We’re formally right down to single digits till Christmas. Although I give myself a strong A- rating on Christmas prep this yr (which is why I’ll by no means take these “don’t begin something earlier than Thanksgiving” feedback to coronary heart), there are nonetheless issues to do. We plan to do our annual custom of household staff Christmas buying this this weekend (Kaitlyn and I are teamed up this yr), I’ve some items nonetheless to wrap, and Sunday might be spent within the kitchen all day (which truly sounds cozy and thrilling as a result of it means I’ll have a lot of our Christmas menu made). However first, a fast and festive Friday 5 earlier than we soar into the weekend…
A be aware to the Magic Makers
I’ve considered you different mamas on the market working laborious to make the magic of the vacation season come to life for your loved ones. I wish to cease proper right here and provide you with a little bit excessive 5 and a smack on the butt (too private?). You’re doing a tremendous job, your children really feel beloved, and right here’s your reminder to knock what you’ll be able to off your listing, however then when the time comes, let it go, take pleasure in what’s, and be a part of the expertise. That’s the perfect reward you may give your loved ones, in any case.
Your loved ones will keep in mind your presence and peace of thoughts greater than any current or dish. Let the errors and mishaps occur; they’ll be the reminiscences you’ll smile at for years to come back. You’ve received this <3
The Nutcracker
Mother got here to city for a particular mid-week go to. We received our nails painted and mother, Hailey, and Kaitlyn all tried gel for the primary time. The women on the salon had giggle at our awe of how they instantly dried. We’re all loving that the polish is lasting, too. It’s not an on a regular basis factor for us, nevertheless it positive feels particular for Christmas.
Wednesday morning we went into Charlotte for a particular displaying of The Nutcracker, placed on by Charlotte Ballet. We purchased tickets month in the past at a particular discounted value for North Carolina homeschoolers. The manufacturing was participating (even with ALL these children) and the dancers have been great. As a particular deal with, that they had a few of the dancers come out at intermission to reply questions from the viewers. It felt so festive; what a deal with!

Winter Stroll and The Christmas Pig
Reporting again on two ebook winners! You realize I’m not a veracious reader of novels, as I usually choose self improvement, however December is totally different. Final December I learn Winter Road, the primary ebook in a collection of 4 by Elin Hilderbrand, and this yr I learn the second, Winter Stroll. It felt like catching up with previous mates and I like this household and storyline as a result of it’s so cozy however not overly tacky. The characters really feel life-like, flawed however endearing. Extremely suggest.
The Christmas Pig got here extremely really useful to me. It’s written by JK Rowling so I had excessive hopes. I downloaded the audio model, which is so effectively completed with sound results and voices. It began off reasonably unhappy, and Kaitlyn even burst into tears at one level, however we caught with it and journeyed into The Land of the Misplaced with the Christmas Pig, falling in love with the journey and humorous characters alongside the way in which. An incredible Christmas household learn aloud for positive!
The Reward of Meals
For those who’re in search of a final minute, however high quality reward thought, take into account meals. I really like the Wildgrain supply bins filled with cook-from-frozen artisan breads, pastas, and baked items. It will make a tremendous reward for anybody who values high quality components and comfort.
Butcher Field is providing two kilos of free grass-fed floor beef in each field for all times from now till December 22. I consider it’s one in every of their greatest join offers. In addition they have a particular “items” tab the place you don’t should have a subscription to offer somebody an unbelievable reward of high quality protein. Nice for the foodie who enjoys cooking.
Day by day Harvest generally is a considerate reward for the busy pal seeking to get extra natural fruits and veggies into their weight loss program in a simple and scrumptious approach. In addition they have a present part that requires no subscription.

Christmas Posts
Maybe a few of these might be useful to you, as you head right into a festive weekend:
And that’s a WRAP (Christmas pun meant). I’m off to throw in a load of laundry, finalize my “make forward” grocery listing, and activate some Christmas tunes. Hope you could have a really merry weekend; thanks a lot for stopping by the weblog as we speak!