Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe
Christmas isn't complete without adorable handmade cinnamon ornaments. Add in adorable little helpers and some cinnamon and you've got a party!
Christmas Eve Traditions
Growing up, Christmas Eve was one of the most special nights of the year. My family would all go to my grandparents house and my grandma would spoil us all rotten with delicious food and amazing company. It was the evening we all looked forward to all year long.I always knew I wanted to carry on my grandmother's holiday traditions with my own family.I wanted them to see when they were so special to all of us growing up and to be able to start a few of our own. One tradition they love is decorating ornaments on Christmas Eve.As a little girl I always knew it was Christmas Eve by the smell of cinnamon. My grandmother's kitchen would be filled with the smell of cinnamon and she baked our ornaments. I don't know if she knew just how much I loved waiting at the table for them to be done. I loved watching her mix the ingredients together, roll out the dough, and then eagerly wait for them to be done.When they cooled we would all take turns decorating them. Parents sat down with their kids and wrestled over the best ones. When they finished, they would write their names and the year on their ornament, and put it on the tree.You could look at any of our Christmas trees and see dozens of ornaments from over the years. They fill our homes with the smell of cinnamon and remind us of how much fun we had making them.
Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe
Ingredients:
1 C Cinnamon1 C ApplesauceString*Optional* Glitter
Directions:
Pre-heat your oven to 250 degrees.Combine the cinnamon and applesauce in a small bowl.When your ingredients are completely mixed together, sprinkle cinnamon on a cutting board and roll out your dough. Your dough should be about 1/2 inch thick.Pick out a few of your favorite cookies cutters and cut out your ornaments. Be sure to poke a hole at the top so you can attach string to it later. Lay down a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spread out your ornaments.Cook your ornaments for 2-3 hours until they're hard. Or you can leave then out overnight until they dry completely.Now they're ready for decorating!
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
3 Ways Multiracial Families Can Blend Holiday Traditions
The holidays have always been my favorite. My family went above and beyond for them and I knew it meant my family would all get together and we'd have a great time.Now that I have my own little family, I get to share that love with them!I want them to see how much fun it is to make Thanksgiving dinner, decorate for fall, pick the perfect gifts for loved ones, and check off our holiday bucket lists!As my kids have gotten older, I'm starting to see how our multiracial family has put a unique spin on the holidays. We're always looking for ways to blend our cultures into our little family. I want my boys to see how fun it is to figure out what the holidays mean to us.Are you trying to figure out what the holidays mean to your own family? Maybe you're attempting to blend all your traditions together and you need some help? I have a few tips for you that can make blending holiday traditions fun and simple!
Fill your house with decorations that can stay up longer!
Mix Up Your Holiday Menu.
Try Out A New Tradition
Some families can feel pressure to bring in all the traditions they had growing up, but the holidays is a great time to try out something new. Think of a fun new tradition to start for your own family. You don't have to stick to a routine because it's what you've always done.Embrace your own family and put your spin on the holidays!You may even be surprised to find out you've already started one! Maybe you make the same thing ever Christmas morning or you you started making your famous dish for Thanksgiving. Sometimes the best traditions happen without even trying.How Do You Blend Holiday Traditions In Your Multiracial Family?
3 Things To Keep In Mind For Christmas With Little Ones
The Worst Part Of Family Vacations
We are officially home!We survived our flight with three little boys and they did great! They love flying and usually don't mind a day at the airport. This trip was a little different because they were so sad to leave my husband's side of the family! It's always the worst part of visiting family... The leaving part.The only way our boys were willing to leave their house was after promising we would Facetime every day. Thank God for technology! It makes it so nice when you miss family that lives far away.They're also extremely excited because we're only home for a few days and then we're off to see my family! Even more cousins, aunts, uncles, and a Harley riding grandpa to spoil them rotten!Since we only have a few days home we thought we'd relax on the couch and do nothing... If only!Now, we're racing around to get ready for baby Luke's 2nd birthday party, dealing with the poor little guy's ear infection, and packing for our next trip! Oh, and how could I forget decorating for Christmas!
Spreading Christmas Cheer!
One of my favorite things to put up this year is our fluffy fake snow! After moving to the Midwest I've developed a strange relationship with the snow. There's just so much here! It's not like the movies! You get snowed in, you do everything in your power to stay inside, and you try to stay under your blanket all day!Luckily my fluffy fake snow is cute and festive without the freezing temperatures!
Passing Down Christmas Traditions
How could I forget my new little nativity scene!Growing up, I counted down the days until my mom would bring out her nativity scene. She would lay down her fluffy snow and set up the whole village. One by one my brother and I would watch her set up each house and then she'd get to the stable. The best part of the whole village! It lit up and reminded us what the whole nativity scene was about.My husband knows how important my mom's nativity scene has always been to my siblings and I, but we've been worried about the kids. Nativity scenes can be pricey and I've never liked to stress about decorations. I'd rather enjoy the season than worry about my kid's touching everything.This is exactly why our tree is filled with felt ornaments, all of our decorations can be played with, and it's all about fun rather than "off limits."Then I found this! I was walking up and down the festive Target aisles, like I would do every day if I could, and found this gem! It's the perfect nativity scene for this stage in our family. The kids can play with it and we can talk about the message rather than telling them they can't play with it.I'd show you the rest of our decorations, but we just got home from vacation and the house is less than impressive!
3 Things To Keep In Mind For Christmas With Little Ones
Having three little boys under 6 has definitely taught me something. Over the years we've figured out a few things that have helped us to enjoy our holidays more!
Avoid The Breakables.
As your kids get older you can upgrade your decorations. While they're little, stick to non-breakables when you can. Look for felt ornaments and decorations that won't break if they're dropped or knocked over. It's going to relieve some of your stress and the kids won't have to worry about what they can and can't touch.
How Can The Kids Get Involved?
One of the reasons kids start touching everything is that it's all novel! They don't see these things every day and just want to play and have fun! One thing we've done over the years is get the kid's their own decorations. We have a little box and it's full of their Christmas decorations! They love it because we let them decorate however they choose. They even have their own little tree!Create your own kid's Christmas box this year! Take the kids to the store and let them pick and choose what to put inside. You can add to it each year!
Enjoy The Christmas Season!
Christmas is about so much more than the stress that can come along with it. To quote a very inspirational person..."The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."Don't put too much on your plate and try to remember to have fun! Take time to just walk around your neighborhood with hot cocoa in hand and look at the Christmas lights. Find simple ways your family can enjoy the holiday season without all the stress.A few of our favorites are holiday movie nights, decorating pre-made sugar cookies, and listening to Christmas music all day!
What's your favorite Christmas tradition with your family?
Christmas Gift Guide
Hear all about our Christmas traditions and see a few of our favorite Christmas gift guides!
This post contains affiliate links, but as always all oppinions are my own.
Our Christmas Traditions
Christmas is just a few short weeks away! It's always been one of my favorite holidays because it's full of good memories. I remember growing up and counting down the days until Christmas Eve. In my family, Christmas Eve was the big day. We would all gather together at my grandma's house, open Christmas pajamas, make cinnamon ornaments, and eat delicious food!What are your Christmas Eve traditions?This year my kids are all old enough to really get into the Christmas spirit. They're even counting down the days to Christmas Eve like I used to!This Christmas is going to be very special for our family. It's our first year hosting! It's intimidating, but so exciting. My husband and I have been going through the menu, activities, Christmas Eve celebrations, decorations, and presents!I feel like I'm more excited about hosting than I am about Christmas day! I guess that means I'm officially an adult now.As we've been planning, I've put together a few lists or our favorite must haves! Check them out and see which ones are your favorite!
Christmas Eve Gifts!
The Nativity Story MovieRudolph The Red Nose Reindeer FigurinesHot Cocoa MugsKid's Nativity SetTrainInflatable SantaSanta Cookies and Milk SetPersonalized OrnamentsChristmas PajamasStockings
Christmas Activity Gifts!
Elf On The ShelfChristmas Edition Of Bean BoozledSpot ItNightmare Before Christmas ClueA Christmas Story Board GameReindeer PopperFelt Christmas TreeChristmas Activity BookGingerbread House SetLetters For Santa
Moana Maui the Demigod's Kakamora Adventure
Moana's Magical Seashell Necklace
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Raising Grateful Children: Thank You For My Siblings!
Have you ever wondered if you're raising grateful children? If your children are grateful for the people they love in their lives? Here are a few things you can start doing today to make sure you're raising grateful children!
Raising Grateful ChildrenI don't know what it is, but have you ever noticed that every time you need to make an important phone call your kids go crazy?This afternoon I had to call my health insurance company. I only had an hour before they closed and I figured I would try and call while my two youngest were napping. They usually answer pretty quickly so I thought I could get it all done before my boys woke up.After about 15 minutes on hold I realized quick wasn't in the cards for today.Then my three year old woke up and thought it would be helpful to wake up his baby brother. I went up there, phone up to my ear, to grab them. Baby Luke's crib was full of toys along with a 3 year old big brother.They were both grinning ear to ear and loving their mischievousness!I ended up letting them destroy their room so I could finish my supposedly "quick" phone call. I have to admit, I love that they're getting closer.It's one of the reasons I wanted to have my kids so close together. I knew it would come with it's own set of craziness, but it would be worth it. I wanted my kids to be close.I was worried in the beginning because all my boys would do was fight! My husband and I joked about their love-hate relationship, but deep down I was worried they wouldn't be as close as I hoped. Now that they're a bit older, I'm starting to see how deep their brotherly bond really is.
They all look to each other for approval, wanting to make sure their brothers think they're doing something amazing. The best is while we sit down for meals. They start telling jokes and instantly look to make sure their brothers are laughing at them! Even Baby Lucas joins in! No one knows what he actually says, but they love that he's trying and think his' hilarious!I want them to continue getting closer as they get older.I want my kids to be best friends.
3 Ways To Ensure You're Raising Grateful Children
This month, I want my kids to take a moment to be grateful for their siblings. The more they learn what they love and value in each other, the closer they'll be.
Lead By Example
If we want to teach our kids to be grateful, we have to start by being grateful ourselves. Kids are always looking to their parents to figure out what to do. If they can see us being grateful and loving to those around us, they'll follow suit.Parents can model gratitude by verbally expressing it, sending thank you notes, and even giving little gifts.Remind your kids how important to be thankful for people they love and talk to them about it. Let them know why you're thankful for them!
Create A Habit
Instead of being grateful once a year on Thanksgiving, make it a year long routine. Create a habit in your home to talk about what your thankful for. Whether it's over dinner each night, as you tuck your kids in bed, or on the way home from a busy day.It doesn't matter when you do it, just do it. Create those conversations early on so they become normal.
Sibling Dates
As your kids watch you leading a grateful life and a let it become a habit in their own, it will quickly start to affect their relationships with their siblings.You can foster their relationships with each other more by letting them have sibling dates!Do something fun and take them to a movie! Let them choose what they want to see together and their snacks! Or let them come up with their date night on their own. Encourage them to have fun thinking up the whole night and what they're going to do.The most important thing you can do as a parent is to help your children build strong relationships with each other.These relationships are going to last for their entire lives. By helping your kids learn how to be grateful for each other, you're making sure they have a strong foundation that can last through it all.
What tips do you have for helping your kids be grateful for their siblings?
How To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
The holiday season has always been a busy time for families. Last year our family learned just how crazy it could get. Between the months of October and December we have 2 birthdays and 3 major holidays. It may not seem like too much, but keep in mind all five of these events require planning, some of them mean traveling, making elaborate meals, and parties.I feel like we're planning and hosting a part every other week!
10 Ways To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
This year my husband and I have decided to keep things simple. We want to let go of all the holiday stress and just enjoy it.
Give Group Gifts
When you're giving presents to different families, you can end up getting dozens of gifts for all the family members. Try to think bigger this year and give group gifts rather than all individual ones.
Don't Overextend Yourself
It's easy to overcommit to way too much over the holidays. You want everything to be perfect and take it all on yourself. Be sure to think about what your taking on. Is it possible with your schedule? Write it all out and decide on which tasks you can do yourself and what you can hand off to someone else.
Make A Holiday Budget
This is the perfect time to make a holiday budget. Think about any meals you may be hosting, if you have family planning to visit, presents, travel, etc. Make a realistic budget that you can try and stick to over the holidays.
Remember What It's All About
Sometimes we lose sight of what the holidays are about. We give in to the craziness and stress and forget. This year make sure you remember why you're doing it all.
Be Sure To Rest
The only way you will be able to get everything on your to do list accomplished is by taking care of yourself first. If you're only focusing on those around you and forget to rest you'll end up getting sick. Be your best this year by resting when you can.
Buy Presents Early
Plan out your gifts and purchase them early this year! If your kids are anything like mine, they already have their Christmas lists going. Take a look at the lists and buy something from it every pay check. This helps to spread it out and means you're not doing it all last minute!
Be Thankful
Take time every day to think about what you're thankful for this year. It's going to help you prioritize because you'll be thinking about what actually matters.
Take Time For Yourself
In addition to resting, take time for yourself this busy season. Find time to go out with a friend or go and get a delicious pumpkin spiced latte. Don't get so busy that you only think about those around you for the next few months.
Stay In The Moment
During the holidays a lot of us think about what's next. Instead of just focusing on the holiday at hand, we get lost in planning for the next one. Stay in the moment this year and relish in the holiday traditions, your kids, your family, and you'll be making memories that last.
Take A Deep Breath
At the end of the day, things will get crazy. Things may not go the way you planned, but it's ok. Take a deep breath and remember that no one is looking for a perfect holiday. They just want time with the people they love.
Incredibundles Is Just What You Need To Simplify The Holidays
Today I'm partnering with Incredibundles to make your holidays a little easier. They've done so much of the work for you and just want to help you find the best gifts for the littles ones in your life.Whether you're looking for a group gift for a family, a gift for a new dad in your life, or you're prepping for your holiday gifts early Incredibundles is for you!We got our first bundle last week and our kids loved it! We created our own and included age appropriate gifts for all of them! I love how many options they! They have year long subscriptions, one time bundles, essentials, and so much more!
What Does Incredibundles Offer?
First Time Daddy BundleOne Year Subscriptions (Books, Diapers, or Toys)Create Your Own BundlesLearn and Grow BundlesSleep BundlesBath Bundles
Incredibundles is giving away a free bundle! You can use this as a gift for the holidays, to spoil your kids early, or just something fun for a little one in your life! Be sure to enter in to win your own Incredibundle!
Your Complete Guide To Diwali And A Few Must Haves
Diwali: The Festival Of Lights
Diwali is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in India. It's known as the Festival of Lights. This holiday is all about the victory of good over evil.There are five days of Diwali and in addition to different religious ceremonies, there are different things families do on each day.Day One: The first day of Diwali is spent cleaning your home and purchasing a lavish gold or silver item for your home. This is the prefect day to look through your home and purge anything you don't need. Think of it as your day of spring cleaning then you treat yourself with something nice.After your home is cleaned, you can decorate with rangolis! They are a beautiful design made in front of your home.Day Two: This is the day to exchange sweets with your friends and family. You used to have to stay home on this day and relax, but it's changed a bit over the years. You can also continue to make rangoli designs.Day Three: This is the day to light all of your diyas, lamps, and festive lights. Most families also attend their local churches and then go home and light fireworks to celebrate!Day Four: This is the day couples celebrate their love and give gifts to each other.Day Five: Day five is such a special day. Sisters invite their brothers to their home, make them a big meal, and pray for them.
Diwali Must Haves
Here are a few Diwali items you should be sure to pick up this year! My kids and I sat down and made a list of our favorites!
- Happy Diwali Cards
- Rangoli Stencils
- Sari Patchwork Throw Pillows
- Votive Candle Holders
- Lantern
- The Diwali Gift Book
- Diya Candle Holder