So many holiday parties in December, from work parties to getting together with family and friends. We spend this month doing last minute shopping, decorating, baking, and attending holiday get togethers. Here is a glimpse into my December, and some tips and tricks I have to make this month go by as smoothly as possible.

First things first, decorating the home. This year, my mother and I have started decorating our home Thanksgiving Day. After having an early dinner and a nap, we have started with the fireplace and next is the tree. We take our time and plan to take the weekend to do the living room and dining room.

My mother and I leave the decorating of the outside to my father. He picks an afternoon to put up lights, decorate trees and fences, and puts out a few snowmen and reindeers. I would like to make a tradition of going out at nightfall with hot coco and take a walk down our street to admire our neighbors’ decorated houses as well.

Shopping in December is always like entering into a mad house. My mom has taught me a trick for shopping, get gifts throughout the year. Throughout the year we attend farmers markets, craft shows, and do some shopping at thrift stores, antique shops and clearance sales. When I see something that reminds me of a family member or friend, I purchase it and save it for Christmas. This trick is also for cards and gift bags.

I’m always looking on Pinterest to find interesting and unique ways to wrap gifts. It gives me ideas to keep in mind all year long. I look for interesting cards that really relate to a person, scarfs to use as wrapping paper, or even baskets to use for a couple’s gift.

I like to keep in mind hobbies, favorite colors, and favorite sports teams to be on the lookout throughout the year. Buying gifts throughout the year can not only help save money but it can also make sure your putting thought into your gifts as well.

This Christmas our menu will consist of cheese (for the vegetarians) and beef tamales with a side of Spanish rice and beans. Appetizers will be cheese and crackers and a variety of chips and dip. Hot coco will stay warm in a mini crock pot, and sodas and a few alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Baking for the holidays can feel a bit overwhelming at times. Treats have to be provided all month long to help spread holiday cheer and if your anything like me, then you like to make things from scratch. Now, there is nothing wrong with buying baked goods, but might I recommend supporting a local baker. Sure, we can go to the store and pick up a pie or a box of sugar cookies but there is something special about having homemade treats during the holiday season.

This year my dessert menu will include cookies, rolls, pie and possibly a cake (or maybe cupcakes). To make things easier on myself, this year I am designating a day to make a variety of cookie dough to freeze. That way I can pop them in the oven when I need a plate of cookies.

I will be focusing on six different cookies this year. Gingerbread men, gingersnaps, pecan logs, Linzer, pumpkin white chocolate chip snickerdoodle and raspberry thumbprint cookies. Some of these are tried and true recipes and some I will be making for the first time.

I usually make a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling, but this year I would like to make a chocolate yule log roll cake. It’ll be something new but I’m looking forward to trying it out. I normally make a pumpkin and\or pecan pie but I found a recipe for a salted maple pie that sounds delicious.

Christmas has become so commercialized that it can be easy to get distracted by all of the lights, sparkle and presents (I, myself, am guilty of this), but we have to remember what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

I’m not going to get religious on here (yet), but I will put my two cents in saying, this is a time of year to be around family and friends. It’s also a time to slow down, rest and look inward.

As the days get shorter and the nights longer, we should be thankful for all the lord has given us. Winter can be the toughest time of the year, but it is also the time of year to be appreciative of what we do have.

So, as we put up our Christmas decorations and plan our holiday menus, remember to squeeze in time with loved ones. This isn’t a time to try and “keep up with Jonses” but instead be humble and actually enjoy this last month of the year.

Disclaimer: My mom has spent 27 years collecting her Christmas decorations. She checks out the sales after Christmas, it’s a great time to buy lights and decorations at a good price.