Our Big Guy adores Christmas carols, and loves singing them with all his heart. Last year he stood in front of Hubby’s entire family (around 25 relatives he sees once a year) and belted out Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He’s been practicing some new songs I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, and  Frosty the Snowman this season.


So, my homemade present to him this year is going to be a booklet of his favorite carols. LyricsMania has tons of lyrics. I also bought the kiddos a double CD of kids singing carols that has been a big hit for our holiday errands.


Growing up in a small town, we would go caroling every year and I loved it. My favorites are the 12 days of Christmas, Oh Christmas Tree, and Deck the Halls.


Frosty the Snowman is his new favorite:





Do you sing carols as a family?
What traditions do you have for free holiday entertainment?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

When we moved into our “new” house two years ago, we wanted our first Christmas to be special. But we couldn’t afford to spend a fortune…so-called eco-friendly play kitchens can cost over $300! So, my Twin Sis and I teamed up to create a built-in kids’ kitchen in the end of one counter. She took the lead and did lots of research on creating home made kitchens, and did a fantastic job.


She made a colorful laminated back-splash from old Body & Soul magazines, then she made a cook-top from recycled CDs and brads. She even included knobs and a clock, plus hooks and magnets, not to mention the touch light that helps to put a light on the subject and is oh so fun.  Then she went above and beyond by making homemade felted vegetables. The entire kitchen cost practically nothing, and was made of mostly reused materials. 


“Auntie” also bought him a pot set, and baskets for the all the veggies. My mom also sewed an apron, mitts and a chef’s hat. Hubby’s mom, Gram, bought a fun  Melissa & Doug Pizza Party set . I bought lots of utensils, and in retrospect I would have bought more that could actually be used to cook.


Alas, as it turns out, the kitchen didn’t hold Big Guy’s attention much (he was almost 3) and initially he only really played with it when other kids came over. It did inspire him to cook for real though, and he loves using the bigger utensils. But Girly has grown up with it and loves playing in her little kitchen (this pick was taken at 10 months last fall…hard to believe she has so many curls now!).


Lastly, I know not everyone has a spare open cabinet, but after seeing our kitchen a friend made one from a standard kitchen rack. The best part is that the rack is still useful and costs about as much as some play kitchens!


Here are some resources if you’re interested in designing a kids’ kitchen:

• Martha how-to video to make an oven from a cardboard box
• Make a stylish kitchen from a reused nightstand or entertainment center, or you can make yours “badass“
• Simple patterns for sewing veggies 

We’ve also shared a close-up for inspiration.  
Do you have a homemade play kitchen?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

I hope your holiday weekend was as relaxing as ours. It reminded me of how laid back I want our entire holiday season to be. Less stress, more fun.


I read a great article on our drive that sums up how important it is to simplify the season. Just like the story they share of the overwhelmed toddler, I remember a similar event and I keep that imagine in my mind when I get tempted to buy too many gifts. We’ve already adopted many of the ideas they discuss:

• We did a gift exchange in my family growing up, I loved giving/getting one special present. Hubby’s family also did one, and now the cousins do a “Pollyanna”. It’s such much more fun for kids to be a part of the gift giving and too many gifts for a child can be really overwhelming.
• Send a “wish list” to family members that includes experiential gift like a family membership. Also list items that are off limits, like video games or toy guns. If you don’t send some guidelines there a much greater chance of having a misunderstanding and hurt feelings.
• Make gifts. We often made some gifts growing up. I definitely plan on making more gifts as the kiddos grow up. So far, I’ve been giving away my homemade jam as hostess/dog-sitter presents.
• Adopt a family. My mom’s group is adopting a family for the third year. We buy gifts, clothes, and food for two families in need. By pooling our resources we’re about to do a lot more together. Last year I remember buying hats/gloves/scarfs for the family members. My kiddos were also in need, and I just couldn’t imagine not being able to just go to the store and buy them cozy essentials.
• Support a toy drive. Sock drive. Food drive. We support as many giving efforts as we can during the holiday season. Last year I was so proud of our Big Guy picking out a Thomas train to give to a child in need that just the year before he had coveted for himself. This year he really seems to understand why it’s so important that we share during the holiday season.
• Throw a party! We’ve thrown a Danish “julefrokost” for the past decade to share the festive traditions of Denmark with our closest friends. I cook a ton of Danish foods, and enjoy sharing some the culture that I love so much.

How do you plan to simplify and “save” this season?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.