hip2thrift: 5 stress-free ideas to make your Christmas morning more meaningful

1. Happy Birthday to you! It is Christ's birthday, so why not light a candle and sing a quick happy birthday to Jesus. It is a cute and fun way to remind us all the reason for the season, and get the kids involved. My daughter has been thanking God for Christ's birthday the whole month of December.

2. Gratitude Session - my mother in law is a counselor and using the word 'session' seemed appropriate to describe this simple step. You know you and your children will be opening gifts. It is often potentially a pretty crazy activity. After each gift, just encourage your children to thank the giver. You can even have a stack of thank you notes ready for them to write into. I like to mention how much they are loved and what a generous gift they have received. Be an example - show your gratitude.

3. Merry Christmas in different languages
Why not take a fun minute and say Merry Christmas in a few different languages. That naturally happens in our household...you know...since I am a foreigner and all.
English - "Merry Christmas!"
German - "Froehliche Weihnachten!"
Hawaiian - "Mele Kalikimaka!"
Italian - "Bon Natale!"
French - "Joyeux Noël!"
Danish - "Glaedelig Jul!"
Finnish - "Hauskaa Joulaua!'
Brazilian - "Boas Festas!" or "Feliz Natal!"
Portuguese - "Feliz Natal!" or "Boas Festas!"
Spanish - "Felices Navidad!"
Swedish - "God Jul!"

4. Place your main Nativity on the hearth of the fireplace. When the kids came down on Christmas Day, “Santa” will have moved it to under the tree and in front of the presents…reminding us of the real “reason for the season!”

5. Wrap nativity scene pieces. Have the kids open each piece and set the nativity scene. Then open your gifts.

Most of all, don't stress out about any of these things. If you are able to spend quality memorable time with your family, your Christmas is successful!

Have a wonderful Christmas you all!