmas Sayings & Memories
You are a very smart mom to realize that Eeyore needed a bit of redirecting. What a good idea you had! It looks great and you shared. Thank you. I can do this, too.
Vees inspiring blog post..Book Tag
I’m entering the contest for Amy’s wall art! So cute!
Ericas inspiring blog post..25 Days of Christmas – Day 23
I adore those frames! The pink and zebra stripe is a pattern I’m thinking of using sparingly in my daughter’s room redo…We’ll see!
Lisa @ The PWs inspiring blog post..My Feng Has Lost Its Shui
That garland is a great idea! Do I just comment here to enter to win Amy’s custom picture frame artwork? Thanks, Melissa!!!
Bella
Bella Casas inspiring blog post.."Oscar The Pig, Mommy Goes To Work" (A Children’s Book Review)
What a fun idea!
It is the gift of time that is more precious & long lasting than any other.
Jinxs inspiring blog post..North Pole Memories
That garland is perfection. I love it. I also love the idea of refocusing boredom
Yay! I love Living Locurto and am thankful for a chance to win a piece of her work.
Congrats to all the winners!
Well now I know what I am doing with all the Christmas cards we get this year. I would have used the ones I saved from last year, but I used those for name tags on presents this year. Thanks for the ideas. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Michelles inspiring blog post..Other bloggers
Oh I am so excited about the Living Locurto giveaway! I would feel so blessed to win this giveaway!
Merry Christmas!
Lindsey Langhanss inspiring blog post..Before and After
Love those custom frames by Amy- one of those would look great in our baby’s nursery!
Angs inspiring blog post..Still Hanging in There!
I have just stumbled upon your blog and I LOVE everything that I see – you have a great talen – thank you for sharing it with all of us! This giveaway is just oo cute! : )
I have found, also, that sometimes you just have to push them a little…just to try something new. Most times they will come around….
I love your garland. It is fun.
Becky
Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Colors
I love the garland idea. And I can’t wait (well…actually, I can. Only been married 6 months here!) until I have kids of my own to do fun Christmas-y things with (poor grammar, I know). Thanks for the reminder to slow down and do something fun and unexpected this season–regardless of my kid status.
And those pictures are delightful! One would make an excellent Christmas gift.
Kristens inspiring blog post..Christmastime Collecting
Love the personalized wall art by Amy; very clever! I’ll visit her site.
I’m amazed that you continue to be consistent in your blogging despite the fact that much change is going on in your life. I find myself coming back to your site to see how you’re doing.
There are times when it’s good to stop and reflect on ways we are celebrating Christmas. Running to the mall, buying gifts, getting caught up in so many things … it can be easy to forget what we’re celebrating; the birth of Jesus. May you and your family have a blessed one this year.
Debbies inspiring blog post..My 100th Blog Post
My hubby always tells me…”Jen, you can’t be a slave to your traditions.” It’s taken awhile to ingrain that in my mind, but some traditions aren’t just worth it….if they don’t work….change them. Love that you did, and I’m looking at the paper garland with my 9yrold daughter thinking…that is one I can make from our condo at Disney.
jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..Multi tasking Mama… after
I love how you strung the paper cutouts..so cute and festive!
-sandy toes
Sandy toess inspiring blog post..Thursday Thankful In The Cold!
Count me for the Living Locurto giveaway!
Hilarys inspiring blog post..Repost: A Very Baby Christmas (2008 edition)
I love reading your ideas and inspirations each morning.
Thank you.
I love that garland! What a fun project! My son actually would love it if we sat down together and did a project like that. I’ll have to remember that one.
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Tea for Two-sday ~ Finding Tea Gifts
I found your site through Amy’s. Her wall art is too cute! I’d love to be entered for the contest.
drewmark19s inspiring blog post..Go, Jordyn!
What a cute idea to make garland like that. That’s right up my daughter’s alley. She’s always begging me to do more crafty things around here.
Amy’s personalized frames are so pretty! Love ‘em. They’d make great Christmas gifts!
Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..Remodeled Craftsman Bungalow: Too White or Just Right?
The garland is precious! My 4 year old has the “can we go to Target today” syndrom. I think we may be making a card garland today instead.
I would love, love, love to win your giveaway!
Lauras inspiring blog post..Party like it’s 6 o’clock
I love the zebra print on the Camy frame. What fun designs! Thanks for the chance to win!
Julie – On the Dot Creationss inspiring blog post..:: Twelve Days of Christmas — Day 3 ::
My nephew would look mighty darling in this frame for Christmas.
heather janes inspiring blog post..Give Away Day!
Love the garland! I am going to try this with my son and see how he does also…he is 16 so what cha think? I will let you know…I love the simple look!
This is just precious!!! They all look great!
That garland is fabulous!! Love your ideas and appreciate you sharing them with the bloggy world. I’d love to be entered in the giveaway, too!
Merry Christmas!
These frames are so cute. I would love to win one!
Ashleys inspiring blog post..Great Giveaway
Sweet & Cute. I try hard to teach my kids, gee you don’t want to see my 7 year old list, it makes me wonder what happen, I try so hard to teach my kids, but its all around them and they are children and it all looks so fun. My son wants stuff like motorcyles, snowmoblies, 4-wheelers, etc… my thought is what happen to the fun little toys?????
pams inspiring blog post..MonthlyTop Secret Recipe share
My little boy (3 years) is a shopper too. He got that from me;) Too bad for me that his shopping powers only cover the toy departments. So if we go to Target we end up looking at little cars, trucks, and tractors the whole time. I love your garland. It is very festive and thoughtful. So cute! Keep all of your great ideas coming. I enjoy visiting your blog. I love your giveaway today too. They are really lovely.
Congrats to all the winners! That was so nice to increase the number of winners.
Your Christmas will be wonderful and full of memories, no matter what you choose to do!
Terri Steffess inspiring blog post..Trim the Tree Thursday!
Love your blog. I can’t imagine moving at this point. I’ve lived in my house for 19 years. Hope your move goes smoothly.
I love the picture frames. Her work is beautiful!
Kim Walkers inspiring blog post..Cricket is Here
love the gardland idea. I have to admit- I hate doing “crafty” things and my daughter LOVES it- I am the Eyeore in the family.-but I will have to try this one. And LOVE LOVE the giveaway- I have a newborn and would love to get his pic. in one of those.
I am also trying to redirect my children’s focus from “wanting” towards being thankful for the simple things. Thank you so much for this great idea!
Kelly @ Wisdom Beguns inspiring blog post..Time 4 Learning – Week of Reviews
That garland is sooooo cute!
I love it!!!!
A great project for gramma and grandkids! {wink}
I love Amys work!
She makes photos even more special!
Thanks for introducing her to all of us!
Hugz, Dolly
Dollys inspiring blog post..We got SNOW….
First, thank you so much for including my little Berlin apartment writing as a winner, Melissa and Genevieve. I’ve been wanting an apron so very much.
Would I be so very greedy to enter Amy’s giveaway, too? I love Amy’s website and would give any won item to my younger sister and her empty walls.
Finally, I like what you say about holiday traditions that don’t suit you anyway. Why keep doing them? We’re at the point where I’d like to have a tradition (first Christmas away from home). But like for you, I think we need to be wary of establishing traditions that aren’t right for us.
Thank you always.
Katie
Katies inspiring blog post..Andrea Schroder’s Holiday Decor Tips
We’ve been working on refocusing our little ones back to the reason for the season too. It may actually be easier for you this year with the big move. Lots of opportunities for donations and service and working together. Good luck!
And my kids grandma would adore some of that art for her walls! Thanks for a beautiful giveaway!
Whoever win’s Amy’s giveaway is one lucky blogger indeed. Everything she makes is incredible!
The Arthur Clans inspiring blog post..Miss "Talkie"
Oh my goodness those are darling! Please count me in!
I love the garland idea – those are the kind of things I cherish from my childhood.
Thanks for the cute post – I always enjoy your blog!
leslies inspiring blog post..Making our own traditions…
Oh I’m so happy I found your site from Amy’s… I love, love, love the garland idea. Just last night my 4 y.o. was cutting out stars, angels and hearts to make a card for Santa. He wants to do more tonight. He’ll love the garland idea.
Looking forward to perusing your site!
Mama Gooses inspiring blog post..He Melts My Heart
Those are so cute! I would love one for my cutie pie nephew! Great idea Amy.
Here, here to enjoying the journey of process!
That garland is so cute. I’m going to make some.
I live 1.5 miles from Target. So, when I get bored, or the baby gets bored I should say, we pack up and go to Target. Funny how that works!
The give-away is so great today. I love Living Locruto, and Amy’s stuff!
Good luck with your packing, and I have a feeling this Christmas, some of your “reinventions” will stick with your and your son for a lifetime.
Saras inspiring blog post..Peace on Earth
What fun memories to create things together that don’t cost anything.
I love the frames and would love to be a winner!
Leigh-Anns inspiring blog post..Mom-Preneurs Shop a Thon and Daily Giveaway!
The garland idea is GREAT!!
And I LOVE Amy’s Wall Art!!!
~Tidymom
Tidymoms inspiring blog post..Homemade CHRISTMAS CD and Fudge ~Gifts!
Love your garland!
And the giveaway is super cute too!
Have a blessed day!
Shilos inspiring blog post..Christmas Photo Mats
That is so adorable- and something I can do! Love the pomegranate on the white cake plate- :}
I hope your move goes okay for you- it’s got to be super hard during this time of year-
I don’t know how you do it all.
Take care-