Slow Down December+Christmas Giveaway Winner

Happy Hump Day and 10th day of December, everyone!  Did I just say 10th day of December??  I can't believe we are almost a week away from Christmas Vacation and picking the Mr. up at the airport.  I am so excited and feel very overwhelmed at all there is to be done before all of the fun begins.  Speaking of all of the things that need to be done, one of my favorite bloggers shared a post about slowing down during what many see as the busiest month of the year.

Something that stuck with me?  "I am learning with each year, that the peace Christmas promises has to be fought for."  I have to ask myself if it will actually make room for more peace, and less chaos. I don’t want to fall for the traps this year of the fancy bells and wrapping. I know you can fill yourself full of all very good things, but there is no room left for the great things. The things you cannot quite verbally describe but fill your body and soul with an unearthly joy. That joy that beamed out of a humble stable on that first Christmas over 2000 years ago…
Wow!  Well said, right?  She poses the question, What are some ways that you will try to slow down your December...

Despite the recommendations of this blogger, I've already sent my Christmas cards, hosted a giveaway (more of that below), I get up a little earlier every weekday morning and help No Name get into mischief, and am hosting and participating in a December Photo Challenge which is enough to keep a person in constant action.  I've been thinking about this for a few days and have decided that my effort to slow December down for my household, is going to be all about altering my state of mind rather than the actual doings.  While I have a lot on my plate at work and at home, I am going to chose to remain calm and find happiness in the small things.  I am going to choose not to sweat the small things, do the best I can, and stay in constant search of those aha moments that remind me of why I do all that I do.  A smile from Cam, playing Christmas music while I work on an always so stressful IEP, an impromptu dance party to Cam's favorite... "Shake It Off," or cuddling up to watch Cam's other new favorite "Grinch."  These are the moments I will grasp to in an effort to fight for a slower December.  Now I pose that same question to YOU!  Do you have any ideas on how to make sure we aren't doing TOO much that we miss something special? :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway Lastly, I am so excited to announce, that the winner of a new pair of Freshly Picked Moccasins is MARSHA CODY!!  Congratulations Marsha!  (If you enjoyed this giveaway...Stay tuned;)  And thank you to every single person who participated, who read my blog, and support Peaches and Pearls:)  I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas!  May all our Decembers slow down enough for us to enjoy the special memories that will be made.