I’m on a mission.  My goal is to sleep in the month of December for the first time in, oh, a decade or so.  I did pretty well with being prepared two years ago, but what with being nine months pregnant and all, I still didn’t sleep.

I think many people are surprised to learn how far in advance I start thinking about and planning our birthday and holiday celebrations.  Honestly, I think about these things all year long.  I’m always on the look out for just the right thing.  Thoughtful, homemade celebrations can’t just be pulled out of thin air.  They take time, planning, patience, perseverance.

I’m sure there are many people who don’t see the point in doing things this way.  Not when you can stop in at any old box store the day before and pick up a gift, party favors, decorations, maybe even the cake.

But here is the thing, I want my children to feel cherished.  And I think it takes a commitment of time and effort to cultivate that feeling.  And I want those special times of joy to reflect our values.  I believe in homemade.  I believe in hard work.  I believe in quality over quantity.  I believe in supporting small businesses.  I believe in living lightly on the earth.  I believe in simplicity.  I believe in giving that which will enhance, not detract from one’s health.  I believe in beauty and the deep nourishing act of crafting an object out of love.

So, I plan and I think on this a lot.  I gather things throughout the year, as inspiration strikes. As the kids get older, it’s getting harder to hide things, but I find that my fabric stash is a pretty convenient place to tuck things away.  I think of next year, even while I work on this year.

I have four children now.  Half of them share a birthday and that birthday falls 11 days after Christmas.  It would be so easy to let it all slide.  To make due with whatever can be pulled together quickly and easily.  But I cherish these two children of mine.  I adore them.  So I take the time now, when I have it, for them.

I didn’t know that the birthday sweaters were going to become a tradition, but I think they just might.  I found this pendent when I was making necklaces for the boys at Easter, and how could I not get it for my Little Rosebud?

I have a big project in mind for Iain, that I may or may not manage to finish (but I know that at least I will start it).

I’d really like to get him an atlatl.  We are friends with a Cherokee chief.  We were at a naming ceremony a couple of months ago and after wards Iain got to try throwing darts.  The man who showed him how said that he teaches hundreds of people a year and that Iain really had an amazing knack for it.  I know the one I want, but it’s more money then I want to spend, so I’m still thinking and looking.  Luckily, I have that kind of time.

I have fabric set aside for the Wee Girl’s birthday dress and I’m thinking on whether or not this is the year to make her a birthday crown.  I’m keeping an eye out for one of those old radio flyer, ride-on scooters.  Iain and Elijah each had one when they were little, and they loved them, but they were contaminated with mold, so we had to get rid of them.  I think it would be perfect for her.

And Christmas too.  I’ve started gathering gifts, ideas, supplies.  I keep a list, a little chart of thoughts as my plans progress, to make sure nothing gets forgotten.  There is much to be done, and much to enjoy.