After every Christmas, or any major celebration in our family, I take a moment for a debrief  – I think through what worked and what didn’t.   My goal is to learn from my mistakes and to continue in the things that were a success.  Once they are written down I can refer to them next year as I start to plan the coming celebration.

Read about that process here.  But today I’m sharing my notebook entry for this year.

What worked:

·         All presents were wrapped and under the tree before Christmas Eve

·         I kept my plans fluid, changed them as they became unrealistic goals

·         Kids had Christmas boxes under their beds.  These started as a place to store their handmade creations as they prepared presents for family earlier on but on Christmas day these boxes became their box for their new things as they opened presents.  This has kept the house tidy.  Everyone has everything in a box – next week we will find a permanent home for it all.

·         We tested all electronic / battery driven toys and presents before I wrapped them to ensure everything worked – we did have to take a few things back which was easier done before Christmas.

·         Our Christmas Eve was great – we started chores mid afternoon including showers, clothes and food was all prepared for the tomorrow, we concluded our Christmas studies and then had a simple meal in front of the video.  After we put the kids to bed, we had a few quick chores to do while the kids fell to sleep, filled the stockings, had a cuppa and went to bed ourselves at a decent hour.  (usually it is very late before I get to bed)

·         I was prepared for my Christmas day the night before – floor swept, breakfast table set and clothes ironed (and toenails painted!!)  Usually I wake earlier than everyone else and do these things Christmas morning – it was nice not having to do this.

What didn’t work:

·         The movie we chose for Christmas Eve wasn’t particularly enjoyable – next year we will watch the Christmas Carols on TV or play a game

·         My initial Devotions that I planned didn’t work out but my revised plan worked just great – the lesson I learnt was to teach my children from my heart.  The best lessons are the ones that God has taught you or placed on your heart – we need to have the confidence to pass it on to our children.

·         My Christmas Binder didn’t work well for me – there was too many tasks, too much focus on my house and I didn’t do any of it. Next year I will use a notebook with a simple plan with the focus on gifts, traditions and celebrating.