Are you racking your brain? Trying to figure out what is 111 days away? It’s CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Are you excited? Groaning? I am a little bit of both, to be honest.

Christmas in one of my favorite times of year, but it’s also stressful. Especially, when it is the gift buying season and you are on a budget. Like any other parent, I want to shower my kids with everything that they want on Christmas – but I also know that I can’t afford it – and even if I could – that’s not a good idea. I used to pride myself on the mounds of gifts I could get under the tree. Now, that my kids are older – it is really hard to get from them what they want. I noticed that for like the past two years.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my kids get presents. They have grandparents, family, friends, and they are far from deprived. But have you noticed as your kids get older, they seem to want less? Or really, have a hard time telling you what they want?

I am so grateful for my 20 and 16 year old. They are the most satisfied, non-greedy, giving souls to walk this planet. They really get the true meaning of Christmas. My nine year old, well, he can make you a list today. (I think my older two could also when they were his age, LOL!) So, at least for the older two, I am trying to get some creative ideas for them for Christmas. Some homemade items, that they will love, and maybe some ‘experiences’.

During the Hurricane, I got busy. I made an amazing birthday gift for a friend of mine, and I started on one gift for my oldest. I mean, I have to start now -if I am going to make stuff, right? So I am feeling pretty good about that – but I am at a loss as to what to do for a 16 year old girl. And does anyone have any good ideas for an experience? I would like to do that for all three.

So, I need your help. Give me ideas. What do you do for your kids during the holidays? How do your kids feel about homemade gifts? Have you done the whole “experience” thing before? Help a sister out! Send me some ideas, I’ll do some reserach, and maybe – we can figure this out together and have the coolest, cost-effective Christmas!

Love fully. Live fully. Shine on.

Sat Nam.