2 Months Until Christmas! What to Check Off Your List Today...

I’m a little Christmas crazy.  Anyone else?  I shared last month that on the 25th of each month, I try to do a few things to get a jump on Christmas preparations.  This is because I like to celebrate big, and I like to enjoy it all December long with minimal stress!  If you are looking to get a jump on Christmas prep, here are five things you can do today to avoid stress down the road…

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Start on Christmas Cards

We are taking family photos for our card this weekend, so even if you’re like me and not quite ready to order the actual cards, you can go ahead and get a jump on the whole process. This is the perfect time to update your address list.  I personally have a few change-of-address cards from friends sitting on my desk that need to go into my address spreadsheet.  You should also go ahead and order Christmas stamps.  The new designs are out and you can get them shipped right to you.  If you wait until the last minute, your local post office could run out and you’d be stuck using boring stamps… oh, the horror!  As for the best Christmas cards, this program is my favorite.

Set Your Priorities

The holidays offer so many chances for fun and celebrating, but you can’t do it all.  Decide what are the most important things on your list and schedule them in.  Many holiday activities book up fast, so you should go ahead and get tickets, reservations, or whatever is needed to hold your spot.  I shared some of my favorite local traditions here.

Make Your Gift List

Whether you shop all year or you’re just starting, you need to make a list of all the gifts you plan to give and set a budget for each.  Anything you plan to order online, go ahead and do it. Shameless plug: The Sassy Napkin Society Gift Subscription is a great option!

Get Ready to Snuggle

Did you see my post on all the best jammies? It’s a good time to buy pajamas for the whole fam, load up on hot chocolate, and be ready for cozy time by the tree.

Movie Nights

With so many great Christmas movies to enjoy, it takes a little planning to fit them all in! Start adding your movie nights to your calendar and visit My Christmas Pinterest Board for some inspiration.

Even with Halloween just days away, it will pay off to switch into Christmas gear for just a bit. Your December self will thank you!

Tuesday Treats: The Cutest Pajamas for a Cozy Christmas

This post contains affiliate links, which means I could make a small commission if you purchase through a link, at no cost to you.

It’s no secret I like to prepare for Christmas early (or really, all year) so that I can relax and enjoy the beauty of the season all December long. I find your Christmas tree is best enjoyed sitting with a cup of coffee, Frank Sinatra singing carols in the background, while lounging in darling Christmas pajamas. I’m always surprised at how many women don’t own “real” pajamas. You need this cuteness in your life! Here are some darling options I rounded up. Unlike kids’ Christmas jammies, moms can wear theirs for years to come.

BLUE CHRISTMAS // WHIMSICAL // DIAMONDS // PINK LIGHTS // GINGERBREAD

Movie Night: Spookley the Square Pumpkin

Today I’m sharing a favorite movie night from last year. This post contains affiliate links.

This movie is just too cute.  It suitable for any age and it has a great message.  Around here, we love Spookley the Square Pumpkin!

For the table I ordered a plush Spookley and he’s the cutest.  The ceramic square pumpkins are from Hobby Lobby.  Before and after movie night they've been mixed in with the other Halloween decor around the house and I love them.  I've had the little glass candy corn table scatters forever.  I'm pretty sure I called ON THE PHONE and gave someone a CATALOG ORDER NUMBER.  I might has well have brought them west with me on a covered wagon.

The tablecloth is one I've had for years from Pottery Barn.

I also had the orange square plates and I used a simple green paper napkin for the "stem."

I simply folded it lengthwise twice and tucked under the plates.

I made fun little appetizers from a photo I saw on Pinterest.

I used peanut butter sandwich crackers, a green Airhead, black icing for the smiles, and white icing to attach the "stems" and candy eyes.   A "stickier" icing probably would have worked better, but it was what I had on hand.

I count any day I break out the candy eyes as a success!

These little Spookleys look so cute and happy!  They are not perfect but you guys... neither was Spookley and he taught us THAT'S OK.

Obviously I'm not a very skilled piper.  Which makes me think of this...

Oh, I crack myself up.

Dinner was a simple one but still went with the pumpkin theme.  This pasta from Trader Joe's is so pretty.

I added TJ's Autumnal Harvest sauce, sausage, a little Parmesan.  I served it with a quick Caesar salad and bread.

Trader Joe's also made our dessert!  

I'll leave you with a little bonus tip since this movie is great for preschoolers.  If your kiddos are at an age where it's hard for you to get dinner on the table because they are so "busy"... you can often find free coloring sheets related to the movie to print off on Pinterest or just by googling it.  I did this a lot when my kids were smaller (with various movie nights) and it helps keep them busy while you prep and gets them excited for the movie.

If you haven't seen this one yet, you can catch it on The Disney Channel this time of year.  Dare to be square!