I took the past week off of social media to really soak up the holiday spirit and spend time with the three little rugrats that I am so thankful for. I realized that sometimes documenting a moment actually takes away from the moment. The timing was perfect and we were able to do a lot of the “little extras”. Those of you who know me know how much I love getting festive for holidays, so we put the tree up early, started listening to Christmas music, and began to really search our hearts for ways that we could make this holiday season different from all the rest.
As a family we helped Mission of Hope pack meals for Kids Against Hunger. In less than two hours we packed over 100,000 meals that will be sent to Haiti for the kids in Bible schools there. The kids and I also packed three shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child full of gifts to bless a child in another country and to spread the love of Jesus. I am always looking for ways around this time of year to get the kids involved in serving others. Like having them spend their own allowance to buy toys for the less fortunate, or donating some of their belongings to other kids who would otherwise not get a Christmas present. Our hearts are already so full and we are entering into December with such a joyous spirit. But we as a family want to do more. We are continuing to pray for ways that we can share God’s love this season. Even if it’s something as simple as helping a stranger scrape ice off their windshield, or hot chocolate for the bus driver. I am praying that we keep our eyes focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
With that being said I will probably continue to be a little quieter on social media throughout the holidays. I do love looking back at memories through pictures, but I love investing the memories even more.
One thing that is also making this holiday season a little less chaotic for me is the fact that I am doing most of my Christmas shopping from small businesses. I love supporting families and other stay-at-home moms and I also love shopping in my pjs. This black friday I will be cuddled up by the fire, sipping coffee, and checking everyone off my list. For fun I thought I’d give you a peek at my shopping list. Oh and most of these wonderful stores are doing something fun for black friday so you’ll have to check them out.
Aniston-
Bannor Toys State Rattle
Little Hip Squeaks romper
Baby Jules Boutique sparkle bow
Sweet Mama Makes swaddle blanket + burp cloths
Little Missy Bell rag doll
Breelynd’s Rose crocheted beanie
Caged bird bracelets
*Don’t forget to check out Kelli Murray’s new kids line Rylee + Cru
Kempton-
Riley Clay Designs shirt
Shop Maisie Jayne harem pants
Finomenon kids shirt
*Check out Roman + Leo store online
Cohen-
Good seeds shirt
Kiwi crate subscription
Puzzle People
Brooks-
Inkist Prints Indianapolis skyline watercolor
Alacart Creations bottle opener
Strapping Chap Soap Co exfoliating soap
Riley Clay designs shirt
Mom + Becky-
Naptime Diaries prints
Friends-
Frame able gold foil cards from Read Between the Lines
Whats on your list this year? I’d love to hear how you are shopping small. #shopsmall
mandy odle 