What types of things are you planning for a homestead Christmas this year? We are making each other something homemade that we will exchange on Christmas Eve.

For our son we are planning on making a chess set. For my dd I am making her a new pioneer dress, have the material and patten. Need to find something to make my husband, ideas appreicaed.

We will help our children make for each other parents and for their siblings. I am making a crochet afghan for my Mom.

THe days ae not that far off till Christmas, I need to get in gear. How about you?

Just as we did last year, our Christmas will be another pioneer Christmas. Will be making all our gifts (except one each for the younger kids). I'm not sure what will be making yet, other than pj's for the kids and grandkids.

I'm also going to be making a old fashioned blouse for dd.

Dh will make each one something out of wood. I'm thinking a checker game for them. He has a really cute pattern where the checkers are animals (can't remember what though) and they love playing checkers.

Not sure what I'll make for my mom yet?

Great question Kindred.

I am making more gifts this year which is so satisfying.

We again are having a "to the ceiling tree" which it's scent just fills the house. The kids and I are making more handmade decorations to go on the tree. I am slowly getting rid of the old/cheapie decorations that are falling apart. I am also simplifying our decorations. Instead of the whole house I am picking select items for each room so it won't be over done and in the way. Last year we used alot of natural items and will again this year. Our diningroom centerpiece was pine boughs, pinecones, some twigs, cinnamon studded oranges, candles, berries, looked beautiful!

The month of December (I hope) will be much more peaceful. As a family we have been trying over the past few years to select what is best for us instead of cramming in everything and being cranky at the end of the day! :( We go to church on Christmas Eve, attend church choirs, the kid's Christmas Pageant at Sunday School of course and the village Christmas get together (there is a tractor parade and then we all meet at the park for carols, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and chili.)

I have made a pact with myself that Christmas baking will be all done the beginning of December and in the freezer. I find that helps so much in simplifying the weeks before Christmas. We of course will make our gingerbread and shortbread the week before, it seems to be a tradition.

Advent is also a part of our Christmas, we gather together each Sunday night before Christmas and light the candles of Advent and read parts of the Bible.

I'm sure I'll think of more......I'm getting excited about Christmas now!! ;) :)

We will make some Homemade Decorations.
We will make some Homemade Goodies.