Something to Think About - The True Holiday Spirit

Last year after Christmas I remember feeling like I had missed it. It's so easy to get caught up in the business of the Christmas season and forget to stop and enjoy it. I am determined to not let that happen again this year. I read the following quote a few weeks ago and it has really stuck with me.

"This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson (Italics added)

I love that! The happiness and joy we feel is based upon how much we put into it. So what can we do to really feel the spirit of Christmas? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

 I've thought about this and decided that I needed to make a sacrifice of some kind in order for Christmas to be more meaningful to me.

First of all, I'm taking a small break from blogging to enjoy Christmas more with my family. It will be my gift to them. I really do enjoy sharing my ideas with you. BUT, it's more important to be fully focused on my family at this time of year and sharing my time with THEM. {Don't worry, I'll still snap pictures of any projects I do while I'm gone. I'm sure I'll have a back log of things to share come January!}


Secondly, I decided to study the New Testament {specifically the Gospels} this month. You all know how much I love reading. I generally read 4-5 books a month. I'm taking that time that I usually spend reading and spending it studying and learning more about the Saviors life. I printed off some New Testament Independent Study Lessons to help me.  It has made a HUGE difference in helping me to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I've also been reading Christmas books and pamphlets to help keep that focus.

So I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. What do you do to create meaningful Christmas's? How to you bring the true spirit of Christmas into your home?  I'm sure as my focus changes they feel it, but I'd like to include my children more directly in this. How do you share the true meaning of Christmas with your kids?


I will still be checking my e-mail, so be sure to leave comments. I really want your opinions on this!



Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger, 
Whipperberry ,  Adorned From Above, and at these parties

Mint Chocolate Cookies

I made these last year, but never had time to share them. I gave them to our neighbors, along with a few other kinds of cookies. Everyone loved them.

 I found the recipe over at Naptime Crafters. I did a few things differently. I used andes mint baking chips instead of the full mints. I also added about a cup of the chips to the batter. I'm craving these right now. I better go do something about that. 


Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger, 
Whipperberry ,  Adorned From Above, and at these parties


 

DIY Glitter Ornaments

I've been wanting to make these glitter ornaments ever since I made glitter jars last year. Last Christmas I couldn't find glass ornaments anywhere. They were all sold out. This year I grabbed 3 boxes before Thanksgiving. And it's a good thing because I went back to get a few more at my local Joanns and they're all gone.

Want to make you're own glitter ornaments?

Supplies needed:
Clear Glass Ornaments
Glitter {each .49 oz bottle of glitter did 6 ornaments}
Pledge Floor Care with Future Shine {I used wood finish because I had it}

First take the tops off of the ornaments. Next squirt a bit of Pledge into one of the ornaments.

It doesn't take much. Swirl it around until you've coated the whole inside of the ornament with Pledge. Then pour it into the next ornament. I did 7 or 8 ornaments with the small amount shown above.

Pour in the glitter. I used a funnel to prevent spills. Swirl the glitter around to coat.

Repeat with other ornaments.

Leave the tops off for an hour or so to let it dry completely.

Super easy right?

So do you like the silver or the white ones better? I think I like the white ones. But I'll be using them all.  My tree is silver and white. Each year I make something new to add to it. This year I made two new things: these glitter ornaments and my DIY Crystal Snowflakes.

Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger, 
Whipperberry ,  Adorned From Above, and at these parties

Candy Cane Earrings

Look at these cute little Candy Cane Earrings. These were super quick to make. I made a pair for myself, my daughter and her friend.

I got the idea at Prima Bead. Go here for the tutorial.

 Mine are a little different, since I used what I had on hand. My beads were bigger, so I was only able to fit seven beads on each earring instead of ten. I also had to just bend over the end of the wire and add a little super glue to the end. 

 

Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger, 
Whipperberry ,  Adorned From Above, and at these parties

Terrific Tuesdays #45

This will be my last link party of the year. Since Christmas and New Years fall on Tuesday, there's no point in having a link party on those days. And while I'm at it, I'm taking off next week too. But don't worry, we'll start back up in January.

Are your ready for Christmas? I thought I'd got all the shopping done, but I keep thinking of small things I've forgotten, so I need to make another trip. I'm ready to start baking and finishing up some handmade gifts.

Some of my favorites this week:

Homemade Peppermint Bark by Couponing & Cooking
This looks super yummy and easy too!

How does a nice frothy cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate sound?  This recipe by One Creative Mommy fits the bill.  It looks tasty.

How cute is this little angel ornament?!  Head over to Crafty Journal to get the tutorial. Here's another thing to add to my shopping list. I love the fact that it's inexpensive. 

If you were featured grab a button!
Also check out my facebook page, I post additional features there from time to time.

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Here's what I shared this week:
Bead Board Trees Update
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
and
6 Christmas Goodies

Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

Here are my guidelines:

1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.

3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.

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6 Christmas Goodies Recipes

Today I'm going to share with you the Christmas treats that I posted last year.

 Click the title to go to the original post and find the recipes.

 O'Henry Bars

 

 English Toffee

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Homemade Oreos

 Sugar Cookies

 

Ginger Snaps

 

 

Linking up at Lady Behind the Curtain,  Tidy Mom,  Life as a Lofthouse, Or so she says..., Homemade Ginger, 
Whipperberry ,  Adorned From Above, and at these parties