3 Ways to Save This Christmas

How does this time of year always sneak up on me? I walked into the local grocery store this week only to see large snowflake decor hanging from the ceiling! I feel like it was just yesterday that I was packing up the beach bag and boogie boards. If you are anything like me then you are probably looking for ways to save some money this Christmas. If you grew up with fancy, expensive Christmas traditions then it might be hard to tone it down and make it simple for your own children but in the end, it really is "the thought that counts." Children want to know that they are loved and appreciated. Gifts are a kind and fun gesture but that doesn't mean it always has to be the most expensive toy that will break in a week or the most popular toy just to keep up with their friends. In our home, we try to keep it simple. Here are three traditions we've started to keep the season both memorable and frugal.

ADVENT ACTIVITIES

Be creative. I hang up cards throughout the month of December numbered 1-24 on the mantle. Each day the kids will flip one over and find a simple and fun activity for the day. Read a Christmas book, drive around and see the lights, have a family sleepover by the fire, etc. The kids still talk about what we've done months after and how much fun they had. In addition, there are plenty of pre-made advent calendars that children can enjoy reading and doing. It makes for a wonderful and exciting family tradition!

HOMEMADE GIFTS

When my husband first mentioned that he wanted the kids to make homemade gifts for each others birthday and Christmas I kind of felt bad for my kids. I mean, really, a homemade gift certainly can't compare to the newest American Girl doll or Lego Set! Everything changed last year though when my son made his little sister a dollhouse out of wood. He designed it himself and with minimal help from dad he created a dollhouse that was supposed to be similar to the house in little house on the prairie. She loves it and still plays with it! When it comes from the heart it holds so much value! Can't think of what to have your child make? Don't start from scratch but get an inexpensive craft kit or book and go from there!

FOOD, FOOD and MORE FOOD

I already have three commitments next month where we have to bring a finger food. I'm sure more will pop up as the month progresses! Although I'm tempted to grab a bag of chips and say, "hey, I'm a busy homeschool mom, they'll understand!" I know that isn't the best approach. Instead, I try to use this season to put the books down at times and enter the kitchen with a willing and happy heart. Yes, this means inviting my children to join in on the fun. Whether it's baking batches of cookies or creating a meat tray or fancy dessert, we like to make the most of it and make something fun and make it together!

In what unique way do you spend the holidays?

Original 13 Colonies Fact Cards (Free Printable)

These Thirteen Colonies Fact Cards were created for my kids as we studied early American history. What a pivotal time in our history! Puritans seeking religious freedom, adventurers setting out for a new land, and those in debt hoping for a fresh start—a new life. From the first colony in Virginia, until all thirteen stars on the first American flag were represented, these cards are a perfect review for your homeschoolers. Use them to drill the first thirteen colonies so your child can recite them with ease, and have them dictate the information on the cards to help them remember a small fact about each colony. Feel free to print these out and have your children write facts that they learn about each colony on the back. Go ahead and laminate them, too! Simply right-click, save, and print to use this resource in your homeschool as you study about the original thirteen colonies in America. Use the facts for dictation, copy work, or discussion in your home. Disclaimer: All co...

Truck-Themed Homeschool Chore Chart

Use this truck-themed homeschool chore chart to keep your kids on track throughout the school week. With lessons, field trips, meals, and unexpected errands filling up your week, even the simplest chore chart can help your home run more smoothly. At times, kids are excited for the new opportunity to help out around the house and do it with joy. Other times they stomp toward the trash can with anything but a good attitude. Help keep attitudes in check by using stickers, smiley faces, or positive verbal reinforcement as your child completes each task on the chart. For the child who loves lists (and the mom) this is the perfect free printable to have on hand! (Simply right-click, save, and print)

The Pencil Grip Inc. {Review}

We have found what we have been looking for in The Pencil Grip Inc .'s 24 pack of Magic Stix Washable Markers . These markers are the perfect fit for a homeschooling family such as ours. I am thrilled to tell you about our experience with them! Normally, I do not have a favorable impression of markers for several reasons. For one, as a kid, I remember markers having such a strong smell that it would give me a headache. I know some kids enjoyed the scents but it certainly was not for me. And to be honest, if I had markers like that in my house today, my kids would probably stick them up their nose or something. Another reason I have a distaste for markers is the drying out factor. As a parent of many children this is super frustrating. I finally teach the older ones to put the caps back on when they are done using their markers but then a younger one comes along and just doesn't understand. This then leads to the undue frustration of your child sitting down to...

Thrift Schooling

Search This Blog