it is november 21st and already the radio stations are playing continuous christmas music,
Christmas tree sellers are setting up shop
and the big 3 story inflatable Santa is standing outside the local VW dealership waving as we drive by.
mr 3-story tall Santa has become one of our most favorite Christmas traditions.
we all joke and argue over who Santa is really waving at.
(i still think he is waving at me, wink)
the holidays get crazy.
not sure how and why, but they do.
"live a life inspired. dream with possibility"
how does that apply to the holidays?
step outside of your comfort zone,
think more creatively about the sights, smells, actions and traditions that surround the holiday season.
why have i never taken a photo or documented the story of the 3-story tall Santa?
he is a big part of our Christmas tradition.
so this year journal your Christmas
i am all in!
this is shimelle's online workshop that includes daily prompts from the 1st of December to the 6th of January, the twelfth day of Christmas.
i am going to document this holiday season with a fresh new perspective, inspired and filled with possibility!
and best of all so can you!!
shimelle has generously offered 2 seats in her journal your Christmas class.
leave your comments to today's post and be entered to win!
but wait that's not all!!
each of the winners wins a spot for themselves and a spot for a friend so they will already have a Christmas journal buddy from day one!
dream with possibility people!
Oh, oh, PICK ME! I would love a spot in this class! Such a wonderful idea to be able to get all those Christmas traditions recorded! :-)
Posted by: Samantha Piette | November 21, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Journal your Christmas sounds like a great idea!! Thanks for the info on it.
Posted by: Sheri | November 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I used to journal daily, sometimes twice a day, and now that I have 3 kids, now that it's probably more important than ever, I haven't done it in months! So i'm excited about this idea, and what a perfect time to start it. I hope I win!! :O)
Posted by: Kristen | November 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM
How cool is that?! :) I am looking forward to journaling my December, class or not! :) So many traditions that I want to document for my girls! :)
Posted by: jkhenson | November 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I always try to do this, never happens. I get caught up in the rush and stare at empty pages at the end. Sounds like fun and would love to try with a friend. Just the push I need to keep going,....I think I can....I know can.....
Posted by: Lisa Marie | November 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM
What a great way to remember what is right about this season. With everything happening in the world right now, it's the perfect season to keep it simple.
Posted by: Julie S. | November 21, 2008 at 10:47 AM
PLEASE pick me so I can journal my Christmas!!!
I'm just at the tail end of Jessica Sprague's Stories in Hand class - this will be a PERFECT holiday class to take!
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PICK ME!
Posted by: Krys | November 21, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I always have the hope of slowing down and enjoying all of the little things about christmas, but then the rush sets in and well....you know the rest. This class would be an awesome way to really stop and look around during the holidays!
Posted by: Miranda | November 21, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I would so love to be in her class - I have heard they are amazing! On top of that I need all the help i can get at christmas time!! Thanks
Posted by: Lynn Judge | November 21, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Very cool!! Love that they give daily prompts.
Posted by: Julie | November 21, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I just sent my $30 via PayPal... Can't wait to start!!!
Posted by: Krys | November 21, 2008 at 10:52 AM
This sounds like fun, I am keen to pick up some new traditions now that our children are 19yrs and 21yrs old. I don't think I used to think much of traditions when they were little.
It would be great to journal about this Christmas in particular to document these new traditions in our grown up household.
Posted by: MandyKay | November 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Thanks for this chance! I feel like this season is going to fly by already so this would be a great way to help me slow down!
Posted by: Becky in VA | November 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
What a wonderful idea! It makes me want to sit down right away and document all those things that we think are just little things. Thanks, Donna!
Posted by: Laura Sexton | November 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I often think about doing this, but never seem to get started. This might just be the KITA I need!!
Posted by: Susan | November 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Please don't put me in the draw - I'm already in the class, but just had to say that I hope you'll be joining in the chat, and sharing pages. How exciting to have you in the same virtual room as me :)
Posted by: Sarah | November 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I would love to win - I have everything ready to get started on a December album to document the holiday season. My best friend could also use the inspiration as she works entirely too hard and could really use something special like this!
There is so much that has happened this year for both of us and I would love to do this project together:)
Thanks, Donna!
StacyS. (Alberta, Canada)
Posted by: StacyS. | November 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Since the end of Christmas last year I have dreamed of a less stressful and hectic Christmas this year. I really want to soak in my kids(6 & 5) and all the magic and wonder of this season! I'm doing good so far :) Would love to take part in this workshop!
Posted by: Katie | November 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I live in a rural area we don't have any radio stations that play continuous Christmas music. : (
Posted by: Gale | November 21, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Hey Donna. I think this is such an awesome idea. The last two Christmases I have lost Grandparents very close to Chrsitmas day so the holiday season has become somewhat sad for my family and I. This year, as everyone is healthy I started thinking about what it was like before we lost grandparents. I want to get back to that and remeber that feeling again. I have such wondful family. This year my mom and I along with my sister and brother are going to have a full day of baking and do all the same things we used to do years before. I will document this year as a way of remebering. Thanks for the awesome ideas.
Posted by: Brittany | November 21, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Great idea! Love your blog ~ inspiring for sure! This sounds like the perfect way to stop and reflect on what's really important in life during this season. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Patricia ZF | November 21, 2008 at 11:03 AM
great idea and I think the kids would love to go through this in a few years.
Thanks again
Posted by: Colleen | November 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Wow - what a generous gift. I would love to journal my Cmas with a friend. What a great way to be conscious of all the blessings of the everyday. Love that.
Posted by: Sandi K | November 21, 2008 at 11:09 AM
What a FABULOUS giveaway....Shimelle does such GREAT classes!!!
Posted by: Dale Anne | November 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Thanks for doing this! Such a good idea - this year my DH lost his job and we are looking at ways to make Christmas not about the LOOT for the kids - but filled with even more fun! I hadn't even thought about documenting the process.
Posted by: michelle t. | November 21, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Thank you for the inspiration! This year I AM going to take those pictures of things around town that are traditions. Like the person on Main St. that has the "Charlie Brown tree in their window :D
Posted by: Amy A. | November 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Oh my Donna......That is a FAB prize! I know you will rock this class....would love to join you!!!!
:)
Posted by: Andrea Chrupcala | November 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I want to do this! Pick me and I know who I will pick for a buddy!! What a fantastic gift! So very generous!
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | November 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
This is exactly what I need!! There is so much that I want my DD to remember from her childhood - the everyday - but sometimes it is hard to take the time to document it. Thank you so much!!!
Posted by: Julia/Scrappiola | November 21, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I used to journal just about everyday before I had kids, but once they arrived, it just seems harder and harder to do. And now having kids, I should be journaling more to keep track of their day to day lives. This sounds like a great way to get that going again and also would go great with Ali Edwards Christmas photo everyday album.
Thanks,
Karen
Posted by: Karen | November 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I just signed up for the class about two weeks ago. Heard about it last year but decided to wait and do the entire class this year. Can't wait for it to start.
Posted by: Colleen F | November 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
This is so generous! Just what I need to get into the spirit!! :-)
Posted by: dawn | November 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
what a great idea...it's all about documenting those memories, and sometimes your mind just goes blank, right? Great to have prompts to move things along.
Posted by: Lisa | November 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I would love to do this. I will pick my sister to be my buddy. Thanks for the fun give-away!
Posted by: Linda | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I would love to win this! I saw a completed album from this class last year, it was gorgeous!
Posted by: Angie | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I've taken this class the past two years in a row and I VOW that this year I will actually DO something with it!
Posted by: Mary H. | November 21, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Oh wow! That is so very cool! Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. I love searching for the right gift, the decorations, just everything. Thanks Donna.
Posted by: Michael Ann | November 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
What a great early present! I'd love to get this and share with my mom! It would be fun to see our different perspectives; we spend Christmas day together, but that's about it. Thanks, Donna!
Posted by: Katee L. | November 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Love the idea of the prompts.....it seems like I need a "kick in the a.." to know what to start writing!
Posted by: Barb | November 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I would soooo love to take this class and have something of "structure" in my life over the next chaotic months. Love your blog girlfriend!!!!
Amy
Posted by: amy coon | November 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Fabulous giveaway! I always have good intentions to journal, and then get sidetracked with life. What a great time of year to get into it!
Posted by: Dawn | November 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I would love to journal along! What a great way to remember your holidays for years to come! Great give away!
Posted by: Erica | November 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM
You are so right. We do have a lot of Christmas traditions that we are taking for granted by not recording them. Wow. I am really going to have to pay attention in the hustle and bustle...thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Sherry | November 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate and enjoy the season! Thanks for the opportunity to join in on the fun.
Posted by: Jackie Wood | November 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Hi Donna.. Please pick me... this sounds like something I can put to good use! I've been contemplating journalling christmas and making an album etc.... this would be just perfect!!!!!
Posted by: Jacqui | November 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I have heard great things about this class. I would love to win a spot. Thanks!
Posted by: Stephanie B | November 21, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Christmas is by far not my favorite holiday. Maybe this class would help me discover the joy. I also am not much of a writer so maybe would help with that also.
Posted by: lah | November 21, 2008 at 11:49 AM
This is such a GREAT idea! The perfect way to hold onto those wonderful holiday feelings.
Posted by: Kathy | November 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I would love a chance at this giveaway....maybe it would motivate me to journal more often. I have good intentions, but sometimes I need a kick in the rear. Love your work. Thanks for sharing
debbim
Posted by: Debbi | November 21, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I would love this gift! This is really the last year to have my children all together before they head through different stages in "becoming a grown-up". One goes to college, one goes to the military, and that leaves us one at home for only 2 more short years! Journaling this Christmas would be a memorable one!
Posted by: Melanie Bond | November 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I would so so love to be part of her class. I think it will be nice to do something like with it being the first x-mas since my dad passed away
Posted by: Jen Keith | November 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
journaling about x-mas is something I always wanted to do but it seems like december just jumps on you and with all the chaos it is over before i know it. This year i would like to slow down a bit a document what is most important to our family. michelle
Posted by: michelle norris | November 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I keep going back to her website thinking I need to sign up for this class. I just might have to do it!!
Posted by: Melissa Miller | November 21, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Journal....I need all the help I can get. This class sounds like the perfect solution!
Posted by: AnnieB | November 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Oh pick me!!! That class sounds good!
Posted by: Melissa | November 21, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Thank you for the journaling idea. In San Jose CA "Christmas in the Park" is our tradition here. Even the banner that goes up every year says that: "Christmas in the Park. A San Jose Tradition". My family goes there every year and it has place in my yearly scrapbook. And thanks for the giveaway too.
Posted by: Lynette C | November 21, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I would love this opportunity!
I even know which friend I would ask to play :)
Thanks Donna & Shimelle
Posted by: Suzi | November 21, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Now that my kids are grown I regret not having journaled the traditions we always had, like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree every year that we went and picked up on Christmas eve. Man, those were good times and I miss them...*sigh*
Posted by: Rene | November 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM
i have seen others that have done this class they are fab. who ever wins will be soo lucky. i would love to be lucky and wish everyone else luck.
christine
Posted by: chris | November 21, 2008 at 12:14 PM
How divine! I am finishing up Jessica Sprague's Stories in Hand class and I just finished up a journal to document the month of December. Shimelle's class would be the perfect icing on the cake to this holiday season.
Posted by: Amy | November 21, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Oh!! That is so sweet!!
I love the holidays - the best part is watching it through my children's eyes! I just love giving them gifts more than anything - even though they don't know Mommy bought them!! The magic of Santa!! Children do believe in things they cannot see!!
Posted by: Cindy | November 21, 2008 at 12:22 PM
what a great idea! i would love to win this class!
Posted by: jen in pa | November 21, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I would love to take a journaling class. It's even better that we get to share it with someone.
Posted by: Shellz | November 21, 2008 at 12:26 PM
you can pick me! I would LOVE it!
Posted by: Michelle B | November 21, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I love the sound of that class... I have already started thinking about how I want to record our December fun, and this would give my project a big boost!
Posted by: Heather Topich | November 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM
This is such an awesome idea! My family has so many little stories that might be forgotten if they're not documented. I think one of my favorite things about Christmas is all of the little things leading up to Christmas Day. And those are exactly the things that could be forgotten! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Shannon in WA | November 21, 2008 at 12:38 PM
What an awesome idea! I can't wait!!!
Posted by: Amber C | November 21, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Oh, I would LOVE a seat in Shimelle's class. I took a class from her a few years ago at the Tulsa CKC and it still remains one of the best classes I have taken to date. Very inspiring. And she has the cutest Midwest-English (as in London) accent. A couple of us are going to be very lucky!
Posted by: Melissa | November 21, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Thanks for the reminder and encouragement to journal December. I'd love to win the class!
Posted by: Jackie Hughes | November 21, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I need to do this, too...to capture the magic of my kids still believing in Santa and all the lists and prep and waiting!
Posted by: Leslie McCarthy | November 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
very nice. I love Shimelle's classes.
Posted by: ConnieC | November 21, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Pick me! Pick me! :) I need all of the motivation to stay in the spirit this season and reminders as to what it's all about! I'd love to participate in this class.
Posted by: Wendy in MD | November 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
With two new babies at home, this is a GREAT time for me - their first Christmas - to start journaling and preserving memories for them. Sounds like a great class for me!
Posted by: Sarah | November 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
This sounds like a lot of fun! Christmas is not my favorite holiday (I know. Scrooge) but this might just help make it a little more tolerable.
Posted by: Joanne | November 21, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Waht a great idea!! I am always looking for a great way to remember the holiday season. Thanks for the chance to win!!
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | November 21, 2008 at 01:00 PM