This holiday was a rollercoaster of emotions as we visited with family, exchanged presents and attended a family funeral. As I look back over the holiday and the past year, there are several things I want to remember.  Don’t pass this post up, thinking that it is another New Year’s Resolution post.  It isn’t.  Although, some of these are sentimental or typical, at least one of these will be unexpected and can bring some laughs the next time you give a gift. 

Make a Difference

Everyone should be involved in something that makes a difference and makes the world a better place.  Most of us can give to others through our time or finances this next year.  I encourage you to find something that you are passionate about that allows you to give back to your community.  I have found that most people that receive help or encouragement from others, pass it on. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount of money or time, you can encourage others with a smile, a kind word, a letter/email or a call.  The important thing is to make a difference, every day, if you can.

Have Fun

As parents, many times we get overwhelmed with our responsibilities and find ourselves lacking in the patience and fun department. This past year has gone by quickly for me. I remember my mom telling me how time flies by and as a child I didn’t quite understand this statement. I remember thinking I always wanted to be older and time went by so s…l…o…w…l…y. Maybe part of it was the fact I had an older sister, and I secretly wanted to be more like her. (Even now, I occasionally find this to be true.) 

As a parent with kids at an age in which I wish time would slow down, I finally understand what my mom meant. Before I know it, my kids will be grown. I want my kids to have fun family memories and I try to make the most of my time with my kids. Luckily, hubby is very good at planning fun and sometimes outrageous events for the kids. This year, enjoy the moments with your kids and have fun!

Use Decoy Gift Boxes

This Christmas we had a good laugh, thanks to my sister and her “Decoy Gift Boxes”.  If you don’t know about these, you are missing out.  My sister found these at The Onion and used the boxes to place her “real” gift inside.  Her first victim was her father-in-law. I don’t recall what the real gift inside was, but the “decoy gift box” she used was the Kleen Stride. A personal debris removal system - because debris is always in season!  I can only imagine his reaction when he read “you can clean your way to sculpted calves” and they are “great for back pain sufferers”!   My sister said he looked at the box and told her it looked interesting, but he didn’t open the box. The poor victim didn’t realize the “real gift” was inside! She finally coaxed him into opening the box, since everyone wanted to see how the Kleen Stride worked.  Then, they all got a good laugh! 

Victim #2 was my hubby and she picked out the perfect “decoy gift box” for him – a USB Toaster! The perfect gift for an IT person that is always on the computer.  When you need fuel but don’t want to waste time getting something to eat, just pop a piece of bread in your USB Toaster.  It only takes 30 minutes for 4 pieces of toast! Hubby fell for it and even told us one of his co-workers had one.  We finally convinced him to show us the toaster and  we all had a good laugh! My sister shared her discovery of the decoy gift boxes and showed us the flyer with the different gift box options. 

I am about to place my order for the gift box set (shown above) and a few of the newest decoy boxes… the Coffee-Talkies! I can assure you that I will use this at the next White Elephant Gift Exchange.  I may even decide to use one when a friends birthday comes around.  The thought of one particular friend receiving this for her birthday, is making me laugh out loud now!

Decorate right after Thanksgiving

This year, our holiday decorations barely made it in time for Christmas Eve. We have a family birthday in early December and usually decorate after the birthday party. This meant we planned on decorating in mid-December.  Unfortunately, time flew by and we were very unmotivated to get our Christmas decorations out of our storage area in the backyard, or the attic. 

I soon realized when you don't have decorations up, it just doesn’t seem like Christmas.  This also kept me from stressing out, at least until a few days before Christmas!  Unfortunately, the roof leaked in our storage area and ruined some of our decorations, including our Christmas Tree.  We ended up decorating with our collections of snowmen and nutcrackers. Soon it began to feel like Christmas. 

I learned the importance of decorating early. Holiday decorations, including lights and music really put me in the spirit of Christmas!  Next year, I will begin decorating after Thanksgiving!

Have a Happy New Year!

Last, but not least, Have a Happy New Year!  I am looking forward to this new year and I am hoping to make a big difference with my next project!  Are you curious? Stay tuned for an announcement about my new project!

Are you planning on getting any of these decoy gift boxes and already have a victim in mind?  If so, let us know!

And…

What Parenting articles would you like to see MomsMaterial focus on in 2010?  Your input is greatly appreciated and helps me focus on what my readers want!