One thing we’ve been working on behind the scenes (besides the painting and building) is our new podcast! I’ll be joining with my husband Doug to record short podcasts on the topic of money and to answer the money questions that people ask us frequently.

I’ll be talking about ways to save and spend money wisely. Doug is an investment manager, so he’ll be tackling the questions such as how much money people should really be saving, planning for both long-term and short-term goals, and the investments he thinks people should avoid.

And most fun for me, since we’re married, we’ll get to talk about how we work out our different approaches to money, how we avoid debt, and reconciling our past histories about spending money.

We definitely have a long list of topics to cover. If you have a topic in mind that you want to submit, you can leave a comment in this post or shoot us an email. I think this will be lots of fun.

See the comments for this post: Coming Soon: New Podcast

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—Update: This sale has ended. Thanks everyone!—

Hurry, the sale window for the Ultimate Homemaking ebook bundle is about to close. If you want to buy these ebooks for 95% off but haven’t yet done it, click here to buy it now before the sale ends.

Offer ends today, Saturday, at 11:59 EST. The complete list of ebooks and special bonus offers is here.

In other news, I think I’m going to paint my bedroom a dark color. The light blue-gray walls are okay, but I think it needs some drama. I hope I can start after the kids go to bed, and I think Doug will help me. I already bought the paint.

See the comments for this post: Last Chance: Save 95% on Ebooks!!

© SmallNotebook.org (all rights reserved)

—Update: This sale has ended. Thanks everyone!—

This week is your opportunity to buy the ebooks you’ve heard about at a huge discount. I typically don’t do a lot of promotions, but this is one I could not resist.

If you’ve been wanting ebooks such as 31 Days to Clean, One Bite at a Time, Tell Your Time, The No-Brainer Wardrobe, or my ebook Simple Blogging, now is your chance! Get these and more for a total of 97 titles covering home, beauty, budget, kitchen, mothering, children, faith, and fitness.

You’ll also receive $140 of bonus offers.

This sale will only last a short time.

What is Included in the Sale?

When you purchase this Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you get instant access to download all 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below. In addition, you will receive $140 of free bonuses listed below.

This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

Get ready to scroll, there are a lot of really good titles here:

Home {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way by Sarah Mae ($4.99)

One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh from Simple Mom ($5.00)

Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica from Life as Mom ($9.00)

Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni from Live Called ($4.99)

Simple Living by Lorilee from Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky from Clean Mama ($10.00)

NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa from The Inspired Room ($3.99)

Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley from The Handmade Home ($9.95)

28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana from A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)

10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa Woodruff ($5.00)

Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse Pratt ($3.99)

Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy from The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Budgeting {Time & Finance}

Tell Your Time by Amy Lynn Andrews ($2.99)

The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy from Raising Arrows ($4.99)

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne from Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)

Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly from Generation Cedar ($5.97)

Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan from The Confident Mom ($3.99)

From Debtor to Better by Barry from the Debtor to Better blog ($10.00)

Beauty

The No-Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley from The Tiny Twig ($7.99)

Embracing Beauty by Trina Holden ($9.00)

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen from The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae ($4.99)

The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy from Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy from A Delightful Home ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel from Small Notebook ($8.00)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi from Life Your Way ($12.00)

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki from Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa from The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda from Growing Home ($4.99)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel from The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)

First Bites by Hilary from Accidentally Green ($9.99)

Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin from The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara from Your Thriving Family ($4.00)

Unbound Birth by Jenny from The Southern Institute ($2.99)

My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy from Simply Designs ($9.99)

My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee from Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)

Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie from Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Motherhood

That Works for Me! by Kristen from We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie from Steady Days ($4.99)

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors ($9.99)

Hula Hoop Girl by September from One September Day ($4.99)

True Christian Motherhood by June from A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly from Generation Cedar ($4.97)

From Cube to Farm by Heather from the From Cube to Farm blog ($2.99)

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors ($7.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami from A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)

Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene from Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley Pichea ($4.99)

31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila from To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)

Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal from Money Saving Mom ($3.99)

Crock On by Stacy from Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)

Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers at The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Wholesome Mixes by Kristy from Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann from Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha from Nourishing Joy ($9.99)

Simply Summer by Kate from Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)

Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura from Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)

Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh from GNOWFGLINS and Jami from Eat Nourishing ($20.00)

Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana from My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)

The Curative Kitchen by Susan from Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn from Just Making Noise ($12.00)

Holidays & Special Events

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda from Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)

Festive Traditions by Jill from Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)

Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy from Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Flourishing Spring by Michele from Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Family Camping Handbook by Katie from Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)

Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary from Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)

iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli Worthington($9.97)

Faith

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss ($3.99)

The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie from Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)

God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn from The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)

Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie from Quench Bible ($4.99)

Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie from Quench Bible ($2.99)

Children’s Educational Resources

Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy the Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)

Princess Training by Richele from Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)

The Armor of God by Richele from Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)

My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele from Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)

Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly from Generation Cedar ($6.97)

Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa from 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey from Road to 31 ($8.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey from Road to 31 ($8.00)

K4 Curriculum by Erica from Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)

Write Through the Bible (2 books: print and cursive) by Trisha from Intoxicated on Life ($5.00 each)

The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth from The Better Mom ($5.98)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan from Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica from Muthering Heights ($4.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle from Domestic Serenity ($2.99)

42 Days to Fit by Brandy from The Marathon Mom, Emma from Real Fit Moms and Stacy from A Delightful Home ($4.99)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie from Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Personal ePlanner by Jennifer from ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee from FIMBY ($7.99)

Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee from FIMBY ($7.99)

Grocery University by Carrie from Colorado Bargains ($24.95)

Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa from Well-Grounded Life ($59)

You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura from Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28′s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Terms for Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General Terms

• It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read the Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Really cool, right? I thought you would like it.

Please note: This collection is only available until 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get it right away!

To get help to read these ebooks on mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I receive a portion of each ebook bundle sale. Thanks! -Rachel

See the comments for this post: Save 95% This Week! the Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Sale

© SmallNotebook.org (all rights reserved)

I had a friend in college who was very skilled at making her home look beautiful. Her apartment was decorated in garage-sale furniture like ours, but she took the extra step and slipcovered her old couch. She had an entire set of Martha Stewart Living magazines that she referred to like encyclopedias.

Our college living situations were temporary, and the extent of most of our decorating was to hang an Ansel Adams or Van Gogh poster print, but her apartment looked like home. When I opened up her kitchen cabinet and saw a stack of Fiesta plates, I was completely smitten.

After I graduated from college I used graduation money to buy my own set of Fiesta dishes. I bought six place settings in different colors so I could mix them up.

Of all my home furnishings, these dishes are what I have used the longest. Fourteen years later, we still use them daily, and they make me happy when I open my kitchen cabinet and see the cheerful colors.

When someone asks what dishes I recommend, I always suggest Fiestaware. It’s also known as Fiesta Dinnerware, and it’s made in the USA by the Homer Laughlin company. Some people collect vintage Fiestaware, but new pieces are at department stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

The key, and this is very important, is to buy different colors. They are not supposed to be the same color. The only time I ever see Fiestaware on Craigslist is when someone bought all their dishes in the same color, and they redecorated and it doesn’t match, or they got tired of looking at the same color of blue.

With all these years of daily use (fourteen including six with the kids), we’ve never chipped a plate or bowl. The thick, rounded edges are very durable. A few teacups broke after being dropped on the tile, so they’re not indestructible, but I can confidently call them kid friendly.

An advantage is that the classic design hasn’t changed. I added two more place settings after my family grew. It’s easy to replace a plate that is missing or broken.

I didn’t register for china when I got married. I registered for inexpensive white dishes that can go with everything and look formal, so now I have eight place settings of Fiestaware and eight place settings of white dishes when I want a different look. When I have a lot of people over for a meal, I typically set the kids’ table with the Fiesta plates, and the grownups use the white dishes.

See the comments for this post: Classic Dishes: Fiestaware

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When we were house shopping, I wanted a house with trees in the yard. As we looked at our options, narrowed down our choices, and eventually compromised our house wish list, I realized I would need to plant my own trees.

Last spring we added three new trees in our front yard. We wanted to improve the landscaping, add shade to the west side of the house, and reduce how much we have to water the lawn. Wasting water is a big pet peeve of mine, so I’m not a fan of a lot of grass watering. We try to make decisions that will result in a low-maintenance yard over the long term.

My favorite local landscaping book Easy Gardens for North Central Texas says the best time of year to plant a tree is the fall because that gives the roots plenty of time to get established before the hot summer, but most plant nurseries have better selection in the spring. As long as you keep the roots watered, you can plant trees in the spring too.

Tips to give your new trees their best chance at success:

1. Don’t plant the tree too deep. You want the top of the root ball to be slightly higher than the ground, not covered in soil. Dig a hole that is three times the width of the root ball, but only so deep that one inch of the root ball is still above ground.

2. Check the roots. If the tree is root bound in the container, meaning that the roots are growing in a circular shape around the root ball, loosen them up first.

3. Fill in and cover. As you fill the hole around the tree with dirt, add water so the soil settles and there won’t be any air bubbles. Cover the top of the root ball with mulch, but don’t let mulch or dirt pile up touching the tree trunk.

4. Fertilize in the spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring, but don’t fertilize if it’s fall or winter. You won’t need to add any amendments to the soil (even clay soil) since most tree and shrub roots outgrow it quickly.

5. Water is very important. Keep your trees watered while they are getting established for the first few months. Slow watering, such as using a soaker hose, is best so the water goes deep for healthier roots.

We chose bald cypress which is a native tree that can survive on rain water (even in a Texas summer) and unimproved clay soil. The leaves are soft fronds, so we won’t have to rake them. I see them used frequently in street medians because they are low maintenance, and pretty too.

The trees were $50 each, the rental truck to drive them home was $20, and we bought some dirt, so our overall cost for three trees was less than $200.

Over time this might end up giving us the best return on investment for all of our house projects.

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.
The second best time is now.”

See the comments for this post: How to Plant a Tree

© SmallNotebook.org (all rights reserved)

My entire family had the flu, even me, and I’ve been struggling to get my strength back. One thing that’s helping me to survive the cold weather this winter is my hot water bottle. It’s one of my favorite low-tech things that I keep with me. I usually can’t find my phone, but I sure know where the hot water bottle is all the time.

I used to think that these were just for sick people, and it’s true they are good for helping aches and pains. A hot water bottle is even more for cold people, and I am cold all the time, even in the summer.

It comes down to this: a hot water bottle feels like a hug.

It also sort of feels like you’re holding a baby because it has a similar weight, and you can just sit there in the relaxing way where you don’t have to get up, but you also don’t have to take care of it. I loaned out my baby sling, but if I still had it I would probably use it to carry around the hot water bottle with me. Just at home, obviously.

How to use a hot water bottle:

I thought hot water bottles were pink and flabby and liver-shaped, unappealing mostly, but the one I purchased is nice and well made. You can find cheaper ones at the drug store, but I think it’s worth spending a little more to not spring a leak. I bought the Fashy brand hot water bottle from Amazon (affiliate link) which is made in Germany. It has a strong stopper, and it’s not made from rubber like other kinds.

Fill it up with hot water from your sink faucet. Don’t use your tea kettle, that is not smart thinking. The sink will be hot enough.

Put the hot water bottle under the sheets before you go to bed. My kids go to sleep really fast this way.

It should stay warm for a few hours, but it doesn’t get cold, it eventually settles at room temperature.

The sweater, I mean the cover, is optional but important for cuteness and extra warmth. I bought mine from Toto Knits which was ideal so I didn’t have to make one. I love it. I think I want a second one so I can dress it up.

See the comments for this post: Current Favorite: My Hot Water Bottle

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I had checked out some productivity books from the library, but I returned them. They mostly contained tips, pages and pages of tips. I flipped through them, briefly, but then I decided I don’t need to read any more tips. I just need to get stuff done.

I took a true holiday for the end of 2012, barely looking in the direction of my computer and letting myself do whatever I chose. That’s why I finished the year covered with downy white feathers. Feathers in my hair, on my sweater, and stuck to my pants. I made pillows, which is something that I previously felt like I didn’t have time to do. I turned old pillows into new ones, and as I hand-stuffed clean pillow filling into new cases, I had to wonder what makes my brain come up with ideas like this? I don’t know.

I do know that the making of something was very soothing, almost meditative, and it made me feel like time stretched out more than the usual.

I think if I can concentrate on working through tasks and noticing the moments when I’m making something, I will find that place of calm even though my project list and work list is long.

I don’t want to be more awesome. I just want to be.

See the comments for this post: My Plans for the Coming Year

© SmallNotebook.org (all rights reserved)

There’s a quiet little question that sneaks in about this time every Christmas. When you think you’re almost ready with holiday preparations, a nagging little question pops in your head: Will it be enough?

Are there enough presents to open on Christmas morning?

Will the kids be excited with this?

Will there be enough food for the guests?

And the answer is, yes, it is enough.

Those sale prices are tempting, and people load up on things because they are marked at seventy percent off, as if there will never be another sale. Don’t load up on stuff now. You have everything that you need.

Now, go enjoy your holiday. See you in the new year!

See the comments for this post: It’s Enough

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In college, having friends over meant making a tray of brownies or coordinating a potluck dinner. If you cooked the meal by yourself, it meant your friends would be gathered in your living room with a plate of spaghetti balanced on their knees because spaghetti lets you feed five people for a dollar.

After college and when my friends started buying houses, having friends over became replaced by entertaining. “We like to entertain,” people explain when they want to buy a house with a big kitchen and living room. The college-style gatherings don’t seem fancy enough, and the frequent casual gatherings at friends’ houses are replaced by parties with appetizers and wine glasses a couple of times a year.

I want my home to be a gathering place. I need easy snacks that let us invite people over often, even at the last minute. Two or three times a year we invite thirty people over for a big meal and party. Sometimes we have people over for dinner. Usually, though, our plans are “Let’s feed the kids an early meal, and then come over and eat snacks while the kids play.”

Last month when we had some friends over at our house, I tried to fix a snack for all the kids, and I started a small kitchen fire. “Fire!” I yelled, glad I don’t try to impress my friends. Usually I open a bag of chips.

Making people feel comfortable in your home means having easy snacks that don’t look like you made a big fuss or went to a lot of trouble. I always stay ready with coffee, beer, chips, and salsa. For the kids I have bananas, popcorn, and yogurt.

Some people have asked how I stay budget-conscious with our groceries while also providing a lot of snacks for other people, and the answer is easy: we almost never go out to eat. The main reason is that it’s difficult to eat gluten-free at restaurants, and we also need to bring our kids or pay for a babysitter. It’s easier to stay home. For the price of an appetizer and drink at a restaurant, I can buy snacks for everyone from the grocery store. It saves us money, and it saves our friends money too.

See the comments for this post: Easy Entertaining: the Snack List

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I’m glad for two things: I’m glad to be posting again, and I’m also glad that the past few weeks are in my rearview mirror. That was an unplanned break, so thanks for meeting me here again.

Being gone for a while and coming back to the profusion of gift guides, giveaways, recipes, and holiday crafts, it kind of looks like the internet has gone crazy. Don’t people have jobs? Don’t they have work to do? Because I haven’t experienced that level of free time since junior high. Then I remember that some people’s jobs are to take professional pictures of things you could do, but no one expects you to actually do them. It’s for entertainment purposes only, like window shopping.

There are some who say the best way to simplify Christmas is to organize it neatly into several weeks of checklists, but my life does not fall so neatly into an organized plan that way.

I want to keep the merry-making that makes the holidays festive, but still be realistic. Here are 12 tips to make Christmas easier:

1. Handmade does not have to mean DIY. In other words, you do not have to make your own wreath. I have a set of vintage crochet snowflakes that I love, but I didn’t crochet them myself. That would have taken a week, so I bought them on Etsy for $2 each. Some of the gifts I bought were handmade by artisans, and I bought them from fair-trade stores such as SERRV and Trade as One. (Fair trade is becoming easier to find and affordable, so you can feel really good about what you buy.)

2. We’re following an Advent reading plan with the Jesus Storybook Bible. It’s just a few short pages a day. There is no Christmas countdown with individually-wrapped candy in tiny gift boxes or other 24-day commitments. A Jesse tree with special handmade ornaments was never going to happen.

3. Santa does not make wishes come true. He is a jolly man who loves Christmas. He hangs candy canes on our tree. He does not go shopping at Target because he does not have Target at the North Pole. Santa fills stockings with fun little treats like juice boxes, apples, a small toy, and drawing supplies.

4. We give each of our kids one super-fun toy. (Yes, one.) Our extended family gives them more presents. With just one toy for us to choose, we can be thoughtful about it. There is less pressure about topping last year’s gifts, and the kids can remember what they were given.

5. Buy, wrap, and ship gifts early. Even after shortening the list and drawing names, I have a long gift list, but I like to give Christmas presents. This is the most time-consuming part of holiday plans with a lot of potential for things to go wrong. If you lose a shipment in the mail, you need time to resolve issues so you’re not stressed out on the 23rd. You also get to pay less for shipping. I try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving, but I still have a few gifts I need to buy.

6. Decorate with books and blankets under the tree instead of gifts. If you don’t want Christmas to be all about the gifts, don’t make your kids look at wrapped presents all month. After I wrap the gifts, I put them up at the top of the closet and then bring them out on Christmas. You can find lots of holiday children’s books in this post.

7. You don’t need to “entertain” your friends. I was watching a television show on which the homeowners had renovated their kitchen so they could entertain for the holidays. During the last segment of the show, the homeowner presented a tray of food to his guest and offered, “Lambchop?” I laughed so hard. People, your friends don’t expect you to act like this. (Wednesday we’ll talk about the food and drinks you like to keep on hand for last-minute get-togethers.)

8. Keep family traditions flexible by asking, “What’s best for this year?” It’s okay if you need to skip a year.

9. Limit traveling. If you have spent every Christmas in the car dividing up your holiday between different sides of the family, I think it’s time you get to spend a Christmas at home. Especially if you have kids, traveling during the holidays is hard. It might be too late to change plans for this year, but consider the possibility of staying home next year.

10. Combine your efforts. Christmas baking or simple crafts can become gifts for friends. Last year we made cinnamon ornaments which became the gifts my daughter gave to her friends.

11. Set a cutoff date. At some point, the shopping, events, crafting, and cooking need to stop so you can settle down and enjoy things from the view of the couch. Postpone people’s requests until after Christmas. No more client projects or house projects. Take time to decompress and eat Rice Krispie treats while watching Elf.

12. Do preventive life maintenance. The holidays do not seem to care that life goes on as usual. Stock up on toilet paper. Do some basic car maintenance so you don’t get stranded somewhere. Make sure you have toothpaste. Make soup, not just cookies.

See the comments for this post: 12 Tips for an Easier Christmas

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