Are You Ready to Plan for Your Christmas Shopping, Holiday Decorating, and Homemade Meals?

Shopping for christmas gifts, decorations and planning a meal for the holidays can be stressful, but with the right tips and tricks it doesn't have to be! Here are some of our best suggestions on how to make christmas shopping easier.

 

First off, plan ahead! With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner it's important to plan out what you need before you shop so that you don't get overwhelmed by all of the deals. Make a list of names and gift ideas and decorations you'll need as well as any ingredients or kitchen tools for cooking your holiday meals. Don't forget to check online for deals too – many stores offer discounts when you order online. 

Remember t to consider your family's interests when christmas shopping. Popular christmas gifts for families include board games, books, puzzles and tech gadgets like tablets or virtual reality headsets. If you're feeling crafty, why not make a homemade gift like a mason jar filled with goodies? 

Once you've got your list in hand, start shopping early! Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to get the best prices on christmas gifts and decorations. Keep in mind that many stores are offering free shipping this season, so you can save even more by not having to worry about delivery fees.  

If you're looking for unique christmas decorations, don't hesitate to check out local boutiques or second-hand shops. You'll be surprised at what kind of unique finds you may come across! There's nothing like finding one-of-a-kind christmas decor that no one else has.  

Finally, when it comes to meal planning for the holidays, don't be afraid to try something new if your family is the kind that is open to tasting unique meals; otherwise stick with traditional meals! Experiment with different recipes or ingredients to create a menu your family will love. If you're short on time, consider pre-made meal kits that make it easy to whip up a delicious christmas dinner in no time.  

With these tips, christmas shopping and meal planning for the holidays can be a breeze! So don't stress – just get out there and start shopping for decorations and ingredients, and have fun creating your own holiday traditions. Happy Holidays! 

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round

 

Christmas Decorating Kitchen & Dining Room / Holiday Kitchen Decor Ideas...- Momma from Scratch

If You’re Broke Or Struggling Financially, Follow These Steps To Change ... - Marie Forleo

A Reminder to Trust God with Your Finances - nm enterprise 7

Dating Gone Wrong - A Mother's Choices Could Break a Generational Curse of Emotional and Physical Abuse

The woman felt like she was cursed. Her mother and grandmother had both been in abusive relationships, and she had sworn she would never let that happen to her. But here she was, years later, in the same situation.

She had been dating the man for a few months and things were going great...or so she thought. He was charming and sweet, always doing little things to make her feel special. But behind closed doors, he would rage at her, calling her names and accusing her of things she hadn't done while her children sat by and watched.

She had tried to break up with him multiple times, but he always managed to convince her to stay. He would promise that things would be different this time, that he loved her and only wanted what was best for her. And so she would give him another chance...only to be hurt again.

And yet she couldn't help but keep coming back. He was the only one who made her feel wanted and loved...even if it was only for a brief moment. She knew she was in danger, but she couldn't seem to pull herself away from him.

This scenario is unfortunately all-too-common especially when a husband, boyfriend, or father of the children is paying bills and for the most part, good with the children.  However, a mother knows, she can feel that something is not right with her partner.  Let's explore what she should do to manage what she has gotten herself into and why it is important to slowly but surely break away from the troubled man.

First, assess the severity of the situation. If the husband/boyfriend is physically abusive, then she should seek immediate help from a domestic violence shelter or the police. If her partner is just emotionally and verbally abusive, then the mother can try to break away gradually.

She should start by spending more time with friends and family, and slowly make less and less time available for the man. She can also start making excuses for why she can't go out or why she has to leave early. The goal is to make this man feel like he is gradually losing control over her which may set him off particularly if he has psychological issues related to feeling of abandonment.

If the man becomes angry or violent when she tries to break away, she should seek help from a domestic violence shelter or the police.

It is never a good idea to stay with someone who is emotionally and physically abusive toward you or your children or even a pet!  When a person is showing you signs that he can't manage his emotions, it is safe to say that he also will not be able to reason why he is hurting you either and will do so again and again until you leave.  

Children are like sponges and they see and feel the emotions of their mother; unfortunately the longer you remain in the difficult relationship, the more likely they will repeat the pattern of unhealthy behaviors now and when they become older. Think about that for a moment -- another generation traumatized by abuses committed by parents while attracting what is familiar. They eventually carry out the same emotional and physical abuse on their own children.  Ready to take the necessary steps to leave yet?

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Socially Sweet, Privately Cruel Abusive Men, Too Much Too Soon Internet Dating Blues, and Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate.