Though I love decorating for Christmas, I have no motivation to get up on a ladder and hang Christmas lights on the house. My husband lacks this motivation, as well, and we’re uninterested in having any bulky decorations out in our yard. As you might guess, this means that thus far our homes have lacked exterior Christmas decorations. I’d … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Decorate Front Windows for Christmas
projects and crafts
DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments
As I noted when I wrote last summer about Christ-focused Advent traditions, the Jesse Tree is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. A Jesse Tree helps families reflect on the people, prophesies, and events that preceded Christ’s birth. There is one Jesse Tree reading for each day of Advent. These readings are from the Bible and each is … [Read more...] about DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments
3 Toddler Activities Using Cardboard Shape Cutouts
Several weeks ago I wanted to let my toddler paint, but all of the paper we have around the house gets too wet and tears when she uses paint on it. I decided to cut some shapes out of cardboard for her to paint. I figured the cardboard wouldn’t tear and we could talk about the shapes to help solidify her ability to identify them. It … [Read more...] about 3 Toddler Activities Using Cardboard Shape Cutouts
22 Uses for Citrus Peels
Many of us toss the peels in the trash after eating an orange or squeezing juice from a lemon. This is a terrible habit because there are actually dozens of uses for these peels! Not only have these uses reduced the amount of trash I throw out, but I’m discovering that they can help me save money and make my home more pleasant. Ways to … [Read more...] about 22 Uses for Citrus Peels
Easy Fall Ribbon Wreath
When I was a kid, I always thought I would highlight the seasons and major holidays by changing up the décor in my home to reflect them. Due to tight budgets, busy days, and severely limited craft skills, this has never become a reality. I’m slowly working to change this. One baby step is the creation of this fall wreath. I’ve seen a … [Read more...] about Easy Fall Ribbon Wreath
Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
Have you ever noticed that craft stores often begin putting out Christmas stuff during the summer months? In this setting, this isn’t necessarily an example of “Christmas creep” or an attempt to boost early Christmas sales. It serves a practical function. If you’re going to complete crafts in time for Christmas, then you often have to begin … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
Building a Functional Command Center
Until recently, my husband and I had a chronic problem with clutter on our dining table. Mail, pens, coupons, coins, grocery lists, etc. were always scattered on the tabletop. Our solution to this problem was to create a command center, which is an area in the home designed to keep the family organized. Let me describe the components we … [Read more...] about Building a Functional Command Center
Christmas Cookie Bucket List
As far as I’m concerned, cookies are an appropriate accompaniment for any holiday. There’s something particularly special about cookies at Christmas, though. Somehow they’re a little sweeter than at other times of the year! When I was a child, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was baking and decorating sugar cookies. When my … [Read more...] about Christmas Cookie Bucket List
