Cathy Sansosti

I am going to age myself here… but remember when department stores gift wrapped your purchases around the holidays? Remember when department stores gave you boxes to wrap your purchases in? The cashier would actually ask how many boxes you needed!!

Those were the days. I know a lot of people enjoy wrapping… the crinkle sound of the wrapping paper, the scissors cutting through the paper, bows for finishing touches… I am not one of those people. Okay, so maybe I am for the first three gifts, with a good Christmas movie playing. Then, I am over it.. completely.

As much as I plan on wrapping early, I don’t, and I pay the price. Up until 3 am wrapping while everyone else sleeps peacefully.

 Now that I think about it, this late night into early morning wrapping session has become a tradition, and if I am being honest, I sort of look forward to it, sort of dread it, but would definitely miss it.

Speaking of gifts, I have been sharing gift guides and deals on my social media accounts found here:

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Today I am just sharing pictures of what I did today, more to come tomorrow, including recipes. Stay tuned and follow along here:

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Jam filled vanilla cookies ❤️💚

December moves FAST! Full calendars and packed to-do lists raining chaos over normal routine. Here is a reminder, to you and me, that it is okay to slow down… sometimes.

Between the holiday hustle, I am taking time to appreciate small moments like coffee by our beautifully decorated Christmas tree, Christmas lights glowing at night and baking sweet treats at home with family sneaking tastes the entire time. These are the candid moments that mean the most.

This blogmas series has helped to remind me that the heart of the season isn’t being busier than the next person, it’s not about perfection, but presence. Sometimes presence instead of presents is what you really need. See you tomorrow for day 18!

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I love how music is everywhere during the holiday season. From carols playing in the background in supermarkets and waiting rooms to special concerts that make this time of year even more fun and meaningful.

Yesterday evening was the sweetest because my family attended our son’s middle school orchestra concert. Watching him on stage having fun, surrounded by his classmates, many of whom he has played with for years was magic! They proudly performed songs that they have been practicing for weeks, it was great! It was truly a slowdown and soak it in type of moment. These moments go by too fast and sitting in the same auditorium that I also watched my now college age daughter perform in years ago, my heart was so full. I felt pure gratitude (shoutout to the gratitude blogmas post and gratitude journal idea from a few days ago). I love seeing these kids grow in confidence through music.

To top the holiday season off, I convinced my husband to take me to see Creedmas the end of December. The band Creed is playing a holiday show near us in an awesome venue and I can’t wait! Creed is nostalgic for me. My high school after prom party even had a Creed cover band play.

It’s literally perfect timing, in between Christmas and New Years! I already have my outfit picked out… I can’t wait to share it all with you on my social media accounts linked here:

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There is definitely something special about Christmas concerts this time of year. Whether it is my child’s school band or choir, a local orchestra, church program or big holiday tour, music can instantly put me into the holiday spirit. Hearing classic carols brings my heart so much joy. Watching performers in festive outfits and hearing everyone sing along… be still my little Christmas heart.

Christmas concerts are one of those traditions that truly bring people together. Classic Christmas carols are universal and timeless. If you get the opportunity to attend a holiday concert this year, do it! Let me know which one you go to and how you liked it. See what holiday concerts I end up at by following along with me here:

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Come back tomorrow to read about my family’s Christmas concert plans for this season. I can’t wait to share with you!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

Some Christmas traditions can just make you feel like a child again, and here are two that never disappoint.

🚒Santa on the Firetruck: This is pure neighborhood joy. Kids running outside, often in their pajamas, sirens blaring so loud you think there is an emergency at first. Then, you remember… it’s just Santa coming to town! Santa waving so jolly as the truck rolls by with lights glowing. It is completely nostalgic and brings our little town together each year.

🥞Breakfast with Santa: Warm pancakes, Christmas jammies, holiday music and children getting one on one time with the big guy himself while parents snap their holiday photos. It slows the season down just a bit and creates the sweetest memories and captures the best pictures.

Both traditions remind me to slow down and make memories. Whether waving from the driveway or sharing waffles, these are the moments that make December special.

Let’s share our holiday moments together, follow me here:

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While the days leading up to Christmas and the day itself are magical, the mess… not so much. Between the decorating, the baking, the wrapping and living life- the mess adds up fast. Today’s Blogmas includes a few tips for small resets that can make a big difference.

Start with 10 minutes. Seriously, chances are if you can make yourself start something and commit for 10 minutes, you will keep going when the timer is up. Turn on a Christmas playlist and start picking up anything out of place. This isn’t a deep clean, just a quick reset to declutter your space and your mind.

Create a holiday drop zone if you will. Assign one corner, basket, closet for wrapping supplies, gifts and other holiday items. This can help keep the rest of the house from feeling chaotic.

Focus on three main zones. In the living room straighten and wipe surfaces, of course, light a candle. Clear the counters in the kitchen, empty and clean the sink, toss any leftovers rotting in the fridge. In the main entryway, tidy up shoes, hang coats and add a decorative festive touch for fun.

Swap out everyday items for festive ones. Ideas include holiday towels, pine scented candles and Christmas mugs. All ways to instantly boost holiday spirit.

Pick one deep clean task a day. Maybe mop the floors, change bedding… you get the idea.

Finish up, sit down with a snack and enjoy your clean house and lit Christmas tree.

My vlogs often include cleaning, follow along here:

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Yesterday’s Blogmas post was all about to send or not to send Christmas cards this
year.
 
I have opted out this year. Yes, some of my family members who collect them each
year, and by some, I mean one and by members I really just mean member (singular), is
upset and that’s okay. They will either get over it or they won’t.
I was on the fence as I am most years about sending cards. I wrote in yesterday’s post,
I often end up sending a New Years card as the busy Christmas season gets away from
me.
My family takes a picture at my husband’s work breakfast with Santa each year and it’s
used for the card. The nail in the no send coffin this year was, we didn’t go to said
breakfast this year. That was all the sign that I needed to take this year off of holiday
cards. Once I made the decision, I instantly felt better, leading me to think I made the
right call.

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