Christmas fever

It is so hard to be budget conscious at Christmas for me. I always try the three presents rule but always end up doing a bigger Christmas. It seems like there are so many needs of my children especially at this time of year. So, might I suggest a few ideas to get into the Christmas spirit without going overboard or over budget...
1. Set your price limit and DON'T deviate!
2. My kids love getting there very own box of cereal for Christmas so, consider cheaper fun alternatives that will quickly become your quirky traditions.
3. Keep it simple...
4. We are trying secret service this year. Everyone drew names to do service for, until Christmas.
5. You are never too old for a pair of pajama pants.
6. Not everyone needs a gift, some of the best gifts are a kind letter to a family member or the sharing of a holiday memory.
7. Go caroling and christmas light watching (I love to hear the oohs and ahhs over light shows in the neighborhood).
8. Remember what we are celebrating and why we are celebrating. It's not about Santa and presents..put some real meaning into Christmas.
9. Come up with easy traditions that can be carried out for the next 50 years like, a special food, game or getting new pajamas on Christmas Eve.
10. Know that no matter what Christmas is a time to enjoy not stress over, relax, have a glass of hot chocolate and share a secret smile when you see another shopper who is harried and stressed out looking.

Grandma Irene's Sugar Titans

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged but I hope you are sticking with me. I have decided to add my Grandma's sugar cookies. Grandma isn't doing well these days and can't even speak. This makes me so sad but I am glad this recipe will live on through me and my kids. This is a great Christmas tradition to make sugar cookies with your kids. They can help you in so many ways. Adding sprinkles, helping to roll out, helping to cut them out with cookie cutters are great ways to include your little ones. My Grandma made these every Christmas! I loved them especially the Christmas Trees...
Grandma Irene's Sugar Cookies
1 C Butter
1 1/2 C powdered Sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp cream of tarter
1/4 tsp salt
Cream butter and gradually add sugar until fluffy. add egg and vanilla beat well. add dry ingredients blending until creamed. divide and chill several hours. roll out in 1/2" thick. bake 6 min at 400 degrees. then make a powdered sugar frosting.

Good luck!!!