Planning For a Meaningful (or at least sane) Christmas, part 3

I’ve been thinking…If I was going to do a series of posts like this, I probably should have sent them a month ago. That was the plan, but stuff happens. So, my word for you today is “Let it go!”

I totally understand if you’re already too busy to read these or try to put them to use. Just delete and move on!

But today there are a few gift ideas, so you may want to take a peek at them. Also, this is the last time I’ll show up in your email till after Christmas, but I’ll be posting what I hope will be uplifting and helpful posts over on Instagram, so join me there!

Day 3 – Prepare

• Are there traditional Christmas baked goods that you make every year? Make a comprehensive grocery list and stock up now. Or order on Amazon!

• If Pinterest is your thing and creating is life-giving for you, now is the time to scroll through your “Christmas” file and choose one new craft, recipe, or party you’d like to try. Here’s one I want to try from Boxwood Avenue

• Look at the days you know will be crazy and write in “pizza” now. (And if you want a fantastic gift idea to send to your grown kids and grands to take some stress off, order here! ) Look at the days when you will be hosting and make out tentative menus now (it will make you feel better to have something down on paper!)

Hostess (and other) Gift ideas:

• Appetizer on a keep-it platter 
• Homemade Granola in decorated mason jar
• Christmas towel wrapped around a bottle of wine
• Energy bites for hiking (recipe below) (Add this amazing book and give it to the hiker in your family!)
• Fancy lighter with candle (these are our favs)
• Paper-white bulbs (This is also a lovely gift for the person in your life who needs a picture of hope – something ugly that becomes beautiful. Add Kate Bowler’s book, Good Enough for a meaningful present)
• Quick bread or baked goodie for the morning after breakfast. (buy cheap mini ceramic loaf pans at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)
• A book for the family to enjoy. If you haven’t read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, add it to your holiday traditions!

If you’re staying several days:

• Festive holiday paper plates, napkins and printed cups – all of which can be put to use while you’re visiting so there are fewer dishes to wash.
• Something from your hometown – like wild rice and a recipe from MN or toffee from a local candy shop.

And if you’re all done with your shopping and prepping, a Christmassy book I found delightful is here.

Energy bites

INGREDIENTS

Yields: 16-18 balls

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (can use chunky too)

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1½ Tbsp. honey

1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/4 cup flaxseeds 

PREPARATION

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well-combined.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Once done chilling, roll into approximately 1 inch balls. (Cover hands in a light layer of butter or oil to facilitate rolling and avoid getting sticky hands.) Wrap in squares of Saran wrap and tie with festive ribbon or string.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to be eaten. Enjoy!

That’s it from me! Please share your best Christmas planning tips and gift ideas in the comments!!!