Many people suffer from a seasonal “disease” at this time of year called “Christmas overload.” I have trouble with this sickness each year trying to decorate every inch of my house. And if that isn’t enough, I help my daughter with her house as well as help decorate the library and my church, so it’s time to simplify!
I searched KHCPL's online catalog to find books to simplify Christmas celebrations. I found the book Simply Christmas by Carol Field Dahlstrom. It turns out you really need to watch wording; the title says simply not simple. It is loaded with Christmas decorations, foods, and crafts. With so much to choose, is it even possible to simplify…?
The library has so many Christmas books full of ideas and even recipes to make your season spectacular.
We Love to Craft Christmas by Annabel Wrigley
Have Yourself A Homemade Christmas
Handcrafted Christmas by Susan Waggoner
Make Me I'm Yours ... Christmas
Ultimate Christmas by Jane Newdick
Better Homes and Garden always has some great ideas.
Best of Christmas Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens
Holiday Inspirations: Food, Decorating, Craft by Better Homes and Gardens
These are awesome! They make me want to create! Oh, and I can’t forget Martha Stewart when it comes to creating. Classic Crafts and Recipes Inspired by the Songs of Christmas has crafts to go with Christmas Carols! I love Christmas Carols, so this would be great. I can even check out some Christmas CDs to listen to while I do some projects, stream music through Hoopla, or download songs from Freegal.
American Christmas by Alabama
Christmas by Michael Bublé
Christmas by Brad Paisley
Christmas by Frank Sinatra
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
But back to simplifying. Midwest Living has some quick and easy holiday décor on their website. But there are so many ideas. What if I want to do them all?! This is beginning to remind me of a children’s Christmas book If You Take A Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff.
If you love Christmas with all the trimmings and you love to craft it may be hard to have a simple Christmas. But the real joy of Christmas should be time spent with loved ones. Take baby steps, try to make decorating a family event, which means you can’t be particular about the placement of each ornament. Take the kids to a bakery or bake sale to pick out some goodies instead of baking for hours. Put up a few strands of lights around your entry rather than the whole house. Then stroll through Highland Park, the We Care Park, or the Seiberling to enjoy their lights. But whatever you do, if you really want to simplify, stay away from Pinterest! They have tons of ideas, and Christmas overload will start all over again!