Love your idea! We've moved so far away from the true meaning of Christmas that a lot of us have forgotten that the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas is actually the season of Advent, (a time to prepare for the Lord's coming) and the 12 days of Christmas fall between December 25 and January 6 (the time we rejoice in the Lord's birth). Hand made and baked items, and experiences are the most meaningful. Thank you for sharing this with us Cami and for not decorating so early!💝
Thanking God someone has had the good sense to say , enough is enough!!!!! An idea I saw one year in a ladies magazine was to make clay ornaments in cookie cutter shapes make the whole at the top, but to lightly roll on it's side a cut glass using different areas of the glass on each piece/ and/ or different cut glass, ie. Maybe even the side of a cut glass salt shaker for a smaller look on the clay...then bake until set. I.. don't know if I'm explaining it well enough, then add your ribbon loop or tied bow at the top to hang on a tree , garland or package
This sounds so lovely. I’m going to pray about this with my husband. He lost his job a year ago August and we have been looking for ways to simplify and praise Him more during this glorious Christmas season. God bless you and your sweet family. ❤️ I will pray that you find so much joy in Christ throughout this beautiful opportunity!
Jennifer - I so loved your comment. I'm so sorry to hear of your families job struggles. My husband didn't lose his job, but we chose to bring him home and try to use my business to support us and be together more. That means the budget is tight, but it feels like a blessing in disguise as we try to find ways to be more careful with money and find more meaning in our lives. I wish you the best as you pray for a way to make the season special for your family.
@@TIDBITSandCompany thank you for your kind words of encouragement and prayers for our family! 🥹 I’ve known your husband’s working from home was intentional and I’m so happy it is working for your family! 😊 I was excited to see the same happen for Lisa Bass and her family a few years back and more recently her sister Laura’s family as well. Such a beautiful blessing! I hope you all have a Thanksgiving filled will love and gratitude, and a very joy filled Christmas! ❤️
Another thing we did one Christmas was to make our own granola for everyone and put it in mason jars ....Thinking the recipe was 1 cup of everything (you could multiply that accordingly as to how many gifts...so 1 cup each of honey, dried fruit, BUT 3 cups of the original oatmeal (dry, of course), ONE CUP again of the rest of the ingredients you choose, whole almonds , sesame seeds, dried pumpkin seeds, dries shredded coconut , 1/2 to 1 cup canola oil...you can leave out nuts or anything else you wouldn't choose....bake in a slow oven spread out on the cookie sheets flat until lightly brown and cool fully before packing up. Have fun....our grown adult children are theirs all the way to L.A. from Central CA one year as they were on their way to the airport with their children and were so glad they had it. Have fun. Hope I didn't leave anything out....that was from memory....I'm 79 and haven't made it for awhile. Merry CHRISTmas...
Cami, Thank you for sharing this message. Christmas growing up for me was always a disappointment and always felt thrown together last minute without much thought or purpose. I swore to be different about it when I had my own family. Life happens and things don’t always go as planned. This year I’m finding myself alone again during the holidays however, I have found a couple of local organizations that are helping to serve those in need and in the act of serving others, I have found my true joy. Thank you for sharing your idea and being bold about it. You and Mr tidbits are raising some good lil human beings there. I hope that your blessings will continue and see no end. God bless
Oh Mark! Your comment was so inspiring to me! I think serving others is the best way to get out of our own funk. I'm going to look for local opportunities for my kids to feel that more this year. I sure love having you as a friend here on YT. Praying you don't feel lonely this season!
@@TIDBITSandCompany Cami, I may feel lonely at times but in my line of work, I am often reminded of just how blessed that I am. There are so many people that would love to switch places in my life. I’m thankful for strength, the ability to just walk.. think about that as a blessing. I have 2 old creaky legs to get me around and hopefully to be a blessing to others along the way and do some good in this world.
This sounds great if you’re crafty! Since I’m not crafty, this would actually increase the the stress for me. My family doesn’t exchange material gifts at all. We share experiences instead. Each family member gets to plan an activity to do together. It can be as simple as baking Christmas cookies, board game night, going ice skating, etc. These shared experiences make our best Christmas memories without the stress of gifts.
Robin, you may not be crafty, but you’re certainly not materialistic, either! I LOVE the idea of each family member planning an experience to share. So cool-and doesn’t need to be expensive-and doesn’t add clutter! (And maybe at some point, someone in the family will come up with a “crafting experience” to share 😀.)
Oh Robin! I loved your comment and ideas you shared with me! How very precious to share experiences instead of gifts. That is just exactly what I hope will come out of us creating our own decor and gifts - because we are a super crafty/creative family - it just is our way. But the concept of more memorable times shared versus gifts is just calling to me so intensely. You are such an encouragement to me. Thank you!
Very excited to be home around Christmas after 11 years but now the excitement is not there anymore since i lost my job...had even imagined how the end of this month will shop for my kid since I would be working 🤦🏿♀️ just wishing to leave the country for work before Christmas.
Last year I decided to donate any decor relating to Santa. I went with more natural wintery items instead. Usually, I am tearing down Christmas decor on the 26th in a frenzy to get it all put away and out of sight. But last year, I felt so much more at peace. Even my husband commented that it was nice not to have me frazzled and he was enjoying the decor as well. He encouraged me to keep it out thru the end of January but I didn’t quite make it that long lol. This year I plan to do the same and carry the idea of “seasonal” (spring, summer, autumn, winter) decor, not holiday specific (Easter, July 4, Halloween etc) decor as I sort thru and donate items. It’s really hard letting go of items I’ve had for 30 years, but it’s time to ease my mind. The peace I felt last holiday was so refreshing, I’m looking forward to it again this year. A handmade Christmas sounds perfect!
Great idea for your family! I wish more young families would move in your direction. I've never seen so many of my TH-cam favorite channels with so much Christmas PUSH! I don't even watch them at this time, Walmart, hobby lobby, etc hauls in October! yuck, it creates anxiety for the beautiful season.
My heart is so happy just reading this video title! There is no TH-camr that could do a handmade Christmas better than you. I am saving this video to watch with a cup of coffee tomorrow morning. Can't wait!
I wrangled all the holidays to my liking many years ago and turned them from dread to much-treasured precious memories. We stopped obligatory gifts, turned to handmade gifts, lots of food, playing games and sledding, snowshoeing, etc. You'll be glad you shifted and can't wait to come along for the ride. Great idea, friend! 💗🌲💗
Julie - you have no idea how encouraging that was for me to hear! I so want to feel that "much-treasured" feeling and I do hope this is a step in the right direction. Thank you a million times for the encouragement!
Our family has enjoyed giving leatherwork, needlework, sewing, baking, plants dug up from the yard, and artwork. Wonderful to hear this from you and Mr. Tidbits. Major holidays with family no longer holds the joy or wonder as I’ve reached my senior years. All the cooking and baking, buying presents, decorating, cleaning and having a house busting at its seams with 3 generations is exhausting and overwhelming. There’s got to be a solution.
This is a great idea! That is, if you have the time and abilities. One year, we were very broke and I was so upset we didn’t have the money to buy gifts for everyone. (Buying thoughtful gifts is one of the most fun things for me. The getting upset was not a good thing and something I learned from.) I did make gifts for everyone, extended family included. It ended up being ok. Another year I made lap quilts for all my seven kids, their spouses and kids. I made 16 lap quilts that year! I don’t recommend that. 😅
Fabulous idea! My husband and I are trying to do the same for kids,loved ones,and friends . Not all but hopefully most our gifts. I want Joy and Jesus not stress and sadness
I have to say that your idea is bold, but so needed right now. You are teaching your kids appreciation and the real meaning of Christmas. Well done…….❤️-Brenda
I think that's a great idea, they will get excited about what each one is making for them. I gave up trying to look for gifts and give my sons and their families gift cards so they can get what they want. I have always loved the way you decorate and will look forward to your posts.
I think Christmas has become overly commercialized and also very competative. People tend to feel guilty if their own holiday gifts for their family aren't as spectacular as the gifts that their friends and relatives are giving to their families. I love to give more than I like to receive, but I also realize that a gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful to others. We enjoy buying gifts for the giving tree in our community and that gives extra joy and meaning to our holiday season. You are doing something really great in your home this year. I can't wait to see the things you are planning.
All these other channels are doing massive Christmas decor hauls and I’m like?!?!? Who had this kind of budget? I’m actually over all ready. It’s sad. I love this so much better. I’ve been telling myself not to buy any new Christmas decor this year. I get tired of stuff to quick anyway, it’s such a waste. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. -Jen
I agree Robert - and all well and good. But I just know the years I've done major decor hauls, I just haven't ended up too happy! Thanks for following along and encouraging me so much. I'm glad there are folks out there who are open to more simplicity at Christmas time.
How wonderful to hear this. I think your teaching your children the true meaning of Christmas. I never felt that alot of spending and going in debt is something that appeals to me. I've always had a simple Christmas and enjoy spending time with family and that is what we taught our son. So excited to see your handmade gifts.
Love this idea!!!!
Love this!
Cami, we thrifted all our gifts the last two years. It was so fun. Loved the ideas, Cami.🎄❤️🥰
Absolutely love your ideas and so happy that you teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you.
Love your idea! We've moved so far away from the true meaning of Christmas that a lot of us have forgotten that the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas is actually the season of Advent, (a time to prepare for the Lord's coming) and the 12 days of Christmas fall between December 25 and January 6 (the time we rejoice in the Lord's birth). Hand made and baked items, and experiences are the most meaningful. Thank you for sharing this with us Cami and for not decorating so early!💝
This is so sweet and why I enjoy following you!! ❤️ Where our hearts have been for some time!
You are working towards a very blest Christmas.
Thanking God someone has had the good sense to say , enough is enough!!!!! An idea I saw one year in a ladies magazine was to make clay ornaments in cookie cutter shapes make the whole at the top, but to lightly roll on it's side a cut glass using different areas of the glass on each piece/ and/ or different cut glass, ie. Maybe even the side of a cut glass salt shaker for a smaller look on the clay...then bake until set. I.. don't know if I'm explaining it well enough, then add your ribbon loop or tied bow at the top to hang on a tree , garland or package
hey girl- such great ideas!😀 Love your thinking- Jesus is the reason for the season😍
This sounds so lovely. I’m going to pray about this with my husband. He lost his job a year ago August and we have been looking for ways to simplify and praise Him more during this glorious Christmas season. God bless you and your sweet family. ❤️ I will pray that you find so much joy in Christ throughout this beautiful opportunity!
Jennifer - I so loved your comment. I'm so sorry to hear of your families job struggles. My husband didn't lose his job, but we chose to bring him home and try to use my business to support us and be together more. That means the budget is tight, but it feels like a blessing in disguise as we try to find ways to be more careful with money and find more meaning in our lives. I wish you the best as you pray for a way to make the season special for your family.
@@TIDBITSandCompany thank you for your kind words of encouragement and prayers for our family! 🥹
I’ve known your husband’s working from home was intentional and I’m so happy it is working for your family! 😊
I was excited to see the same happen for Lisa Bass and her family a few years back and more recently her sister Laura’s family as well. Such a beautiful blessing!
I hope you all have a Thanksgiving filled will love and gratitude, and a very joy filled Christmas! ❤️
Another thing we did one Christmas was to make our own granola for everyone and put it in mason jars ....Thinking the recipe was 1 cup of everything (you could multiply that accordingly as to how many gifts...so 1 cup each of honey, dried fruit, BUT 3 cups of the original oatmeal (dry, of course), ONE CUP again of the rest of the ingredients you choose, whole almonds , sesame seeds, dried pumpkin seeds, dries shredded coconut , 1/2 to 1 cup canola oil...you can leave out nuts or anything else you wouldn't choose....bake in a slow oven spread out on the cookie sheets flat until lightly brown and cool fully before packing up. Have fun....our grown adult children are theirs all the way to L.A. from Central CA one year as they were on their way to the airport with their children and were so glad they had it. Have fun. Hope I didn't leave anything out....that was from memory....I'm 79 and haven't made it for awhile. Merry CHRISTmas...
Should be "ate"
Cami, Thank you for sharing this message. Christmas growing up for me was always a disappointment and always felt thrown together last minute without much thought or purpose. I swore to be different about it when I had my own family. Life happens and things don’t always go as planned. This year I’m finding myself alone again during the holidays however, I have found a couple of local organizations that are helping to serve those in need and in the act of serving others, I have found my true joy. Thank you for sharing your idea and being bold about it. You and Mr tidbits are raising some good lil human beings there. I hope that your blessings will continue and see no end. God bless
Oh Mark! Your comment was so inspiring to me! I think serving others is the best way to get out of our own funk. I'm going to look for local opportunities for my kids to feel that more this year. I sure love having you as a friend here on YT. Praying you don't feel lonely this season!
@@TIDBITSandCompany Cami, I may feel lonely at times but in my line of work, I am often reminded of just how blessed that I am. There are so many people that would love to switch places in my life. I’m thankful for strength, the ability to just walk.. think about that as a blessing. I have 2 old creaky legs to get me around and
hopefully to be a blessing to others along the way and do some good in this world.
This sounds great if you’re crafty! Since I’m not crafty, this would actually increase the the stress for me. My family doesn’t exchange material gifts at all. We share experiences instead. Each family member gets to plan an activity to do together. It can be as simple as baking Christmas cookies, board game night, going ice skating, etc. These shared experiences make our best Christmas memories without the stress of gifts.
Robin, you may not be crafty, but you’re certainly not materialistic, either! I LOVE the idea of each family member planning an experience to share. So cool-and doesn’t need to be expensive-and doesn’t add clutter! (And maybe at some point, someone in the family will come up with a “crafting experience” to share 😀.)
Oh Robin! I loved your comment and ideas you shared with me! How very precious to share experiences instead of gifts. That is just exactly what I hope will come out of us creating our own decor and gifts - because we are a super crafty/creative family - it just is our way. But the concept of more memorable times shared versus gifts is just calling to me so intensely. You are such an encouragement to me. Thank you!
@@debraschwicht9741 I absolutely agree with you Debra! I loved Robins comment!
Very excited to be home around Christmas after 11 years but now the excitement is not there anymore since i lost my job...had even imagined how the end of this month will shop for my kid since I would be working 🤦🏿♀️ just wishing to leave the country for work before Christmas.
Last year I decided to donate any decor relating to Santa. I went with more natural wintery items instead. Usually, I am tearing down Christmas decor on the 26th in a frenzy to get it all put away and out of sight. But last year, I felt so much more at peace. Even my husband commented that it was nice not to have me frazzled and he was enjoying the decor as well. He encouraged me to keep it out thru the end of January but I didn’t quite make it that long lol. This year I plan to do the same and carry the idea of “seasonal” (spring, summer, autumn, winter) decor, not holiday specific (Easter, July 4, Halloween etc) decor as I sort thru and donate items. It’s really hard letting go of items I’ve had for 30 years, but it’s time to ease my mind. The peace I felt last holiday was so refreshing, I’m looking forward to it again this year. A handmade Christmas sounds perfect!
I LOVE this idea, thank you for sharing! ❤
Great idea for your family! I wish more young families would move in your direction. I've never seen so many of my TH-cam favorite channels with so much Christmas PUSH! I don't even watch them at this time, Walmart, hobby lobby, etc hauls in October! yuck, it creates anxiety for the beautiful season.
What a wonderful idea!
My heart is so happy just reading this video title! There is no TH-camr that could do a handmade Christmas better than you. I am saving this video to watch with a cup of coffee tomorrow morning. Can't wait!
You are too sweet Courtney!
We are doing the same thing!!
I wrangled all the holidays to my liking many years ago and turned them from dread to much-treasured precious memories. We stopped obligatory gifts, turned to handmade gifts, lots of food, playing games and sledding, snowshoeing, etc. You'll be glad you shifted and can't wait to come along for the ride. Great idea, friend! 💗🌲💗
Julie - you have no idea how encouraging that was for me to hear! I so want to feel that "much-treasured" feeling and I do hope this is a step in the right direction. Thank you a million times for the encouragement!
Our family has enjoyed giving leatherwork, needlework, sewing, baking, plants dug up from the yard, and artwork. Wonderful to hear this from you and Mr. Tidbits. Major holidays with family no longer holds the joy or wonder as I’ve reached my senior years. All the cooking and baking, buying presents, decorating, cleaning and having a house busting at its seams with 3 generations is exhausting and overwhelming. There’s got to be a solution.
This is a great idea! That is, if you have the time and abilities. One year, we were very broke and I was so upset we didn’t have the money to buy gifts for everyone. (Buying thoughtful gifts is one of the most fun things for me. The getting upset was not a good thing and something I learned from.) I did make gifts for everyone, extended family included. It ended up being ok. Another year I made lap quilts for all my seven kids, their spouses and kids. I made 16 lap quilts that year! I don’t recommend that. 😅
Fabulous idea! My husband and I are trying to do the same for kids,loved ones,and friends . Not all but hopefully most our gifts. I want Joy and Jesus not stress and sadness
I have to say that your idea is bold, but so needed right now. You are teaching your kids appreciation and the real meaning of Christmas. Well done…….❤️-Brenda
Thank you so very much! I sure hope I can pull it off and keep resisting the urge to buy "more". It's been so fun so far!
I think that's a great idea, they will get excited about what each one is making for them. I gave up trying to look for gifts and give my sons and their families gift cards so they can get what they want. I have always loved the way you decorate and will look forward to your posts.
This is wonderful!! I know your home will be beautiful!! I can hardly wait!!
I think Christmas has become overly commercialized and also very competative. People tend to feel guilty if their own holiday gifts for their family aren't as spectacular as the gifts that their friends and relatives are giving to their families. I love to give more than I like to receive, but I also realize that a gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful to others. We enjoy buying gifts for the giving tree in our community and that gives extra joy and meaning to our holiday season. You are doing something really great in your home this year. I can't wait to see the things you are planning.
All these other channels are doing massive Christmas decor hauls and I’m like?!?!? Who had this kind of budget? I’m actually over all ready. It’s sad. I love this so much better. I’ve been telling myself not to buy any new Christmas decor this year. I get tired of stuff to quick anyway, it’s such a waste. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. -Jen
I agree Robert - and all well and good. But I just know the years I've done major decor hauls, I just haven't ended up too happy! Thanks for following along and encouraging me so much. I'm glad there are folks out there who are open to more simplicity at Christmas time.
How wonderful to hear this. I think your teaching your children the true meaning of Christmas. I never felt that alot of spending and going in debt is something that appeals to me. I've always had a simple Christmas and enjoy spending time with family and that is what we taught our son. So excited to see your handmade gifts.