keep it positive

it sounds sooo cheesy l know but having a positive outlook really does help...sometimes we feel like the world is against us and it is so simple to slip into that defeated and defensive frame of mind. its hard to see the good things then, or to enjoy the simple things or see the beauty in the world.

So keep thinking that things will get better, that a bad cycle will pass over you and the flip side of that is positive. That when you really feel like giving up, it will get better, and sometimes you will realise that..oh yes, things arent so bad now and l didnt even realise they were better...but they are..

the other thing is that we are never really alone. we might feel like it but there is always somebody to turn to, always, sometimes they are the most unlikely sources of comfort or kindness but somebody will always step up to the plate so DONT GIVE UP

make christmas more about you ..and less pressure

I start my Christmas preparations in January of each year...may sound mad to you but this is what l do

In the first week or so of January every year stores sell the excess Christmas cards off at a fraction of there cost.  you can pick up all your Christmas cards for the cost of one standard greeting card.  you put them in a box in attic, or top shelf out of harms way.  This is also a good time to pick up Christmas Crackers and serviettes and napkins..
If your budget allows its also a time the stores sell off toys cheaply and clothes. So if you have any kids/relatives with a birthday over Jan - March its a good time to pick up winter clothes for them.  Or also if you want to buy xmas/winter clothes for kids for the following Christmas  just get next size up.  It works a charm.

I bought a beautiful wooden chest that l keep upstairs in my house...Its the present box.  Throughout the year stores will do sales, discount offers etc. I~ might buy one gift a month and box it in the present box.  If there are particulary good offers l stock up on them and they go in the box.  THis box serves me for birthdays throughout the year also.

I keep wrapping paper, sellotape, scissors, ribbon and gift bags in the box too.  if l need a gift in a hurry l am ready to go.

Now, you might be reading this thinking l am a control freak or super thrifty or whatever.  but..l am just a girl who finds Christmas expensive. I am not rich, l do not have the credit card capacity or salary that can take the expense that shopping at the last minute requires.

So take a tip from me, l didnt always do it this way, but over time l came around to this way and no it means l just keep my eyes open all year around.
So get yourself a big box and start in January :)

Christmas looms but it shouldnt mean gloom

Christmas has become very commercial, yes we all know this and yes we have all listenend to so many debates about the true meaning of Christmas and trying to bring it back. WEll times have changed and people are invested in Christmas and Halloween and Valentines Day and Easter and all these holidays that traditionally were linked to religious celebrations and times of significance but now are tied in with cards and gifts and rituals and routines that are not related to the church. However, we can all work towards keeping them family celebrations, times of coming together, times of remembering each other, being kind to each other, and yes...buying each other presents but hey, it need not cost the earth.
Come together, laugh, eat, tell stories, watch movies together, share gifts.
Its all about love xx