Monogrammed Memories- A Christmas Tree Ornament Tutorial by Guest Author Cara

One of my most favorite memories growing up always started at the beginning of the holiday: decorating my step-mom’s house for Christmas. She is the type of woman that used to (and still does) go all out for Christmas. It always started the same way, every Saturday after Thanksgiving-by unpacking her Christmas closet… yes, closet. We were blessed to have a gorgeous home with very tall ceilings, so we always got a tree that was 9 or 10 feet tall. This, obviously, means that decorating said tree was a two, if not three person job. 

Every year, my step-mom would let my dad and I put on the lights while she unpacked the ornaments. And every year, she retold the same stories about who gave her each ornament, and when-sometimes down to the date. In my childhood years, I never understood her appreciation for her hand-made collections. And when it came time to put the ornaments on the tree, I always got the same speech: “Be careful with that one, so and so gave that to me,” with almost everything I picked up.

Now that I’m older, I have my own tree, and I am starting to understand what her mild obsession with these ornaments involve; a little bit of love, for those handmade from family and friends, a special memory, for those purchased on vacation or a trip somewhere special, and even a little place in her heart, from the ornaments given to her by relatives who are no longer with us. 

Before my biological mom passed, she made ornaments for her family and friends, and gave them away each year. In the 20 years since her passing, some of those friends and relatives have given these ornaments back to me. Since my mother died when I was so young, their value to me is increased tenfold-it’s almost like having a part of her with me each Christmas when I go to hang them on my tree.

So last year, I decided that I would carry on my mother’s DIY ornament tradition, and I set out to make a special ornament for everyone on my Christmas list. I, of course, took to Pinterest for some design inspiration, and that landed me here.

I loved the way these ornaments looked when finished, and the cool marbled effect it created. But I wanted to take it up a notch, and make the ornament personal to every family I gave it to. My solution?

Monogramming!

Monogramming is the best way to give a gift that is 100% original-it really tells the receiver that you thought about them specifically when making it. But if you’re blessed with a family large enough to fill a high school gymnasium, giving a monogrammed gift to every single person can get expensive. So rather than making one of these little babies for every person in the family, I gave one to the household, and used their last name for the monogram initial.

So here’s what you’ll need:

• Acrylic Paint
• Clear Ornament
• (you can use round or flat, I went with flat because I wanted the monogram to lie evenly)
• Sticker or Paint Pen (for monogram)

Start by dripping the lightest color paint into the top, leaning the opening of the paint lid against the inside of the ornament so you get as much on the side as possible.

Work your way from lightest to darkest, filling in the gaps around the top of the ornament. When you have covered the lip of it on the inside, cover the opening with paper or cellophane (or your fingers, just be prepared to get paint on them), and start shaking that baby. I turned this one on its side and tapped it on the table to get the paint to move where I wanted it.

This was the end result. You can continue tapping until you get more of a color combination like the original one, but I really loved the way this one looked.

Then, pick the side you like best, and add your monogram.

I highly recommend letting the excess paint that is inside drip out before you put the stopper back into the top of the ornament. I inverted mine into a Kleenex box with some paper towels in the bottom of it to catch the paint.

When it’s dry, carefully stick the metal top back into the ornament, and you have a beautiful gift under $5.00. I have already given some of these to family members we see before Christmas, and the looks on their faces when I told them I made them myself meant the world to me. This project is also easy enough to let the kiddos get involved! My 3 year old had a blast “helping” mommy swirl the paint around.

Now, when they hang this ornament on their tree each year, I know that they will think of me.
And isn’t that what this season is all about?

1,000 thanks to Jessica for letting me share this with you all! If you feel so inclined, feel free to visit me more often over at my blog (www.things-that-glitter.blogspot.com).

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

-Cara

How to have a very Merry Christmas:

Christmas is upon us.

Are your palms sweaty? Did your pulse quicken?  Because I know I'm pretty delirious- and it's NOT because Santa's coming to town.

Gone are the days when sugar plums danced in my head.  The days when I made green and red construction paper "countdown chains" and sang all the annoying extra lyrics to Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer at the top of my lungs until my parents went legally deaf.

Now it's all about number crunching- scheduling- and the looming EXPECTATIONS.

I'm not 100% sold that our parent's generation or their parent's generation had quite the same level of holiday pressure many of us are facing today.  Mom-bloggers and new reporters alike are finding themselves more and more drawn to the topic of minimizing the holiday-buzz, going "back to the basics", and the ever-popular "true meaning" of the holiday spirit.

We talk the talk: facebook rants, head-shaking at Christmas store displays in October, and telling our friends that we don't do a lot of presents for Christmas... but how many of us are actually walking the walk?

Before you hang your head in guilt- let me give you a little pat on the back.  You're probably doing the best you can.  It's not easy in the world of Mommy-wars/Pinterest show-offs/and facebook brags.  There's a lot of amazingly awesome spectacular ideas out there.  "New" family traditions (*cough* elf on the shelf *cough*) around every corner.  There's no way you can do it all.  You just...can't.

It becomes really easy really quick to start to absolutely hate "the most wonderful time of the year".

So before you bah-humbug it all and thrown in the as-seen-on-Pinterest-personalized-cross-stitched-holiday-themed- towel...

Here are my TOP TEN WAYS TO *let yourself* ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS.

{img credit: here}

1.) Pick and Choose.

When my husband and I got married (a late November wedding), Christmas was almost immediate.  And naturally, we found ourselves in conversation about our various family traditions and Christmas memories from over the years.  The next big question: what are OUR family traditions going to be?

Whether you're married or not- this is a question everyone is eventually faced with.  What parts of Christmas do I want to make a priority each year?  Whatever you decide needs to be a personal decision, and you should stick with it! (...that's the tough part about traditions- you've got to keep going!) But don't stress over the finality of it all- you can always introduce a *new* Christmas tradition later. ;)

{img credit: here }

2.) Reflect.
Most children look forward to the holidays. (I mean- what ISN'T exciting about a day of goodies, laughter, and overall happiness?)  For some reason- over time that magic may seem to flicker and fade.  I have been witness to the magic of having children- and I have been amazed at the precious re-kindling I have felt as I experience the joy of the holidays through the eyes of a little one.

The feeling is almost intoxicating- and I'm sure many parents can relate when I say I wanted to make Christmas for my sons the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! But before I found myself neck-deep in toy-debt I took a minute to remember my own favorite Christmas memories.  Making Christmas goodies with my family, pulling out ornaments on our advent calendar, making Christmas crafts... these were the things I remembered.  And those are the things I need to make a priority now.

3.) Ditch the criticism.

I don't know anyone who wants to be considered materialistic.  I also don't know anyone who can't understand why someone may be excited about getting a gift.  (and if they claim so- they are lying.)  While getting *stuff* isn't a healthy main-focus for anyone- I want to take a step back and remind you of this little old book.

[Learn more about Love Languages here.]

Receiving and giving gifts is a legitimate love language people.  Not any more or less valid than the others.  Just like it wouldn't be healthy to focus on purely physical touch or only on words of affirmation- I can understand how only caring about gifts could be cause for concern.  But I think we can also agree that once or twice a year (I love birthdays!) is not completely unreasonable for some people to be excited about receiving gifts!  It feels good to know someone was thinking about you- so stop feeling guilty for counting those presents under the tree.  You get a free-pass.  Just don't shove your 11 presents in the face of cousin Tilda's 4.


4.) Know when to say NO.

Many of us can relate to the concept of a hectic holiday schedule. It's like my calendar throws-up between the months of October and January.  Holiday parties, family get-togethers, catching up with friends... it doesn't take much for some of us to get a little overwhelmed.  The holidays tend to have a sense of nostalgia and sentiment unique from the rest of the year.  And that can remind us of what who is most important.  Unfortunately, that also puts a fire under our butts to hurry and spend as much time as humanly possible with those people.

Something to remind yourself of this Christmas- those people aren't going to be any less important in January...February... or June.  There may be people traveling into town exclusively for the holidays- make them a priority and save visiting with your local friends and family for the rest of the year.  If you don't take the time to relax and enjoy the holidays- you could literally make yourself sick- and then you won't have any choice but to sit at home and relax (miserably) because no one is going to want to hang-out with your snot-nosed face.  (Sorry- that was mean...)

5.)  Remember those who aren't with us- and those they left behind.
It's heartbreaking to think that during this season of joy and wonder- suicide rates are actually on the rise.  I can't think of anything worse in this life than losing a loved-one and seeing everyone around you happy and celebrating with their loved ones can be a lot like rubbing salt in a fresh wound.  Even losses years-decades old can be brought fresh to the surface with the memories embedded deeply in this magical season.

When you're in pain- it can be easy to let that pain overtake you- and any joy and laughter can seem unattainable.  It's important to let yourself feel the peace that can come with Christmas and use that peace to uplift yourself and those around you.

Find ways to keep your loved ones alive in our hearts and memories.  My father in law passed-away just before I met my husband and while I never met him- I can definitely feel his spirit in the way my husband and his family talk about him and celebrate his memory.  My father in law's birthday is December 4th so my husband and I have made it a tradition to put our tree up on that day.  It's something simple- but it's also something special and meaningful that keeps him alive in our hearts and home.

{Img Credit: here }

Also, remember that not all loss is through death.  Individuals who have faced divorce, separation, military deployment, addictions and other struggles can also feel depressed and alone this time of year.  Make it a point to recognize and remember these people.  Invite them to low-key but meaningful events and include them in activities like caroling or cookie drop-offs.  These little things can sometimes mean the world to someone who feels like the world is against them.

6.) Indulge
I can't tell you how many people tell me every year how much weight they expect to gain over the holidays- and how they are dreading the consequences.  To them, I say- stop.  Just stop.  Of course, you shouldn't stuff yourself silly every day for two months.... but two or three big Christmas meals won't make you gain 50 pounds.

Plan ahead and be responsible.  If there are only two of you in your house- you probably don't need a gallon of eggnog in your fridge at all times.  Be reasonable and have things in moderation- but when you have them ENJOY THEM.  Don't spend the entire feast complaining and dreading- let yourself taste every pepperminty chocolate-dipped piece of heaven you can get your hands on... because you deserve it!

Just stop when you're full.

7.) Minimize expenses

There are about a thousand different budgeting ideas on the web- but for some reason, Christmas always seems exempt from reason when it comes to your bank account and your heartstrings suddenly have full control over your wallet.

Look up some Christmas-budgeting ideas via sites like Pinterest and come up with a plan that works for you so those holiday bills don't sneak up on you unexpectedly.  Few things can cause stress like money troubles- don't invite them to your home this Christmas by getting carried-away with gifts, parties, decorations, and dinners.  Keep it simple and classy.  Minimalism is in style! ;)

8.) Slow down and get enough sleep

Hustle and Bustle are synonymous with the holiday season.  I admit my husband and I actually enjoy going to the mall during the Christmas season just to let ourselves get caught up in the rush for a little while.  There's something exciting about it.  Although... we try to have our shopping 100% done by that point so we can just enjoy the atmosphere without actually rushing around ourselves.

It can be fun to get caught-up in the excitement... but not when you don't have any other option and you're pressed for time in finding that "perfect" gift for a steal of a price.  Along with knowing when to say no- you need to make it a point to slow down and take things easy.  Running on high for days on end with minimal sleep is not a recommended means of being your happiest most enjoyable self.  (Can I get an "Amen!" moms?)

Instead- budget your time with a full-nights worth of rest.  There will be a few nights where you may stay up late to look at Christmas lights or visit at a work party- but don't make them a daily habit or you'll wear yourself thin and end up falling asleep in the recliner in the living room while everyone else is gleefully tearing wrapping paper to shreds.


9.) Connect and Pray

For many of us- there really is a truer-deeper meaning to Christmas- and without recognizing it we wouldn't be able to honestly enjoy it in our heart of hearts.  It's important to recognize our spiritual well-being during this beautifully touching time of year.

Christmas is about love, joy, and peace.  You should seek out people and things that accentuate those feelings and avoid those that don't.  There's no need to flaunt your higher-purpose reason for the season- it should be a sacred, personal experience.  However, while you don't want to come off holier-than-thou, you also shouldn't be afraid to share your spiritual experiences with friends and family.  Invite neighbors to service projects, sing Christmas carols at a nursing home, donate an evening of your time or some cans to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.  Joy in good deeds is a universal experience regardless of religion or spiritual beliefs.

Don't be afraid to offend- and even more importantly... don't be offended.  

{img credit: here}

10.)  Don't expect miracles.

I remember one year being incredibly disappointed in my Christmas presents.  I was a teenager after all- so I'm not sure anything short of a million dollars would have impressed me- but it was still a bummer feeling.

We spend a month working ourselves up for one day each year.  With all the hype- there's bound to be some let-down.  Try to prep yourself beforehand.  Lower your expectations and allow yourself to be surprised and happy with the little things.

Let yourself be amazed and remember the magic.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

The Forgotten Holiday

  This probably isn't the first hand-turkey you've seen.  And it's probably not the most impressive- but when I walk past this roughed-up piece of scrap paper hanging in my kitchen, I can help but feel a little burning in my nose and tears forming in my eyes as my heart swells to three times the size like the Grinch on Christmas day.

When we left church this Sunday I only thought briefly of the piece of scrap paper secured under my arm as I passed-off the baby to my husband and led our 2 and a half year old out to the car.  A puddle caught his eye and he wanted to jump in it.  (...in his church clothes)  I kind of let him briefly as I was having a moment of "Hey- This is a memory!" before I remembered I didn't want to deal with the sopping wet child on the drive home.

So I led him the rest of the way to the car and after he was strapped-in I settled into my own seat and glanced down at the paper now in my lap.  I hadn't noticed the little orange hand before.  Someone had obviously helped him trace it (he can use a fork but I'm pretty sure hand-tracing is well beyond his current dexterity skills) and they had also quickly sketched a little turkey-face on the thumb.

While I'm sure my son was more in awe of the process than the end product, (Orange and green ARE two of his favorite colors right now and those scribbles are definitely his.) it was still a tender moment for me as a mom realizing that he's starting to get to that age of awareness- where holidays are actually a thing.  An exciting period of time where things are special.  He may not remember THIS turkey-hand, but he will remember making them.  And he will probably make plenty of them.  Then one day- when he's a father with his own children... he will probably get that same butterfly-feeling I'm having when he realizes that his children are old enough to grasp the concept of "This is your hand- and now it's a turkey!"

Halloween was fun this year.  He is pretty much OBSESSED with pumpkins right now.  He's recently learned the word "scary" and he loves being a monster/dinosaur/lion etc... in the mirror making the scariest growls and snarls with his hands up like claws.  But once Halloween was over- so was the holiday-high and I found my brain on auto-pilot towards Christmas.

While part of this is the fact that we are making travel plans, budgeting shopping for presents, and being bombarded with Christmas commercials- part of it is the fact that that I feel like Thanksgiving has pretty much become a forgotten holiday.  Sure- we make plans with extended family or friends and we eat turkey...but that's pretty much it.  Almost like a pre-Christmas if you will.

This year my husband and I will be celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving!  We were married on Black Friday in 2008...and we may or may not of had a friend buy our tv set using my husband's smart phone while we were having our first dance. (In our defense it was a good deal and it's still working great!)  We thought the thanksgiving anniversary was pretty cute- because we're "thankful" for each other and all... but the holiday still wasn't making the "special" status in my book that I remember it reaching when I was a child.

And I don't think I'm alone.

[Image Source: Here]

On one hand we mourn the loss of that glorious holiday from our childhoods... and yet we skim right over the month putting up Christmas trees and looking for shopping deals. In reality- no one is really blaming you, Christmas is AWESOME.  It's only human nature to want to get to it as soon as humanly possible.  And you're not alone.  We complain that stores are putting out Christmas stuff earlier and earlier- yet someone has to be buying it or they wouldn't have it out so early. And that someone is us.

I want to say once and for all- that there is nothing wrong with being excited about Christmas.  But we can't have our cake and eat it too.  You can't be upset that there's no Thanksgiving if you're not making an active effort to make a Thanksgiving.  Holidays don't celebrate themselves.

So, as I've been staring at this hand-tukey for the past couple of days, I've come to a personal conclusion.  Thanksgiving is back on.  The stores may not agree with me- some of my facebook friends may not agree with me- and the media may not agree with me- but in our house, we are celebrating!

Here are Eleven ways to celebrate this Tukey-rific time of year:

1.) Draw a Hand-Turkey!

A classic.  Make it simple- make it intricate.  Go big, go small.  Hang them up- hand them out- let those turkey-hands shine!  I am a firm believer that these childhood memory-boosters can turn any cold turkey heart warm and toasty.

2.) Spread out the joy

You may think I'm referring to cranberry sauce or butter- but no- I'm looking at the bigger picture.  Some of the most well-loved holidays (think Halloween, Christmas, etc...) are celebrated ALL MONTH LONG!  Thanksgiving is so often limited to a one or two day event.  (Or less if you count the fact that most of us sleep nearly all day after stuffing ourselves silly.)  Try and get in the spirit now while November is still new.  Some of the best holiday memories are the activities you do in anticipation of the actual event.  

3.) Make Plans

It's really tempting to sit at home doing nothing- especially if you don't have kids at home.  You have the day off work, most people are busy with their families, the air is nice and cool... sounds like perfect napping/lounging conditions.  And while that may be ok for some people- we are celebrating!  Make an effort to find something fun to do.  Even if you don't have family in the area, there are often lots of "orphan thanksgiving" events you can attend.  Consider asking around at work, church, or finding a group through meetup.com.

4.) Dress-up

When I was little my family would always dress-up for Thanksgiving.  I'm not talking khakis and nice sweaters.  I'm talking construction paper pilgrims and indians. And of course- someone always had to dress-up as the turkey. (Sorry dad!)  This doesn't have to be limited to a childrens-only event.  It can be a lot of fun for the laid-back Thanksgiving environment (although khakis and sweaters are fine too).  Try checking out Pinterest for ideas on how to make some DIY costumes.

5.) Watch some holiday specials

Christmas isn't the only time of year with holiday specials!  Try watching some Thanksgiving episodes of your favorite television shows to help set the mood.

6.) Count your blessings

There are about a thousand and one ways you can do this.  One of the easiest/most popular that I've seen is to write a daily facebook status post with something that you are thankful for.  While this can be slightly obnoxious for your more bah-humbug facebook friends- there are bound to be a few who appreciate your positive attitude. (and you're doing this for you!)  When I was a child I remember my mom making a paper turkey and each day in November my brothers and I would add a paper tail-feather to it with something we were thankful for written on it.

7.) Make some holiday-themed treats

Have some pumpkin pie or make some turkey-shaped cookies anytime this month.  The treats don't have to be limited to the day-of. (You can always work out before swimsuit season anyway.)

8.) Decorate

Many of your halloween decorations can be re-utilized for thanksgiving.  Turn those plastic jack-o-lanterns around for some plain pumpkins to help set the harvest-mood.  Print some thanksgiving-printable subway art to hang around the house to remind you what Thanksgiving is all about.

9.) Accessorize

Paint your nails with a turkey or autumn-leaf theme.  Make a seasonal t-shirt or some onesies for the littlest turkeys in your family.

10.) Have a Party

Many people are busy with their families on actual thanksgiving.  If you want to extend the holiday-fun to more than just family you could consider throwing a pre-thanksgiving party.  This is bound to be a hit with kids who love any excuse to play games and eat goodies. (...did I say kids? I meant me.)

11.) Check out our Pinterest Page!

Our authors will be busy pinning some of our favorite Thanksgiving-related pins (Including the pictures above with their related links) onto our Thanksgiving page: 

(Clicking this will take you to our Thanksgiving Pinterest Page)

Happy Turkey Day!