Design Crafters

Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving are over, the signs are all around…It is officially that time of year. It’s now officially time to start listening to Christmas music and decorating. (Despite the fact that the eager beaver radio stations were playing Christmas music the day after Halloween and many of the malls were decorated for Christmas even before Halloween was over).

The lines at the post office are getting longer with people carrying huge packages trying to see over the top of them. The Christmas lighting ceremonies have started. People are hurrying to get their outside Christmas decorations set up while it’s still sunny and before the real snow flies (at least in my neck of the woods).

Some of my neighbors are waiting until December 1st. It’s only a week or so away, but the nice thing about getting it done now is that you can enjoy it all December and spend more time getting other Christmas things done so it’s not such a mad rush come December 1st.

Remember to get the kids involved in decorating to create those Christmas memories.

If you haven’t started working on your photo Christmas cards, better get started right away.

I normally don’t listen to Christmas music this early in the season, because I fear I’ll get bored of it by the time Christmas gets here and it won’t be as special. But seeing that’s the only music my favorite radio stations are playing, I found myself listening to it as I was doing the dishes. Next thing I knew, I was in a different place in my mind and the dishes were done. I couldn’t even remember doing all those dishes. There really is a powerful magic in music, especially Christmas music. It took me back to a place of happy memories and thankful thoughts.

I recently asked a friend if they’re excited for Christmas. To my surprise she said “we aren’t doing Christmas”.  Further in our discussion it became apparent to me that it had nothing to do with religious beliefs but that Christmas to them was only about the gifts. Where they had no money, they weren’t going to “do” Christmas. 

This conversation came back to me when I was listening to the Christmas music.  To me, Christmas was about the entire feeling and I realized how lucky I was to have the happy Christmas experiences (without the gifts) that I had while growing up. 

Christmas, like your life, it is what you make it. This year, make Christmas about more than the gifts. Gifts are temporary but memories stay with us forever.    
This year, make a real effort to create those happy memories with your family, friends & even strangers. Remember to take lots of pictures for memory sake and for you photo Christmas cards.