This weekend started our Advent calendar. I gathered 24 books and wrapped them... now, before you think me superbly organized, I should note that I received an email at work about a local bookstore that was having financial issues and needed people to stop and shop! Our small town really needs a bookstore - there aren't any within a hour's drive. However, we're also a community that has been hard hit by economic difficulties. After receiving the email, I ran down before picking up the kids and purchased the books. They were all used bargains, so it was a win-win on both sides.

It took me over an hour to wrap them all... eesh. But it was well worth it! The kids both love to read stories and are very excited by the idea that they each get to open a present every other day. Book number 23 was even one that Lala had heard at school, so she was able to "read" it to us with almost no prompting! She is going to be a voracious reader, I can tell.

With the tree, the advent presents and the stockings hung on the mantel it's looking pretty Christmasy. And that's probably all we'll get done during the week. On the weekends, we may get around to making some ornaments or cookies. Then again, we may not. We have what we need to do it (yay organization and planning ahead!), but I didn't purchase anything special or that won't be used if we don't use it.

After reading "The Secret to Staying Organized and Sane During the Busy Holiday Season", I've decided that most of those lovely ideas I've found on Pinterest, can stay on Pinterest. I'd rather enjoy our holiday time.