It’s often one of the first things I’ll hear from the cashier at the check-out counter.
The response used to astonish me, but now I’ve come to expect it.
Can even laugh along now.
‘You have eight children?? Wow. Life must be C.R.A.Z.Y. around your house during the holidays!!”
She says this to me as she’s ringing up what must seem like an unusual amount of socks. Pajamas. Wrapping paper. And a generous supply of candy canes.
I’m not sure if I should tell her that it’s nearly always a bit “crazy” around our home and that Christmas is no different.
But it’s also surprisingly peaceful too.
And not hectic, like I could see she was imagining.
Since there is a long line behind me, however, I don’t get into it with her and start the long explanation required.
I simply smile and wish her a Merry Christmas instead.
If you have a few minutes, I can tell you, however, while you’re wrapping those early Christmas presents.
How we prepare our home – and our hearts – for a joyous Christmas. How we celebrate the holidays without going crazy or broke.
Things we do.
Things we don’t do.
And what we’ve found works really well for our family so we’re able to celebrate Christmas, focusing on the things that matter most…..
*This video is Part 2 of the Holiday Series: How to Enjoy A Stress-Free, Debt-Free Holiday with Your Family This Year {Real Life with Lisa}
Recommended resources for the Holidays:
25 Delightful Advent Books for Children
12 Top Picks: Christmas Music for the Whole Family
12 Top Picks: Christmas Music for the Whole Family
One Exciting Series for Building Strong Character in Our Tweens
Ever Thine Home Christmas Collection
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
*My husband reads this book aloud every year to our family and to friends. It’s quite funny and even a bit “rough” in places, but we find the ending so redeeming that it’s worth the read. I cry (happy tears) ever single time. Available HERE.
NEXT WEEK we will continue the conversation and cover things like:
- How can you prepare your marriage so that you are unified {and maybe even relaxed} come Christmas?
If you have another topic you’d like me to address, you can ask it here: Connect with Lisa
Thank you for joining me and sharing Real Life together! I’ll look forward to talking with you again next week!!
*I’d love to hear from you too, so please share and/or ask a question in the comments below! I think you’ll find there’s a beautiful and supportive community here at Club31Women.
In His Grace,
*A small reminder, or if you’re new here: If you purchase the items through the links here, Club31Women might get a small affiliate compensation – with no additional cost to you – from some of them and so I thank you for that. But while I appreciate your purchase, you should also know that we share this as our genuine opinion and personal enthusiasm for these items. See my full disclosure here.
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On Instagram? I’d love to have you follow me over there @Club31Women!
Lisa
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I just love that you say it’s perfectly OK to schedule downtime and then STICK TO IT! I mean, let’s face it…important things get placed on the schedule, right? Time alone with my favorite peeps?? More important than anything! We’re so doing this, AND we’re not gonna feel guilty about it! Thanks for sharing!
Our kids are really going to need counselling ;-). We have never done gifts. Many of the birthdays in our family are at the end of the year so it seems we are celebrating every other week for the last three months of the year. (8 kids).
What we do do, is buy a new family game for Christmas. Maybe go to a concert or two. Church service on Christmas morning, Sunday school program in afternoon and visit with friends in our home or theirs. Our family enjoys being together whenever possible and I find that more valuable and meaningful than lavishing them with gifts.
Usually before Christmas we host the extended family dinner at our house. No gifts, just enjoying good food and fellowship.
As always, I enjoyed your video!
Haha! So we’re not the only ones who have children needing counseling. 🙂 Great suggestion for the games! I forgot to mention that their aunt and often my parents give us family games as a gift and that works well too. Merry Christmas!
I just love watching your videos each week. You have so much wisdom to offer! Thanks so much for sharing your heart through writing and videos. You’re an inspiration to me!
Thank you for the kind words! That’s so encouraging to hear, Sarah.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your family’s Christmas traditions and ways to keep it simple. I really like that!
Glad you liked it, Kayla!Merry Christmas!!
Hi Lisa,
What was the pageant book you mentioned?
No mention of it in the link of 25 advent books… 🙁
And I love the simplistic way you manage to do life with your family. Love your videos and ideas you share.
It took us a while to get there, but we did eventually! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh, I knew there was something I was forgetting! It’s the Best Christmas Pageant Ever and it’s a somewhat surprising book, meaning not-typical. It has some “rough edges” but the ending is so redeeming that we enjoy sharing it (especially with non-believers).