My 2022 Christmas Cards

 Check out the Christmas cards I made this year. 

Using the Gelplate for some night sky backgrounds, was fun.  On the other hand, the embossing was a bit problematic and I didn't think I could do it 30 times, so I gave up after three. 

Next, I decided to use the Peace, Love and Doves background stamp.  Both of these designs meant that I would only need to stamp 15 backgrounds and cut them in half to make 30 cards. This big sentiment compliments it beautifully. 

Can you guess which one I went with for my big batch?  

Which one would you have made a big batch of?

I made about 24 of these.  Adding them to the left over cards from last year and the three I made with the beautiful night sky backgrounds and heat embossing, I ended up with about 35 cards to send out. I don't think I have that many friends!

That's that then... 

Have you finished your Christmas Cards yet? 

Have you sent them out? 

See you next time. 

One Stampset = 9 cards and counting!

 Recently, I NEEDED to buy some new craft supplies. When I saw this mini stamp set, I just HAD to click "buy it now", besides this got me over the minimum to access Free Shipping!  So, I was saving money, really.  

After it arrived, I made this card and went to put away the stamp set.  

Then, I thought, I spent $5 on this stamp set.  I should be able to make more than one type of card with it.  Surely.  I mean, it has a solid circle stamp in it.  That is like THE most versatile stamp around.  I got thinking and came up with more cards.  I started simply, by just stepping up this first card I made.  I used my cloud stencil.  So lucky, I'd just bought a brand new (to me) grassy border stencil from My Favorite Things. Yay! 

I'd made two, fairly similar, cards that could be sent out for almost any occasion.  I had a circle stamp.  I decided some repeat stamping a circle with rainbow colours could go a long way.  Any big bold greeting would look great with this rainbow of circles. 

Then, that 'face' spoke to me and almost without thinking, I made this card! 

I ended up, drawing the smiley face,
because the face in the set was much smaller
and I thought it should be bigger. 

Then, two baby cards (one for a girl, one for a boy). 

I was on a roll. Surely, I could make another birthday card with this set.  Surely, I didn't have to limit myself to just using the circle.  Surely, the rays on the sun could be used to make something!  I pulled out my "Spa" ink colours from Catherine Pooler (these are more muted colours) and stamped out my very own patterned paper, which I used to make a Masculine (gender neutral) birthday card. I also played around with some other designs, but this was the best one. 

I'd made a card for practically every occasion, and I decided to go back to using the sun stamp as intended.  I tore some copy paper to mask off some ink blended 'mountains'. The sun stamp needed to be masked too, so I used the same torn paper and flipped it over. I added some blue ink around the top of the card, leaving some white around the sun, so it looked like it was glowing. This scene could work for practically any sentiment.  I tried out so many different sentiments on this card and they all could have worked.  I thought about something with "today", "tomorrow", or time moving on, like "today is your birthday". It could even work for a Graduation card, with something like "adventure awaits" or "you could move mountains".  I settled on this lovely sentiment about a "path of light" in this "dark time" to make this a sentiment card.  

Later, I was looking at the birthday card I'd made and thought... "I wonder if I could make a Christmas Card?" So, I tried it. I didn't execute it very well, but you get the idea.  

If you don't want to spend too much cash on specifically designed Christmas stamps.  You can certainly rock what you got to make some Christmas cards.  I actually bought this stamp set, because I have a large sentiment die that says "sunshine" and I thought this stamp set would go brilliantly with it.  I haven't even pulled out the die yet and I have already made 9 cards, for almost any occasion!

There are several other small stamp sets in my stash and I really need to try this with them as well.  I need to work out how I can use them and how many cards I can make with each of them! 

School Holidays are nearly done.  So much to do! 

See you next time! 

Cards 2021 Part 1- Christmas "Wrap Up"

 I have made loads of cards this year.  This week, I'm going to show them to you. Feel free to just look at the pictures. I'm not going to link products, but if you have questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. 

First, considering the season, let's look at Christmas Cards. 

This year, I chose a few different designs and made multiples of each.  I wanted to experiment with a few different techniques.  January 2021, when my Aunty came to visit, she lent me some Christmas dies and I pre-cut several of each one that I liked, then put them in my stash until I was ready to start making Christmas cards. I have invested in a few more Christmas items this year as well, so next year's cards should be different.  

Next year, I think I will choose a design and make a batch of them every time I'm on holidays. This will hopefully lighten the load come October! Okay, enough jibber jabber... let's get to it. 

A simple leafy branch die from MFT was the basis for this card. The textured green background was created using ink smooshing and perfect pearls mixed with water sprayed over it to give it shine. It was laying on my desk begging to be die cut.  Arranging the die cuts in a circle and overlapping them, made the perfect wreath.  Simple sentiment stamped in the middle of the wreath and different sizes of gold sequins added some simple elegance to the card.  I love this design because it would only need a different sentiment to make it suitable for almost any occasion. Flowers could be added to change up the theme as well.  If I was going to make this card again, I would make the leaves a darker green. 

Quick and Simple- this card is just a large sentiment stamp (from Catherine Pooler Designs) and the holly and berries that came in the same stamp set to embellish it.  Colouring the holly leaves and berries with an embossing pen and sprinking "wanderlust" embossing powder (by Wow) added some sparkle and interest to this clean and simple design. I might try this stamp set on a landscape card next time.  

This die was one that I borrowed! I die cut then covered in embossing powder to emboss in gold. I mixed two of my gold embossing powders to the get variation in the final result.  I had several of these die cuts, so I also experimented with double and triple embossing to get a thicker gold finish on other cards. The gold die cut was backed with an ink blended galaxy background, which was die cut using nested die set which happened to have a square that was the same size.  

Some more simple cards using holly and berries from a Gina K stamp set.  I'm sorry, I don't know the name of the set.  Joy to the World sentiment is from Stampendous (a red rubber cling stamp).  Glory in the Highest is from a bible journaling set by Neat and Tangled. These holly leaves and berries have a traditional look about them and will compliment almost any large Christmas sentiment.  I'm a bit sad these are from a stamp set that I borrowed.  I might need to invest in one of my own! 

This background stamp "Joy, Love and Doves" is from Catherine Pooler and when I saw it I knew it would be the perfect addition to my Christmas Stamps.  This technique took a little while, so I only made three of these cards.  The watercolour background can be created using a wash or ink smooshing (you could even do direct to paper).  Emboss the background stamp in gold.  Then, use clean water on a paintbrush (or a water pen) to "colour" the doves which will pull up the dye ink colour. I also pulled up some of the ink around the words- Joy, Noel, Love and Peace. Simple, elegant and actually sort of relaxing.  My Mum loved this card design, so if I get organised early enough, I could end up making several more of this design for next year.  I made it in purple and one in green.  What other colours would work?

Masking off a strip on the card, creates a stunning ink blended "sky" as a backdrop for the stamped die cut of Mary and Joseph as they travel towards Bethlehem.  My Aunty stamped and cut out several of these die cuts (Stampin' Up set) for me a few years ago and posted them to me.  These were the last two! Stars are drawn on using a silver gel pen. The sentiments were also stamped out by Aunty, I think they might be from a Catherine Pooler set? The Joy to the World card has a better blend, with more of the lighter colour coming from behind Mary and Joseph.  The stars are better too. 

Last, but not least. The sentiment die cut is from, you guessed it, Catherine Pooler. The nativity scene is from a large Gemini die set which has several pieces to help you make an exploding box card.  I pared it right back and used only one of the dies to make these simple cards.  Stacking the die cuts gives this simple design dimension and makes a greater impact in shadows. 

If you're interested in seeing Christmas cards I have made in previous years, you can check them out here and here. 

The countdown to New Year's is ON! 

Peace at Christmas

I promised to share some Peace with you this week. While this year, we have already celebrated Christmas, I feel like this part of the Advent series is too important to be skipped.  Peace has certainly been an important word for me this year, so let's do this. 

The final candle in the Advent Wreath is Peace.  Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Angels announced the arrival of Jesus and they spoke of Peace on Earth.  While Peace is a word that can mean so much, the Biblical meaning of Peace is different.  Peace is not about a quiet afternoon reading or the absence of war.  It has nothing to do with a lack of people or crisis.  Peace is about a reconciliation between God and His children; an end to the discord between the sin of people and God.  Peace is a result of God's Perfect Love for us.  This video from The Bible Project explains it so well.

Shalom, My Friends!

Joy and Love at Christmas

I'm running very behind.  The last few weeks have been crazy! Today we will cover two of the Advent "candles" or themes.

Love

The theme of Love lights the "Bethlehem" candle. This candle is also known as the "Faith" candle, and refers to the prophecy of Micah, who foretold the arrival of a baby, born in Bethlehem.  The baby, Jesus, was placed in a manger. The stark differences between the Son of God and a trough for animal feed, highlights just how far He was willing to 'fall' in order to rescue His children (that's us).  

Christmas is a new beginning, brought by love.  The love that God has for His creation.  The love that came from Heaven to Earth.  The love that brought a deity to become human.  Jesus fulfilled a prophecy, recorded hundreds of years before, because He loved us.  God still loves us; despite the rejection of Jesus and the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter.  The world seems to be in quite a mess these days (a mess we made ourselves) and yet, He Loves Us.  Therefore, show love to others at Christmas and everyday of the year. 

Joy

The Joy of Christmas is something we all seem to be a little confused about.  This theme encapsulates all the excitement and rejoicing of the Shepherds.  These boys would have known about the prophecy of Isiah and Micah, they knew that a Saviour was coming to rescue them. Their parents, their priests, their grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins were all waiting for the coming of a King.  Now, watching their flocks, an angel appears to them and brings them the most glorious news.  A baby has been born in Bethlehem.  Oh, the Joy!  The overwhelming, heart bursting, face glowing Joy that only comes from an encounter with God.  The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found the baby.  They worshipped Him and they went to tell everyone they met.  They had true Joy.  

Christmas is a time when many seem to think they have to be happy and they will try anything and everything to find it.  They go to parties with people they don't like, buy things they don't need, decorate their houses, they sing songs and they dress up.  They play at being happy then feel more exhausted and empty than they did in November.  The true Joy of Christmas comes from a real relationship with Jesus. It certainly doesn't come from a shop and it can't be found at a party.  

Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to 'enjoy' the Christmas season. Instead, find the real joy of the Season in the true story of Jesus.  

Next week: Peace and JESUS! 

While there is LIFE there is HOPE

Welcome to the first in my Advent series for this year.  It might seem a bit late, but it's never too late. I will start with a brief explanation of Advent, but the main purpose of this series is to share my reflections on each of the Advent themes as I participate in Advent traditions.

What is Advent Anyway? 

Many people only think Advent is a December Calendar with a chocolate or gift for every day leading to Christmas. While it's true that there is a commercial version of Advent, the real root of this indulgence comes from a tradition which dates back to the 4th Century church.  It was four weeks of  daily Bible reading and reflection during the weeks before Christmas.  Ironically, Advent was first considered to be a time of fasting prior to Christmas day, which allowed Christians to be more focused on spiritual matters during the season.  Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus which means "arrival".  So, the Advent season begins four Sunday's before Christmas. This year, that was the 1st of December.  This is the time when we get ready, we prepare for the arrival of Jesus.  We prepare for celebrating Christmas. Click here to learn more abou the origin of the Advent calendar and click here to learn more about Christian origin of Advent. 

The Advent Wreath

During the Advent season, there is a lovely wreath displayed in the church, with 5 candles.  Four of the candles each represent a particular theme which is the focus for each week: Hope, Love, Joy and Peach.  The fifth candle represents Jesus, The light of the world, who came to Earth at Christmas.  If you want to learn more about the Advent Wreath and symbolism of each candle check out this Learn Religion page and this Crosswalk.com page. 

Week One: HOPE

We began this week by reading about the prophecy of the coming of Jesus. Isaiah wrote about the birth of Jesus literally hundreds of years before it happened.  He wrote about a virgin giving both to a son and the impact this little baby would have on the world.  At first, this prophecy was considered to be a bit of a joke, but by the time of Mary and Joseph (Jesus' parents) were engaged, the Jewish people were waiting for a King to come and rescue them. They believed that God was going to send a saviour and they lived in hope for the day when the Messiah would arrive.  

As a 21st Century Christian I know the rest of the story.  I know how it all turned out and what Jesus did.  It certainly wasn't what the Jews were expecting.  I know that Jesus is coming again and I can live in hope for that day.  I also know that my God works in ways that are mysterious to the human mind and my expectations are nothing compared to His mighty power. I live in Hope that Jesus will come in my life time and put an end to the darkness in this world.  I have Hope beyond rational understanding that God created me and the stars in the sky, loves me, has a plan for my best life and a future for His people.  Hope in Jesus really does anchor my soul because my circumstances don't matter, the power of God does.  He is in control and I can trust Him.  

I'm getting ready for Jesus to come.  I'm making room in my heart.  I can't wait.  Do you understand why Christmas really is the best?! If you want to learn more about the Hope I am talking about, please feel free to ask any questions in the comments.  I will do my best to reply promptly. You might also like to check out the links on the left.  

Jesus Loves You and So Do I
See you next week,

So Guess Who's Behind Schedule!

Last week, I was supposed to share my Christmas cards with you.  I didn't do that, because I haven't finished them yet.  Last week, I hadn't even started them!!!
Did you gasp?  Me too! Now I have at least started making my Christmas cards, but they still aren't done! Was that another gasp I hear?! I know.  Mum and I received our first Christmas card of the season yesterday, and I haven't even finished making mine either! The exclamation points are not at all too much... they exactly enough much.  Hehe.

I have a few prototypes, practice cards I made before deciding which style was just right for mass production.  If you want to see the cards I massed produced last year, click here.  Now let's check out these simple cards.

I tell you what, a bit of heat embossing can really make a card something else completely.  Can you guess which card I decided to make in bulk?  Let me know in the comments! Maybe, when I finish them I will show you.

I also found some gorgeous Christmas patterned paper in a stash of papers someone gave me.  It was so beautiful.  So, I cut it up and made a few cards.  Get out your patterned paper girls!  It's not too pretty to cut up.  It's made to be used!

Next week, we will start the Advent series that we were supposed to start today.  EEK!

Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate it! Happy almost December if you don't.
Love

Almost the End of the Year

Wow, the last week went quickly.  
Visiting relatives, attending church, volunteering, more church services, wrapping gifts, cleaning, Christmas Eve traditions, the BFF's Birthday and Christmas celebrations, opening gifts and family fun have kept me busy! I almost forgot to write and post today.  

I've really been enjoying hanging out at home with my mum.  Don't tell her that.  

Our Christmas Day was wonderful. I woke up early, (thanks to Shelly) and went for a walk around the neighbourhood. It was nice to be outside and have a chat with God as I walked along.  I to the end of my street and smiled as I heard children calling out to their parents, or squealing with delight as they opened their presents. I also did a lap of the park.  It was quiet there. When I got home, I woke up my Mum so we could have breakfast together and exchange gifts.  Then we got dressed and headed off to church.  It was so nice to see my Church family and worship together with them on Christmas day.  There were several years when I didn't get the chance to do that and I really appreciate it when I can.  Mum and I had lunch at the local Football club, which was delicious.  We drove along the beach and then spent the afternoon watching Christmas movies and playing board games.  We both managed to fit in a nap too. It was low key and absolutely perfect for me.

While there are a few things I would have liked to do, I did everything I needed to do. 

Today, we will have a "Christmas Lunch" gathering at my sister's house and exchange gifts with my nieces and nephews.  I am excited to spend the day with them, eating, playing games and just enjoying each other.  That's what family gatherings should be about, in my opinion. 

What are you doing during this crazy week between Christmas and New Year? Working? Sleeping? Reflecting? Planning? Looking for a Calendar? Let me know in the comments. 

Merry Everything

This is Christmas?

So, this is Christmas

We all look around at his time of year for something magical.  Unless of course we are a mother or wife or self-appointed elf; then we are too busy trying to create something magical. 

In 2016, I determined to make Christmas extra special because I knew it would be the last one my father would spend with us.  I was right, of course, because he died only a few weeks after Christmas.  He didn’t want to miss out on the presents! I ask you, what do you buy a dying man?  No, really, I’m asking. I cannot for the life of me remember what I gave him.  I decorated the house, wrapped presents, made a scavenger hunt for the kids and helped put together an elaborate table setting with my mother.  All the while, caring for my dying father.  I don’t know how I managed to buy and wrap all those presents, either. 

In 2017, I was also determined to make Christmas special, because it was the first one without Dad.  I made sure to decorate, I helped Mum gather table centres and settings to take to my sister’s house.  I got hydrated and went Christmas shopping, then I came home and wrapped everything.  I bought gifts for everyone including the pets.  Especially, Shelly!

Oh no- I just remembered a pair of cats who I forgot to buy gifts for!  ☹ I usually make their gifts.  I’m not sure I have it in me this year. 

In 2017, I was hell bent on creating new traditions and I worked at making the holiday meaningful, Christ-centred, spent with family and fun.  I tried my level best to make it easier for me and my mum to not just survive it but enjoy it.  I did okay.   

This year, I am tired.  I want Christmas to be practical and pretty.  I want Christmas to be meaningful, on a whole new level.  I don’t want to waste money on junk or items that no one really needs.  I am also a little bit sad.  In a way, doing Christmas without Dad is harder this year.  I don’t know why.  My sister doesn’t want us to buy ‘crap’ for Christmas.  Those were her actual words.  Yes, thank you, I buy crap for my nieces and nephews.  That’s what you think of all the gifts I have purchased over the years for them.  Don’t get me started on my sister. 

This year, I have gone Christmas shopping and bought a few small items for my nieces.  I am giving money to my older nephews and nieces as per their requests.  I bought a few things for myself and told my Mum she can wrap one of them and put it under the tree if she likes.  I am giving my mother an experience – sounds scary, doesn’t it.  I decided it was time to start another new tradition.  I will tell you more about that, a little closer to Christmas.

What’s that you say?  It’s only 4 days until Christmas.  Wait, what? 3 days until Christmas?! No, it can’t be!

Um, I gotta go.

Christmas Love

More Christmas Cards

I love making cards and I love trying out new techniques to see how I can stretch my supplies.  If I can do that, I don't need to buy as many products.  Nice! So, I couldn't put away my Christmas stamps, dies, embossing folders or ink colours, before making a few more cards, just for fun.  

I want to start by showing you two cards.  I used the same embossing folder but changed up the ink that I used.  I love both cards and  I will definitely be doing this again. I watch a video by Jennifer McGuire where she used ink in embossing folders and ran them through a die cutting machine.  I followed her instructions to make this card.  

I'm not sure if I didn't roll it through enough times, or if I didn't use the right ink.  I used CP's Grass Skirt ink and maybe it has a different formulation to the inks that Jennifer recommended.  If you have read my card posts before, you will know that I LOVE Catherine Pooler inks and stamps so I'm not saying anything negative about her inks.  I'm just saying that this technique is maybe better suited to other inks. I still love the look of this card and I will be sending it to a friend.  

While falling down a You Tube rabbit hole, I stumbled upon a video by May May Made It (she's so down to earth and so much fun).  She demonstrated a similar technique where you use the embossing folder and run it through your die cutting machine first, then drag the ink pads over the embossed card stock.  I figured I would give it a try.  Here's what I made.  

The same embossing folder from Kaisercraft, 

but I used Cottage Ivy from Memento Inks.

Video from May May (click to see the video). 

I absolutely adore the look of this technique!  It's so lovely.  I can't wait to try this technique with all of my other embossing folders.  Stay tuned for that in the New Year. 

This card was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest - click here to see the original. 

Images are from the Spot On stamp set by Catherine Pooler

Sentiment stamp from a set by Kaisercraft

Ink Colours are Grass Skirt and Rockin' Red by Catherine Pooler

This set of cards was created using just two stamps! Both stamps were part of FREE sets that came with a Stamping Magazine.  I'm sorry, I don't remember which ones they came with.  I glued my card panels onto some red card bases I had in my stash.

I used Memento inks on these cards

Rhubarb Stalk and Cottage Ivy. 

Just in case you're wondering, I used Versafine Black Onyx pigment ink for most of the sentiments on the cards in this blog post.  

Lastly, I made this card in less than 10 minutes! I used the left over stars from my bulk Christmas card set.  I swiped my Paris Dusk Ink (by Memento) across a card panel to make my night sky and stamped a sentiment in the bottom left corner.  Then I used some multi-medium matte glue to stick on my stars.  I smooshed some of my ink on to my craft mat and sprayed some water on it. Then I flicked it onto my card panel and base.  Before gluing the card panel onto the base, I used a silver gel pen to put some tiny polka dot stars all over the background.  Then, I stamped a sentiment inside my card. Done! :) 

It was quick, easy and fun. I love those cards.  Gluing on the stars was probably the step that took the longest.  Now, I have to work out who will receive this card from me.  

That's that then! 
May visions of sugarplums dance in your head. 

Christmas Cards - Batch Card Making

Cards and Tags are still popular at Christmas Time. Some card makers start making their Christmas cards in July.  I am not one of those card makers! Some make 20 or 30 or even 50 of the same card then send them on out.  Some card makers like to make five or six of each design and make several different designs.  The easiest way to make lots of Christmas cards is to buy a pad of patterned paper, cut and stick.  Choose a simple sentiment and go for it.  

If you are searching for some Christmas Card inspiration, you might want to check out these videos... they certainly helped me work out what to do. 

Catherine Pooler's KISS Christmas Card 1
KISS Christmas Card 2 

Mass Producing Cards (with Jennifer McGuire)

Last year, I got a bunch of Christmas stamps and a few dies and just made a few cards as I felt the need.  I think I ended up making about 10 or 12 cards.  However, as it got closer to Christmas and I got better at pulling together Christmas cards, my mother started thinking of people to whom she wanted to send cards.  This meant that  I would put away all my Christmas stamps and then have to pull them all out again.  The struggle was real! 

This year, I decided that I would design one or two simple Christmas cards that would be easy to mass produce.  I told my mother that I was making 20 cards this year and if we ran out, she would have to use some cheap packet cards we bought at the discount store a few years ago.  I am not making last minute cards.  You ready to see the magic? 

The winning design for my bulk set of cards. 

The key to making so many cards, efficiently is to plan out the card (and even make one- just one). I made three different cards and showed my Mum and a few of my crafty friends.  Between us, we decided on the best design.  I then wrote a list of all the steps needed to make that card.  I listed all the measurements of card stock and all the materials and tools I would need.  I got out a box and put everything I would need into the box.  I tidied up my craft space so there wasn't anything in my way.
  

Time to start creating.  I cut all my cardstock.... enough for 25 cards - just in case I messed up.  I created a mask and started ink blending all my Christmas Trees- I did 20 card panels like this.  When I finished ink blending each panel, I brushed some Perfect Pearls pigment powder over the triangle, before removing the mask and going to the next panel.

I used post-it tape to mask off a triangle just 

off-centre.  I used the squares on the tape to 

make sure the triangle was straight. 

As you can see, I used Lime Rickey and Grass Skirt inks 

from Catherine Pooler Designs to make the tree shapes.  

Next, I stamped the sentiments on the front.  Using my stamping tool made this so easy and quick.  I used Rockin' Red ink from Catherine Pooler to stamp my sentiments (which were from Kaisercraft). Next was more ink blending around the border.  Then, time to emboss all the panels using an embossing folder - 20 card panels, one after another = tired elbows.  Before putting away the Cuttlebug, I die cut 40 little stars.  Actually, to tell you the truth, I asked my Mum to do the die cutting and embossing.  Considering that she will use most of the cards, she was happy to help.  Then I stamped sentiments on the inside of the cards.  Finally, they were ready to assemble.

Embellishing these cards was the most fun part! You can add sequins, twine or washi tape on the card to go behind the card panel.  Use glitter, enamel dots, Nuvo Drops, glossy accents or whatever you have.  I simply stuck my stars onto the top of each tree.  I played with placement of sequins on a few cards, but in the end I decided I liked them without the extra stuff.

So much for my tidy workspace! Lol. 

Mum loves these cards and so do I!  It's hard for us to find a design that we both like so much.

Just to be on the "safe side", I made a few other cards.  I wanted to try some designs that I saw on Pinterest and I wanted to try out some techniques that I was sure would look gorgeous with Christmas supplies.  There will be a bonus post for you in a few days, showing you the other cards I made.  Here's a sneak peek.

Have a Crafty Day

Christmas Party BINGO!!

We all have to attend at least one! It might be with family, or work mates, neighbours or, if you're really lucky, friends.  Some of us love these social gatherings!  Some of us, would rather be in our PJ's, eating gingerbread or popcorn or chocolate while you watch Die Hard.  If this is you, I have a great game you can play, with your friends (even if they aren't at the party) and inject a bit of fun into the holiday festivities.

It's Christmas Party BINGO!

Click save as on the image above for your own copy OR you can create your own.  It was really easy.  Just create a 5x5 table in Word (landscape orientation) and fill in the squares with events, objects, names or other things holiday related.  Here are some variations of playing this game.
1. Everyone gets a bingo board and the first to tick off 5 in a row (in any direction) wins.
2. Write a date and time in each square so you know who really did see grandparents first!
3. For the square to count, a player needs to send a photo/ video to all the other players.
4. If bragging rights aren't enough to motivate your mates, have everyone donate something to a prize pool.
5. Mix it up by requiring 5 squares that aren't touching or the FREE square has to be included.  You could make it 4 in a row or the whole board.
6. Play like tic-tac-toe.  You play on the same board so opponents can block you from earning the square if they get it first.
7. Play it with a friend and just laugh!

Christmas can be a difficult and tiring time for many people. It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, so if you're dreading the thought, go on - right click.  Choose some relatively harmless silliness.

It's completely fat free... you don't have to eat the gingerbread!  It doesn't have to cost you a cent.

Next Week: Check out how I make a batch of Homemade Christmas Cards.

…. and to all a goodnight!

Surviving Christmas ... Family Gatherings

Only 3 more sleeps until Christmas Day.  Have you finished your Christmas shopping?  Have you wrapped all those gifts?  Do you have social engagements back to back until December 27? What's the plan for the BIG day?

Some people LOVE Christmas.  They love the anticipation, buying gifts, wrapping gifts, unwrapping gifts, baking, cooking, visiting, catching up with friends and family, writing out Christmas cards, hanging lights, organising everyone, setting and decorating the table, cleaning, craft with the kids... they LOVE it all!  Can you believe it?

If you are not THAT girl (or guy), you don't have to be a total Grinch!  You can enjoy the holiday too! Obviously you may have to do a few things that you don't "love" but you don't have to do anything that will actually hurt.  Whether it's Christmas Shopping, Dinner with the In-Laws or a whole weekend with your own family, it doesn't have to be painful.  Here are a few tips for surviving the last few days of the Holidays and maybe have some fun along the way.  

1. Stay Hydrated... 

One of the most common causes of headaches is dehydration.  True Story! So, keep sipping that water.  This is especially important during social gatherings when alcohol, fatty finger foods, sugary foods and drinks are in abundance.  In fact, stay healthy!  Check out this link for Healthy Holiday Eating Tips.  

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2. Plan Ahead...

Plan for some downtime in between social activities.  Lots of bloggers will tell you it's important to Plan Ahead for everything if you want to cope with the holiday rush! Plan for time to do your shopping and wrapping gifts.  Plan for the costs involved too.  If you are facing the last few days of Christmas and you haven't planned ahead yet, it's not too late! Start now! Remember to plan something really fun to do after Christmas so you have something to look forward to.  Life Hacker has more tips about surviving parties for introverts. 

3. Have QUIET TIME/ SPACE...

Don't be afraid to take some time for yourself before, after and even during Family Gatherings.  Head to the Loo for a moment of peace and quiet.  These gatherings will be noisy because when you put more than two or three people in a small space (and then add some kids into the mix), things are going to get loud.  It's a fact.

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4. Dress for Success...

Choose something to wear that is comfortable and looks good.  There will be photos, you don't want to be afraid of the selfie-stick.  While you want to look great, you also need to be super comfortable.  These things tend to make for a long day and if that bra isn't your comfiest, you will be desperate to "Free the Girls" by dessert! You will find it easier to relax and have fun with the family if you are feeling comfortable. 

5. Conversate...

I couldn't resist making up a word.  Have some conversation starters prepared and prepare some answers for the common questions that the Aunties will ask.  How is work?  Have you done any travel? What was the last movie you saw? What's new? Have you set a 'date'? Expect that small talk will happen and keep it in the plan.  Also, understand that some conversations may go over your head or be about things you missed.  That's okay.  Ask lots of questions.  Most people are happy to talk about themselves, so you just need to give them an opportunity. 

6. Countdown... 

It's only a day.  You can do this...

7. Stay Positive..

Look for the good.  Don't try to work out the ulterior motive behind that weird Secret Santa Gift or why the other female family members aren't including you in the conversation.  Despite how things appear, everyone else is probably just as tired and uncomfortable on the inside as you are feeling.  Pay people compliments and enjoy the smiles.

8. Play a Game...

There has to be someone at these gatherings that you like... right? Count how many times Aunty Pat offers everyone seconds.  See who can get the most people to yawn.  Play hangman under the table.  Create a scavenger hunt and award points for things like, a photo of uncle Fred asleep.  See who can make the longest paper chain from old wrapping paper.  Don't worry about everyone else, you two will have a blast!

9. When in doubt... find the kids and play baysitter!  

The adults will love you for it.  Kids can be really entertaining when you aren't actually responsible for them!  

I hope your Christmas is absolutely wonderful.