My eldest will be on school holidays this time next week. We will packing and getting ready for a three day break by the beach. Just the little boys and I as my husband still needs to work. But before the relaxing can begin there will be a mad flurry of activity. Excursions, christmas cards, contraband candy canes and end-of-school get togethers.
This week is about organising teacher and class gifts. And wrapping the boys’ presents when they are still out of the house. And finding a hiding spot that my master spies won’t discover. And rearranging the Christmas tree in subtle, stealth ways so that the boys don’t notice. Pikachu has appeared on our tree thanks to my seven year old son’s exemplary google image search skills, ability to waste use the colour printer and improving scissor work. I am slowly coming to terms with a less-than-perfect tree, but I’m still not pleased that Pikachu, plus a Pokémon great ball, are front and centre. I’m clearly still suffering with a little Christmas Tree OCD.
I wasn’t intending on doing class gifts, but then Karin from Calm to Conniption published this post and how could we resist? It’s such a cute, inexpensive way to share some Christmas cheer without infringing on the aforementioned candy cane ban.
I was also toying with giving some Pokémon decorations to colour in. You can use the print out here if you’d like to use them as Christmas cards. Just print onto card, add ribbon and a message on the back. I’m sure the kids will bring home more than enough colour pencils. Sorry to anyone who now ends up with a front and centre Pokémon decoration.
Our school gives class gifts to our teachers, but I want to give a little extra something to a teacher who always goes the extra mile. There are loads of great posts about what teachers really want for Christmas (and what they don’t). I love this one and this one and this one. The consistent theme seems to be — something personal and a card with words from the heart. And no candles.
This Friday, after school breaks, we will celebrate St Nicholas with my Dutch family – we are a few days early but St Nick had holiday plans. Each year my great uncle, who doesn’t see the children often, bears the brunt of Brisbane heat and dresses in full St Nicholas regalia. There’s a sense of magic when he rings the bell and brings in his sack. I remember as a kid I clung to the reality of St Nicholas for much longer than I did Santa Clause. I hope my kids do the same. It will also be the first Christmas we celebrate with my darling little nephew. There is a whole different kind of Christmas magic with a baby in the mix. I can’t wait to see his eyes widen at the sights and joys of the festive season.
I feel quite calm and prepared as we head into December and I’m grateful to those that have helped with their own ideas and posts regarding Christmas organisation. Here are my favourites:
Mumtastic 2016 Christmas Calendar
Cooker and a Looker’s free Christmas Planner (you will be asked to sign up to the newsletter but please be assured it’s awesome)
Avoiding Christmas Craziness
And a few of my own as well …
Planning Christmas Traditions
Organising Christmas Cards & Presents
Plus a school holiday calendar to help with planning the long and beautiful days off (or making sure you leave enough of them empty) …
How are your Christmas and holiday preparations going?
Karin’s class gift idea is just amazeballs (ha, see what I did there,) isn’t it? I had to laugh about Pokemon’s prize position on the tree because I just would not be able to deal. Your Dutch Christmas and your beach getaway sound fabulous – enjoy the fun and festivities!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…The Lucky Ones
The Dutch christmas was gorgeous and I’m so looking forward to the beach.
That’s so cute!!! (I loved that ball idea too)
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…First of the Month Fiction – December
It was so easy to put together.
Still lovin’ that “had a ball with you this year” gift idea.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted…Day 2602 – It’s a deep fried update
Such a great idea.
I love that idea – had a ball with you. Pretty easy to do and fun for everyone.
Natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted…I choose amazing people
It’s very cute and the kids loved it.
Sounds like you have plenty to look forward to this December. Enjoy your time away with the boys at the beach. Sounds bliss. I love those gift ideas of Karin’s, but we ran out of time (and energy). The candy canes have already started to come in from classmates – if only more people took a leaf out of Karin’s book. The calendar looks great. Will have to check it out properly later.
Renee Wilson recently posted…Living life with greater confidence and positivity
I think we only got two this year – last year the school stepped in and encouraged less sugar. I think the balance is about right now.
I’ve just about finished all my shopping, just struggling now with what to do with the teenagers for the 4 weeks of holiday prior to Christmas!
Nicole @ The Builder’s Wife recently posted…Pen Y Llechwedd -Our Front Door
There will be a lot of beach in our future.
I’m printing those Pokemon cards as I type. I’ve decided to embrace the messy tree- we currently have a soccer ball key ring front and centre- this will fit right in 😉
Melinda @ United States of Mama recently posted…Shopkins Birthday Party Like A Boss
Bahaha, don’t you love it when the kids decorate! Hope they enjoy them.
I love your holiday calendar, I download it every year and give the kids a copy each!! xx
Emily Toxward recently posted…21 Christmas Gift Ideas For Teachers That Don’t Suck
Oh that makes me so happy – so glad it’s useful.
Christmas I am all set. I am so glad you liked the class gifts. I have printed off the Pokemon decorations and also the school holiday calendar. I am all for filling the holidays with activites and I was just talking to a friend about how I needed to get organised for the break so the kids don’t start climbing the walls.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption recently posted…The Perfect Bunnings Gift Card Gift Boxes with FREE Printables
The kids all LOVED them – thanks so much.
I still need to fill a few spare spots on the advent calendar. I need to get some lollies or small shopkins asap to fill in the boxes! So far I’m feeling quite prepared. The kids presents are all I have to buy now.
Bec Senyard recently posted…My Surprise Date Night – The Post All Husbands Should Read
I’ve had the last arrive and just need to wrap! Feeling so much more organised this year.
So clever!
Thanks gorgeous lady
That’s such a cute “every kid in the class gift”!!
Yes – good for all genders, all allergies and all ages 🙂
I so love the ball idea! We had a cracker idea last year so we were in great need of a follow up hit. Thanks Robyna (and Karin) xx #teamIBOT
It went down a treat.