December is full of chaos and crazy, and I think that’s true whether you have kids or grandkids or just other human beings in your life. I find myself looking around and wondering if I can handle one. more. thing.
UPDATED: Congratulations to our winner, Alison! This has been so much fun…don’t miss our December giveaway, going on now!
That’s what inspired me as I was pulling together this Christmas Basket Giveaway:
And what’s more, there are 14 other bloggers participating…so you have a chance to enter to win here and theretheretherethereTHERE! All of these giveaways are happening at the same time.
And check out what’s included at each one! (Then go on over and enter!)
1. Thriving Home // 2. Happy Home Fairy // 3. Nourishing Joy // 4. Intoxicated on Life // 5. Chaos to Peace // 6. Mommy Hates Cooking // 7. The Nourishing Home // 8.Young Wife’s Guide // 9. Martha Martha // 10. Heavenly Homemakers // 11. The Realistic Mama // 12. Keeper of the Home // 13. Kitchen Stewardship // 14. Gwen’s Nest // 15. Make Healthy Easy
Here’s how you enter:
- Check out the giveaway collage featuring all the bloggers we’ve partnered up with and all of the incredible items they’ve put together.
- Scroll on down to see the details for OUR Christmas Basket.
- Enter to win in the giveaway below.
- HOP to all the other sites and enter to win their goodies!
- Look around and enjoy the sites of these fabulous bloggers.
Here’s what we’ve pulled together in our Christmas Basket.
White Himalayan Salt Lamp from So Well
valued at $44
Salt lamps are beautiful, and this time of year they can just add calm that you need in the midst of the chaos.
They’re also good at countering the background electromagnetic fields that all of the electronics in your house are emitting. They release oxygen-rich, ionizing air, which soothes your mind and invigorates your body. So Well says that customers report a boost in their immune system, increased respiration, a focused clear mind, and a deeper, more restful sleep.
The salt lamps from So Well are carved at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains from solid salt crystals—the remnants of an ancient, majestic seabed—by dedicated craftsmen.
Also of note: their salt lights represent the highest standard in international fair trade agreements. A product we can feel good about supporting and it makes a great gift!
Glass Cleaning Bottles Kit/Set from Cleaning Essentials
valued at $59
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Don’t stress over cleaning your home with toxins anymore! I’ve been a huge fan of Cleaning Essentials since I was introduced to them about a year ago. Though their products are glass, they are super sturdy and they come with a guarantee! The beauty of these products isn’t just in the glass bottles but in the recipes printed directly on each container to help you quickly refill and keep going. Plus you save money and the planet by reusing bottles, thats a win win!
This package includes a handmade wooden box with these inside:
- Amber Cleaning Essentials Bottle
- Cobalt Blue Cleaning Essentials Bottle
- Wipes Container
- Organic Cotton Air Diffuser
- 2 Organic Essential Oil Blends
Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil Travel Kit
valued at $67.95
I discovered Skinny & Co. coconut oil in my own backyard and when I did more research about them, I knew I had found my top pick coconut oil brand. (It’s now the only brand I use!)
One of my very favorite Skinny & Co. product is this travel collection, which I have had for several months. It’s so handy to have all my favorites in one place, and they’re also already packaged for TSA compliance travel!
This travel kit includes:
- 2 oz. Skinny Coconut Oil
- 2 oz. Sugar Scrub
- 2 oz. Whipped Body Butter (Original)
- 2 oz. Facial Oil
- 2 oz. Peppermint Oil Pulling Oil
- 3.5 oz. Coffee Soap
- Peppermint Lip Balm
- Eco Friendly Bamboo Spoon
- Convenient Clear Travel Bag
$100 Electronic Gift Certificate from 100 Percent Pure
valued at $100
Natural products get a bad rap sometimes, especially when they don’t hold up as well as their chemically laden competitors. So I tell you, as a girl myself and the mom of girls who have NO PATIENCE for bad nail polish: this stuff is the real deal. We use it, it lasts, AND it’s beautiful. The colors are vibrant and creamy and long-lasting.
We’re also huge fans of the blackberry mascara, which is beautiful on your lashes AND smells delightful (which I realize sounds strange…and yet it is delightful, I assure you).
My girls and I are BIG fans of 100 Percent Pure, so it’s exciting to give you the chance to discover them for yourself (and if you take advantage of the holiday deals they have, this could go a lonnnnnng way!).
My Favorite Essential Oils: Peaceful and Relaxing Blends
valued at $88
This part of our basket includes an essential oil blend that will help promote feelings of contentment, composure, and reassurance…so when you find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety (or just with laundry and dishes and cleaning), you can put this in your diffuser or in a rollerball and let it help.
I’ve also included a soaking foot spa kit with essential oils that are used to calm and relax. They will also soothe winter skin irritations and ease your tension. I find that it’s the perfect treatment for getting in a relaxing mindset, either at the start or the end of the day.
And don’t forget, if you ever want to know more about the essential oils I use and love, send me an email!
Favorites from rareEARTH
valued at $64.50
When the box of rareEARTH review products arrived a while ago in my garage, I was doubtful. But after I opened the box and fought off my teens, I was not just impressed, I was also convinced!
They’re committed to creating 100% all-natural artisan products. They’re made in the USA and they’re also safe, synthentic-free, and responsibly sourced.
I’ve included these items in our Christmas basket:
- “Dream” Aromatherapy Room Mist
- “Peace” Spa Diffuser with Frankincense, Myrrh, and Palo Santo
- “Hope” Travel Tin Candle with Fir Balsalm, Spruce, and Pine Needle
Autographed Copy of The Road Back to You
valued at $17.76
My world was ROCKED recently when I not only read this book, but attended a weeklong retreat with my hubby that centered on understanding each other and our own selves.
I cried when I read the chapter describing my own self. Never have I read anything that described my inner most being the way these words did. Finally, I feel understood.
This book is based on self-awareness and it will help you figure out who you are and why you may be stuck in the same ruts. It uses the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system.
Great Goat Soap Items from Bend Soap
valued at $41.50
Bend Soap is the company that won me over to bar soap. Their soap is handcrafted from goat milk that comes from the goats they raise themselves. (And they are SO CUTE!)
In this part of our Christmas basket, you’ll find yourself delighted with these Bend Soap items:
- 8 oz. Sweet Orange Goat Milk Lotion
- Lavendar Blossom Bar Soap
- Mt. Bachelor Pine Bar Soap
- 3 Lip Butters: Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus Spearmint, and Mango
- Citrus Mint Sampler Bar Soap
- Loofah Bag
Special offer for Keeper of the Home readers from Bend Soap!
Use code soap25 for 5% off orders over $25.00.
Use code soap50 for 10% off orders over $50.00
Use code soap100 for 15% off orders over $100.00
One-Year Membership to Thrive Market
valued at $59.95
Whether you live in town or in the middle of a corn field (like me!), you can find top-selling organic brands at wholesale prices. Thrive Market includes gluten-free, non-GMO, nontoxic, and all sorts of best-selling name brands.
Special offer from Thrive Market for Keeper of the Home readers!
Get an extra 15% off your first order. Shop now!
Free Shipping on Any Order Over $49!
Rose Gold “Tree of Life” Diffuser Necklace from AromaLove
valued at $24
I have this AromaLove diffuser necklace and I LOVE it (no exaggeration). I wear this with my favorite essential oils almost daily! This is a 25mm diameter locket in rose gold with the “tree of life” in the center. These two sweet dangling charms are also included.
The necklace itself is a pendant locket, and it comes with nine refill pads in various fun colors. You’ll also get a velvet bag…and it’s high quality so that you can use it to also polish the locket.
AromaLove lockets are made of surgical grade stainless steel and are nickel free. Guaranteed to retain its integrity for as long as you own it!
Click on the links below to learn more about the bloggers!
At Thriving Home, Polly and Rachel strive to encourage moms to thrive in every area of home life. They try to keep it real when it comes to sharing about healthy recipes, raising little people, growing in their faith, freezer cooking and various other topics that motherhood and life may bring their way
Mommy Hates CookingMommy Hates Cooking is a national cooking and lifestyle website that encourages families to take back the dinner table. Through her easy-to-prepare (yet looks like you spent all day in the kitchen) meals and her knack for breaking down meal planning, Kristy has become the busy-mom’s resource for the modern family.
Jennifer and her family live in the South. She and her husband, Fred, have three boys ages 13, 10, and 7, and one unruly dog named Dash. Chaos2Peace is a blog designed to bring peace in the midst chaos by providing organizational tips, menu planning, simple recipes, and a whole lot of laughter. Join us on the blog today as we do life together, one step at a time
Laura Coppinger and her husband have four sons ages 11-19. HeavenlyHomemakers.com is dedicated to inspiring women daily with healthy (and easy!) recipes, homemaking tips, spiritual encouragement, and good ol’ clean fun.
Intoxicated on LifeIntoxicated on Life is a blog about raising strong families – body, mind, and soul. We believe, with the right education, busy moms can be equipped to make small changes one step at a time, transforming the life and health of her family. Join us on a journey as we raise holistically healthy children: nurturing their bodies, cultivating their minds, and inspiring their souls!
Jenna Braddock is a registered dietitian nutritionist, football coach’s wife, mom of boys, and entrepreneur. At Make Healthy Easy she shares real life strategies for better health and doable and delicious recipes. As a MHE reader you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your daily health struggles are normal. You’ll also get a little dose of family and football through the eyes of our Friday Night Lights life.
Happy Home Fairy is a resource of fun ideas, simple recipes, free printables, holiday traditions, and encouragement to help moms build happy homes
Katie Kimball has shared her journey to real food and natural living for almost 8 years at Kitchen Stewardship, a blog that encourages moms to keep their families healthy without going crazy.
Young Wife’s Guide exists to encourage and equip Christian homemakers to form Gospel-Centered Homes. Jami Balmet shares about her own struggles with running and managing a home and hopes to provide Biblical resources for the struggling homemaker.
Visit Gwen’s Nest and discover simple home remedies, in depth holistic health articles, healthy recipes, & Gwen’s health & weight loss discoveries. Come meet Gwen, and enjoy the funny, holistic, and friendly-efficient way of life in her nest!
Keeper of the HomeKeeper of the Home is a resource and community for women and families in all seasons of life who are striving to be healthy – body, mind, and soul. It covers a wide range of topics from healthy recipes, cleaning practices and self-care. Our inspiration begins with our faith. Stewardship inspires the way that we approach our homemaking. In fact, it’s the foundation of what you’ll find when you pull up a chair, grab a mug of something delicious, and come share this journey with us!
The Nourishing Home provides family-friendly, gluten-free, whole food recipes; free weekly whole food meal plans; helpful cooking tips and techniques; and lots of encouragement to help you in your journey to live a more nourished life.
Peace and Productivity coexist at Martha, Martha, a blog for busy women who, like biblical Martha, often get distracted by life’s demands and lose sight of Jesus! Devotional thoughts, productivity planning, simple recipes, and more will help you stay focused on the “one thing {that} is needed”
The Realistic Mama is all about family, how to spend more time with your family, activities you can do with your kids, how to create an online business that benefits your family, and more! You’ll find everything from saving money, parenting tips, kids activities, easy recipes, and DIY to online entrepreneur ideas, and more! Our tribe of moms and family-oriented entrepreneurs is one-of-a-kind. The connection, transparency, and trust are just a few of our favorite things about our community!
Nourishing Joy is dedicated to real food and natural living. We’re on a mission to equip and inspire busy parents with the tools to make intentional, thoughtful decisions easy. Or at least easier.
12 Simple Homemade Spice Mixes
Definitely the biggest stressor is just getting all the gifts internationally shipped so they make it there before xmas! (and crossing a border to do so!)
My biggest holiday stresser I would say is ensuring that I keep Christmas to its true meaning for my family.
I am not a fan of all that holiday cooking!
looks awesome
Holiday stressor: trying to figure out how to keep the focus on Christmas and not all the distracting things we’ve made “Christmas” to be. Trying to decipher how to celebrate well and honor Christina and build memories for our children!
My biggest holiday stressor is making it all “Christmasy” enough. I’m not a decorator. I used to be a baker but now that I follow a paleo diet I don’t bake many Christmas treats anymore. I try to find fun activities for the entire family. Yet I feel like I don’t do enough.
too much to do!
Getting families to decide when we’re celebrating together is my biggest stress-or!
Keeping the house clean with all the extra stuff going on!
Looks amazing!
My biggest stressor is trying to figure out what to buy for teenagers.
Biggest stressor is just finding the time to get everything in!
My biggest stressor is finding the right gifts for people.
Preparing for Christmas dinner with all of my in-laws coming over is my biggest stressor.
My biggest stresser over the holidays is the traffic and parking. People are just so rude these days.
Biggest stressor is that the day is so busy it flies by too fast.
Traveling!
The ‘To Do’ list is too long.
Finances are the biggest stressor
My biggest stressor over the holidays is really the cumulative effect of everything… Christmas shopping, (trying to do) Advent calendar with my kids, getting ready for travel… on top of all the usual things of life that keep us busy anyway. This year I have tried to say no to a lot more things so I can breathe a little bit.
Biggest holiday stressor: this year I think it’s dealing with other people’s stress, plus stress from health problems that have affected relatives.
My biggest holiday stressor is finding the perfect gifts for all my loved ones without breaking the bank.
Buying gifts is so hard for me. I’m not a good shopper.
I love all the ideas about natural cleaning and skin care.
The biggest stressor for me is the pressure to buy all the gifts!
My biggest holiday stressor would be getting everything done in time. I tend to try to do more diy gifts/projects then I have time for.
When my dad visits us and my children and is very critical about everything and my husband and I are simply thankful for our healthy children not perfection.
My biggest stressor is trying to make edible GF Christmas cookies.
What a great assortment of items! Would definitely reduce Stress!
Biggest stressor is buying the gifts
My biggest holiday stressor is worrying about everyone’s gifts. I want to make sure they get something they love but at the same time it is hard living so far from them. I don’t know everything they already have or little things they are into.
Biggest holiday stressor is feeling like I don’t have enough time to get everything done.
The biggest stressor is all the family get-togethers.
My biggest holiday stressor is all the external expectations – I’m an introvert and need even more recharging by myself this time of year.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some of these great things!
My biggest holiday stress comes from remembering holidays with a perpetually drunk stepfather
being on time to all the things going on! Thanks for the giveaway!
This looks so wonderful!
My biggest stressor is my own expectations about making the holiday’s wonder filled for my family.
My biggest stressor is thinking that my gifts aren’t good enough and that I can’t afford more for everyone.
One of my biggest stressers is managing my time to get things done. Extra prayer & coffee is a must!
I love the holidays, but always struggle to find a way to give to everyone I love and appreciate, without going over my budget. I’d rather be able to give everyone something, even if small, than leave people out. The holidays are about appreciation and community! I’m always looking for thoughtful gifts and DIYs.
My biggest holiday stressor is trying to manage all of the family get togethers!!
My biggest holiday stressor is traveling. (I have 8 kids 🙂
My biggest streesor Is the baking and cooking!
What a great giveaway.
My biggest stressor I think is planning how to attend all the events. I always want to attend them all, and getting babysitters figured out for parties and getting the times lined up with family members and their various schedules is not easy!
My biggest stressor is trying to get everything that I need to get done before Christmas.
The biggest stressor is when my kids get sick on the holidays.. which seems to happen often!
Biggest stress? Normally the holidays are not stressful for me…but this year with a newborn, it’s hard to get anything done!
My biggest stressor is that I have to be places or have things done at very specific times.
My biggest stressor is usually usually finding gifts for in in-laws. This year I started earlier and got it done in November. December has been smooth sailing as a result!
Biggest stressor is money!
Picking out gifts for others on a small budget is my biggest holiday stressor. That and decided who/where/when/how to travel to see family.
I stress about getting everything done. Got that list, I check it two, three, four times!
Thank you for the holiday gift basket giveaway! My biggest holiday stressor is trying to keep up with all of the holiday events. We are volunteers on the youth team, teach Sunday school, and are active in other areas of the church. We try to support the kids in all their activities – but phew! – sometimes it can be overwhelming! We love it though!
Shopping is my biggest stress. I dont really like it any time of year, but this time of year people are rude.
Our biggest holiday stresser is decorating. We have a small house and love live trees. But a wood-burning stove inside makes it hard.
+JMJ, Thank you baby Jesus for your infinite generosity!!! And the opportunity to win such lovely treats!! God bless and prayers for all;)
My biggest holiday stressor is getting all the gifts made in time!
Not having enough time between work and the kids being out of school to do all the things that they will like to do.
Trying to make everything “perfect” instead of just enjoying the moment.
Figuring out what to get my husband. Haha!
Finding time to entertain or clean so I can entertain.
I stress about spending too much money and getting everybody the perfect gifts.
Gifts are for SURE my biggest holiday stressor!
Lack of time to get it all done!!
Not getting my gifts together early. But I am done with my shopping and now I need to kick back and relax. Easier said than done with three boys under 18mos. Yes, three of them…my hair is falling out.
The kids getting overwhelmed and then not behaving!
I think my biggest holiday stresser is trying to enjoy the season while keeping up with my work responsibilities.
Great gifts!!! Love anything scented for home!!
Spending money, providing a fabulous holiday season for my kids without getting caught up in spending!
We don’t live near any family so our stress level is pretty low. But sometimes we can lose focus on what the holiday is really about.
Scheduling between both sets of families.
My holiday stressors are budgeting and keeping on top of homeschooling.
My biggest holiday stressor is braving the stores for gifts!
Right now my biggest holiday stressor is my hubby not being home. He can’t help that work has taken him oceans and continents away from us, but we sure miss him and can’t wait until he’s home!
My biggest holiday stressor is getting all the holiday packages mailed out in time!
My biggest stressor is having to plan my toddler’s birthday between Christmas and New Years, make sure I have enough gifts, and make him feel special amidst all the Christmas hubbub! He is a December 28th baby- he will be 4 this year 🙂
My biggest holiday stressor is a little unusual — we have pulled way back from the traditions of Christmas and most people don’t understand and either think we’ve lost our faith or are cheap or other things.
My biggest holiday stressor is having my in laws over.
Biggest Stressor of the holidays….coming up with gift ideas for everyone.
My big holiday stressor is trying to get everything done lol
My biggest stressor is getting all of the decorations out and set up. I really only enjoy putting up the tree, but I have littles now and they like the decorations.
My biggest holiday stressor is finding the right gifts.
My biggest stressor is finding TIME to celebrate with all the people we love.
Getting anywhere on time with 8 children, the youngest 3 weeks old, is a challenge. A very stressful challenge for this momma!
My biggest holiday joy/stressor is getting ready for the baby!!! 😀
My biggest holiday stressor is just feeling like I don’t have enough time to get things done.
My holiday stressor is getting ready for the bug meal we have on Christmas Eve with EVERYBODY invited.
Traveling with 2 dogs 10hrs away
my biggest stressor is lack of funds this year 🙁 I hate that this issue makes a difference but it does. Praying for peace and happiness for ALL!!!
TRAVELING!!!!!
Finding the right gifts for everyone
Finding the right gifts!
My biggest holiday stressor is house guests. I love the people we associate with, but playing hostess for an extended period really drains me.
Neat!!
Keeping up with my training for track season so I can race my fastest.
My biggest stress is trying to live up to the expectations of others.
packing 5 kids and traveling
My big stressor is trying to get everything done in time.
My biggest stress is trying to figure out where my son goes for what between me and his dad and then where we go for what between mine and my husband’s family. Too many people pulling for time.
right now, my biggest holiday stressor is making sure we have time to do the things we want to do… it seems to be going by so quickly!
not having any extra holidays apart from 25 December and 1 January. With 2 little ones and all decoration, meals and magic to be made once I get back home tired after work…
The sweet orange lotion sounds wonderful!
Pressure to spend more than we ought on gifts in order to make everything seem “fair”
Making sure there’s enough food for everyone!
Biggest holiday stressor: gift giving. Neither my husband nor I enjoy giving nor receiving gifts but we do value generosity and the opportunity to show love to others. Finding that balance can be very hard.
My biggest holiday stressor right now is making sure I can wrap Christmas presents without our four littles around! 😉
getting everything done and not worrying about the expense
My biggest holiday stressor is probably just the uncertainty of most days when my family is in Illinois visiting our extended family. We’re never sure what we’re doing, there are tons of last minute gifts we have to buy, etc.
Time and money
Thanks for the chance to win the basket!
My biggest holiday stressor is the fact that I have 11 Birthdays including Christmas in the month of December. Its the scrambling to buys gifts and entertain for each birthday (only 3) and the running around to get all the prep done. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
I loved your gifts. Thanks a lot for this awesome giveaway
Staying focused with homeschooling while enjoying the season is my most difficult part.
gift shopping!
My biggest holiday stressor is juggling all of our family and their expectations, especially since my father is not a believer and I would like to incorporate my faith in my family’s traditions.
Thanks for the giveaway
Planning, prepping and cooking Christmas dinner is my biggest stressor. Ugh!
Great giveaway!
Buying gifts…not only the right one, but just getting it all done and not procrastinating!!
Biggest stress is getting it all done on time!
Keeping up with the expectation of gifts! I think going back to simple homemade gifts made with love!!
Since I am a teacher. Just finishing school before vacation. Keep the kids working . Even though they are looking forward to vacation (so am I)
My husband works at a large church so the extra rehearsals and services resulting in loss of family time during such a special time of year is difficult, especially with two young children at home.
My biggest stressor is having overnight company.
I would say my biggest Holiday stressor would be trying to find time for all the events we need/want to go to.
Getting the shopping done!!!
My biggest holiday stressor is definitely figuring out how to spend meaningful time with all three of our families: my mom’s family, my dad’s family, and my boyfriend’s family. Two major holidays + three families = stressful!
Staying healthy!
My biggest stressor is buying gifts for everyone and not forgetting anything.
I’m running on little sleep because of a new baby and struggling to get motivated to decorate.
Staying well- rested
My biggest holiday stressor is long lines.
Money…
I love reading about all the lovely products and definitely like reading your posts.
I can’t believe the variety of these products! They all look great!!
My biggest holiday stressor is wrapping the presents!
Cooking!
Taming my sweet tooth!
All the traveling with kiddos
It is stressful to feel like every single moment has to be perfection. I plan to relax a little this year.
My biggest holiday stressor is not being able to make the “perfect” holiday.
My biggest stressor–buying Christmas presents! I really struggle finding just the right present that I can afford.
Keeping the house clean when the kids are home during the holidays incase someone pops in.
…thankful for God’s blessings in my life & that He is The Prince of Peace
Biggest stressor is managing expectations for “grand gatherings” & traditions with reality & limited time!
mine is not having enough money to buy presents for people. of course my mom and grandparents would understand if/when i can’t buy them something. but i have a younger half sister and half brother who i know would be hurt if they didn’t receive something.
My biggest stressor is trying to stay positive and in the “holiday spirit” and attend events during the dark season when my body just wants to hibernate!
My holiday stressor is making sure that we celebrate our son’s birthday well (Dec 9) during the busy Christmas season.
My holiday stressor is making sure that we celebrate our son’s birthday well (Dec 9) during the busy Christmas season.
Remembering to keep balance and saying “no” to some things in order to maintain peace and not stress can sometimes be a stressor! LOL! Great giveaway!
My biggest holiday stressor is getting everything organized with a specific focus on keeping or getting! the house clean at the same time.
Keeping the house with family here and kids at home
My biggest stressor is that we also have several birthdays + our anniversary to celebrate in December as well!
My biggest stressor is all the traveling we do.
Biggest stress is having the right food for everyone. Also, I gave wrong twitter account name above! oops! that is stressful. 🙂
Money is always a holiday stressor!
getting everything ready for Christmas and at the same time getting ready to go south for the winter.
Great giveaway! My biggest stressor is traveling. I always worry about the weather.
My biggest holiday stresses right now are getting a Christmas card together and trying to really get into the spirit of the season.
My biggest holiday stressor is how commercialized everything has become and the expectations that go hand in hand with it. Every year it gets more extravagant, people vying to find the right gift, to outdo each other, children left wondering why Santa brought their friend a game console and they “only got a bike”. It just seems it is more about the getting than the giving, more about the season than the reason.
Your giveaway has a lot of products for de-stressing is would be a bonus for anyone during the holiday season. My biggest stressor is trying to co-ordinate schedules and not get caught up in all the crazy busyness of extra demands.
My biggest holiday stresser is My Parents and that they are OK during the holiday season.
My biggest stressor is always trying to make everything perfect instead for just enjoying everything for what it is.
My biggest stressor is getting the house clean and organized!
Sounds weird, but I hate wrapping presents!
Buying all the gifts!
Trying to do too many things in too short of a time.
Lack of time to do all the fun activities.
My biggest holiday stressor is coming up with gift ideas for the grandparents!
Looks like you have lots of great info on your site. I’ll be checking it out more.
Cleaning the house for company/Mother-in-Law. This year though it may be getting the Christmas cookies baked :p.
This year I think its going to be saying no to all the treats (except the ones I made myself) so I can stick to the autoimmune paleo elimination diet and get better!
My biggest holiday stressor is time.
My stressors are when i have a meal or gift to make. And my body decides TO SHUT DOWN. i have to
rest. Or i will be in PAIN HURTS for days. I have many autoimmune problems. So i try to relax read or use oils ..BREATH..try to do it. I cry when i cant
I guess wrapping gifts is my biggest stressor, but I think I would enjoy it more if I didn’t leave it until the last minute.
Our biggest Holiday stressor is actually one of our favorite things to do–my daughter dances in a local Nutcracker performance. It is a LOT of work and a LOT of stress on performance week (yes week!), but so much fun. This was our second year and we will be back (Lord willing) next year for a third. Once over, the rest of the month gets a LOT easier.
I always seem to be running against the clock.
My biggest holiday stressor is the cost.
Money and work schedules are my biggest stressors
My greatest holiday stress-producer is gifting. With little help from my family, I try to find the perfect gifts without just buying off a list. while some people are easy, much of my family just buys anything they like when they see it leaving little need for gifts.
Getting to all the family functions without being exhausted.
This giveaway looks amazing!! It will be a blessing to whoever wins, I am sure!
Thanks so much Debbie! We love putting this together and being able to shower a very lucky winner this Christmas is a blessing to us as well!!
My biggest holiday stressor is typically the housecleaning for guests.
What a wonderful giveaway!!!
Mine is getting the tree. It is just a hassle. This year I am going small. My son is 14 so it doesn’t matter much to him.
My biggest holiday stressor is staying on top of the house while adding in so many extra activities!
Balancing work and family is my buggest stressor.
I’m with you there Heather!! Finding balance is difficult and always changing.
Gift selection and keeping the house clean and organized.
My biggest holiday stressor is finding the right kind of gift for everyone!
My biggest stressor is finding/buying gifts for our 7 children on a shoe string budget. I started making things several months ago, but I still like to buy at least 2 or 3 things off of their Santa list.
Biggest holiday stressor: shopping for gifts!
Keeping the house clean and company ready is the bane of my existence all year, but it is certainly heightened during the holidays!
This basket is amazing! This past August, I got transferred to a new position at work, and it really stressed me out. My husband an thought it was best for me to quit, so I did in October. I have spent the past 8 weeks or o looking for a new position, and I start one later this week. It’s been an extremely stressful year end, and this basket would help out so much to unwind form it! Thanks!
It sounds like you are pretty overwhelmed! Good luck to you on the giveaway and many blessings for your new year Maria!!
My biggest stressor is probably trying to do too much. I love to sew and make things, but it’s easy to bite off more than I have time for.
My biggest stressor is that my husband has to work on Christmas. 🙁
Getting gifts correct.
My biggest holiday stressor is figuring out what gifts to give to people. I like them to be special!
Letting go of the “ideal” Christmas in favor of the real Christmas taking place!
So true Debbie!
I think my biggest stressor is buying gifts.
Having too many holiday events to attend can be really stressful!
Shopping and wrapping gifts for the kids and making sure dinner is prepared the night before
My biggest stresser is being around certain family members that are rude, ugly (attitude wise), and very negative.
I am not a great housekeeper but once all the homemade Christmas presents & extra baking get started the housework suffers just in time for lots of company!
Thanks for such a lovely giveaway.
Wendy
I know what you mean Wendy!I have a knack for be messy when I create!!
My biggest holiday stressor is sharing with friends and family that don’t understand that Christmas is not all about Santa Clause (this is also probably my favorite part)!
Biggest holiday stressor – scheduling times to celebrate with different family groups!
Being around family?
Biggest stress is trying to fit in all the different family components…
The constant mess/clutter stresses me out!
Holiday (and year round) stress- the chaos at my in-laws. Love them dearly but sometimes…
Hands-down, my biggest holiday stressor is food. I have a ton of food sensitivities, so while everyone else is gorging themselves on a huge variety of delicious treats, I’m struggling not to starve. Virtually ALL fellowship revolves around food, so it makes every type of gathering a major challenge.
That is so true Rachel! Every event we attend over the holidays has ‘holiday foods’ and it is difficult not to partake! I try to take a fruit or veggie tray to anything I feel comfortable contributing to just for that reason! It can be tiring to try to cook something for each event that fits my dietary needs! Many blessings of peace and yumminess that bring good health to you!
My biggest stressor during the holidays is food – what to eat that is in keeping with what has always been holiday food.
Biggest stressor is shopping.
My biggest stressor is staying healthy. I had the flu two years ago and do not want that to happen again.
My biggest holiday stressor is finding the perfect gifts for everyone in the family. Some family members are just so hard to read.
Setting up the tree with the kids.
Obligatory gift giving – I try to limit that as much as possible, and just give a few gifts from the heart.
Those are the best Jennie!
My biggest stressor is my exportations. 🙂
expectations…..auto correct!
Wrapping the presents.
My biggest holiday stresser is the expectations of others, how all of the sudden everyone seems to think my budget should double, triple, or quadruple even. We don’t get a pay raise for the month of Christmas expectations. Every party has to have gift exchanges and with 3 kids that makes it really hard to enjoy Christmas parties and keep it simple at the same time.
Figuring out what gifts to buy/make for everyone.
Buying the right gifts for everyone (and having the money to do it) is the biggest stress of the holiday season for me.
My biggest holiday stressor is my own expectations. So I try really hard to plan to make sure I have the important things covered and then keep reminding my self that even though I might want to do everything it isn’t needed nor healthy which leads to no enjoyment of the season.
The busyness of Christmastime can be very stressful! I have to try to remember the reason for the season!
My biggest holiday stressor is the feeling that everyone has to have gifts, and what to get everyone. I want to just celebrate the joy of Christmas without feeling the need to have to please everyone!
The gift giving can be a little overwhelming.
The biggest hokiday stressor for me is trying not to get sick,and those sugar cookies don’t help, but there a yummy tradition.
Biggest stressor in Christmas is trying to plan a time for everyone in a large family to get together. But the joy that comes from the celebration of it all quickly erases that stressor!
My biggest holiday stress, is just not having enough time to enjoy everything.
I don’t mind any of it early on but I just get stressed at the end because more than likely I’ve procrastinated in some fashion…getting it all done in time stresses me out!
The biggest holiday stressor is the pressure to get everyone gifts and all the money we spend on them!
Gift giving
My biggest holiday stressor is trying to make the holidays meaningful and fun at the same time.
Looks great!
Biggest holiday stressor this year is my health. I am having an exacerbation of MS symptoms and it’s keeping me from being able to do much. Sad and stressful!
My biggest holiday stressor is making time for everything.
Money
My biggest holiday stressor is that my family lives 500 miles away. 🙁
My biggest Holiday stressor is trying to find everyone the “right” gift
Believe it or not, Christmas cards. We have four children, one of which is married. It can be difficult getting everyone together for a picture to send with our Christmas cards. Fortunately, this year was not.
What lovely prizes you have chosen. Hope I win!
Finding time for all I think I have to do.
Figuring out what to get everyone and having the money to give all the gifts I would like to.
Navigating travel and splitting time between families.
Probably the huge expectations I put on myself. I get really cynical about all the materialism and then I try really hard to make it meaningful but my expectations are really high and I rarely ever meet them. I envision all this perfect advent stuff and every year I feel like I just fail.
I have 8 nephews and a small salary…I want to buy them everything that they want, but I can’t and that’s depressing :/
All the gift buying
Everything seems more stressful during holidays!
I would have to say staying up the night before to play Santa, though it’s worth it to me. I just treasure my sleep lol!
My biggest stressor for the holidays is not doing too much. There are so many parties and activities. I just know I can’t do them all and decide to say no more than yes.
Missing loved ones…
Biggest stressor? Travel when the whole rest of the world is traveling!
SO many activities!
My biggest stressor is finding the money to do something for the kids!
Running out of time for what needs to be done and what I think needs to be done
Amazing items. Thanks for sharing your favorite things.
All the planning!
Travelling!
Getting things done on time!
Biggest holiday stressor for me is trying to eat healthy during the multiple gatherings!
I get most stressed about getting/making the perfect gift for each person
getting all the gifts done (especially handmade ones!)
I would say that having the time to shop for all the special gifts that I would like to give is the biggest stresser to me.
My biggest holiday stressor is MONEY!
Traveling!
My biggest holiday stressor is all the pressure to give gifts and go to every Christmas party (there are about 6-7 between my family and my husband’s).
My biggest holiday stressor is getting in a hurry. I just want to enjoy my family as we celebrate the joy of the season in remembering that this is about Jesus!
My biggest holiday stressor is not having enough money to give gifts to everyone I’d love to bless. So I try to come up with gifts like sugar scrubs to share with all my friends and family.
This year it is missing family.
My biggest holiday streason is traveling.
My biggest stressor is time. There doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything I want to do, done!
Trying to slow down and enjoy the moments! I stress if I’m not doing that, lol!
My biggest holiday stressor is definitely planning my flight there and back, and organizing my trip/ packing all my gifts. Traveling 3000 miles for Christmas is stressful, but I get to see my family, so it’s worth it!
Biggest stressor? Getting everything prepared while cultivating a heart of “being present” for worship to the Lord Jesus. Finances can get distracting…..
Would love the oils in ur giveaway, they would help with the stress of the holiday’s. I’m always stressed that I won’t give the right gift to someone and they will be sad.
great give-away!
My biggest holiday stressor is the traffic and the crowds in the stores.
Oi, the finances! I never budget ahead for Christmas. Somehow we never end up in debt but we’re never able to do all that we’d like.
The finances. Even though we try to simplify Christmas, we still have 6 children and my husband is unemployed. Thank you for the opportunity!
The biggest holiday stressor for me is planning which night we go to which family members house. We have to fit in my in-laws, my mom’s, and then my dad’s. Holidays are hectic. We’ve had a few glitches over the years, and syncing schedules takes a lot of navigating, but usually wouldn’t change the way they turn out once all is said and done. Well worth the mayhem leading up to it.
I work at a school and there are a million extra events at Christmas time not including my own families. My biggest stress is the lack of time to slow down and enjoy.
Time…I wish we had more time to enjoy the season and each other
This is wonderful. What a great basket.
My biggest stressor is trying to get it all done while enjoying the ride of the Christmas season!
biggest holiday stressor = overnight guests
My big stress is not to have enough time for everything. Thanks gor this fabulous giveaway!
Thank you for the fun give away, Merry Christmas!!!
too much stimulation for the kids
My biggest stressor at Christmas is family arguments!
Thank you for the give away.
Biggest holiday stressor is family tension.
Keeping the kids presents hidden!!!
trying to find something everything for everyone that they will really like and staying in budget. making sure I do it all in time and no one sees it. hahaha >.<
My biggest stressor is what gifts to get for family like siblings, in-laws, and such
Biggest stress for me is trying to get everything done and not overdo. And stay on budget.And not loose site of the true meaning of Christmas. trying to make gifts but next year need to start earlier. Great giveaway thank you
My biggest holiday stressor this year is keeping the wrong foods from my little guy … my first kid with food allergies! Not bad for being my worst stressor though 🙂
Buying gifts is my biggest stressor
So many events!!!!!
My biggest stressor is not having enough time for everything
Many delightful things to beat stress! Wishing you nothing but joy this blessed season!
different diets for dinner and breakfast
Not knowing what to give to certain family members for Christmas
my biggest holiday stressor is trying not to over indulge in all the goodies!
A Blessed giveaway
I’m excited about the giveaway. My biggest holiday stressor is family.
My biggest holiday stressor is probably trying to do too much…things I really don’t need to do!
my biggest holiday stress-or is that my step dad is very gravely ill with a terminal illness and it takes a lot to take care of him. My mom is doing this 24/7/365. I help everyday when I’m not working. But it very hard to watch someone you love so much fade away. Wish our family had other family that would help and step up to the plate.
My biggest stress is not being able to afford gifts for my kids this year.
I think mine is hoping that everyone gets along. Something always seems to set someone off and, well, you know the rest.
I want to give meaningful gifts to my family, so thinking of those are my biggest stressor.
My biggest stressor this time of year is not having enough money to get everyone I want to a gift! There are so many people that I want to bless, but I do not have the resources to do so.
Biggest holiday stressor – avoiding extended family expectations without being offensive
Biggest holiday stresser… Finding a gift for my husband that is adequate to let him know how much I love and appreciate all the things he has done and spoiled me with throughout the year… Without going over or ridiculously low budget.
My biggest strreesor would have to be about wanting to give more than I can in reality…but then of course…in the end it all turns out nice
My biggest stressor during the holidays is just trying to get everything done before Christmas Day.
My biggest holiday stressor is weather and travel. My parents live in a place that is very hard to access in the winter, so getting to see them at Christmas can be very challenging. Many times roads are closed and we are not able to get together.
I think it would be decorating the house in a timely manner.
My biggest stressor is trying to manage all the family events with 3 tiny kids in tow.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Thanks for such a nice giveaway.
My biggest stresser so far this year has been getting all the lights to work on the Christmas tree!
These are great items and some wonderful companies!! Thank you 🙂 My biggest stressor is traveling with the littles and spending many days with a house full of in laws 😉
My biggest holiday stressor is trying to fit it all in while still enjoying the holiday.
What a great basket! So many awesome things I otherwise may have never heard of or tried! Goodluck to all!!!
My biggest holiday stressor is trying to keep my home clean- I have 3 beautiful boys- it takes a total of 2-3 minutes to find something on the floor after we’ve spent half the day cleaning;) It’s Christmastime, the time of year where anyone might drop in, at anytime
Biggest stressor: cleaning house!
All the hullabaloo to “be just like’ someone else and I always feel left out so not a fan of what is referred to as ‘the holiday season’.
I hope you can find some peace from the hullabaloo here with us and encouragement to be you <3
I do a lot of kid’s craft shows during December so my stressor is getting everything done and keeping up with normal household duties during this time.
Sensory overload & too much emphasis on things other than the true meaning for the season.
Your gift basket is great
I decided instead to tell you my biggest holiday stress reliever: finding a silent place amidst the bustle of the world’s Xmas idea to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
I’m glad you did! And so glad you you are able to find that place, I think we could all benefit from spending more time there!
My biggest holiday stressor is ‘feeling’ like it went well. I set expectations for myself and get stressed when it’s so silly; my family just loves being together, period. <3
My biggest stressor is the busy days but through prayer & some great body-balancing natural supplements I’m taking I’m feeling so much less stressed this Christmas season!
I struggle most when I can’t make things perfect, but I know in the end that spending time with family matters the most.
Money! The weather frequently means a drop in income but expenses go up.
Thank you so much for the opportunity. Everything is wonderful. Have a wonderful winter.
Biggest holiday stress is getting in too much of a rush and forgetting to enjoy
gift giving
I love all the natural things, and the book would be great, as I am discovering more of who I am.:-)
My father getting laid off (along with fifty other poor souls) after relocating to a town they are miserable in. I am desperately trying to cheer them up and bringing a bit of Christmas joy to them in an otherwise dark time..
Finding the perfect gifts on time and in budget 😉
My biggest holiday stressor is the end of the semester testing I have to administer as a teacher. Not fun!
Biggest stressor: overscheduling!
My biggest stress during the holidays is buying gifts that make people feel loved on a budget.
Giving everyone quality time! Hubby works a lot of overtime and we have 7 kids at home!
My biggest stressor is gift buying. Same thing every year, what to buy for who, how much can I spend, & how many gifts to get for each person. Ugh, my brain feels like it’s ready to explode. Once it’s done I can relax & enjoy the season celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus. Merry Christmas & God bless.
Wanting to do less in a season that’s all about more.
Lack of family enthusiasm for holiday activities
I would say the biggest holiday stressor is too much to do and not enough time.
Not being on our regular schedule and money!
Definitely cleaning!
kid’s schedule is messed up thus lack of sleep
Biggest holiday stressor would be money.
My biggest holiday stressor is FAMILY! Figuring out where everyone will sleep, diffusing conflicts, feeding everyone (who seems to all have some type of dietary restriction or weird aversion to anything vegetarian until they taste it!). It’s part sentiment, part nightmare every year.
My big source of stress during the holidays is myself and ideas I think I need to implement. But, as long as I can keep that in check, my biggest sources of stress are people around me who are cranky!
I always stress about money and my kids fighting around the holidays!
Decorating. I don’t know why I fret over how my home looks.. but I do.
Thanks so much for giving me a chance to win these awesome gifts!!!
You are so welcome Christa!
The biggest holiday stressor is without doubt the buying of gifts.
I love diffusing essential oils to beat the stresses the holiday season can bring. Also, they help to purify the air and keep my family healthy! Merry Christmas.
My biggest holiday stressor is money, because that is my husband’s.
I can’t think of a Christmas stressor! Jesus is the reason we have Christmas! Rejoice!
Thats awesome Abigail! Jesus is the reason <3
My biggest holiday stressor is waking up one morning and realizing how much time has gone by without me fully comprehending that Christmas is just around the corner.
My stress is dealing with guests
Getting gifts and not spending over budget..ugh. Love to buy gifts for everyone hehe
Thanks for the giveaway! Some great items in there! Merry Christmas!
My biggest holiday stressor: Treats not being healthy…
Hmm.
My biggest challenge is to stay one step ahead in preparing for Christmas + 3 family member birthdays in December.
Whew…
My biggest stressor would be money, or lack of it. We haven’t been good on giving gifts lately. I reuse gift bags and tissue paper and wrappings and wrap up mostly what we already have in the home.
I don’t stress about it too much. We have way too many people in our family to give gifts to each one, so we kind of choose our little company for each Christmas and stay low with gifts. It’s not the main thing in Christmas anyways! Jesus came to set us free from our sins! That is the biggest gift. Trying to live in accordance with that every Christmas and everyday in between is the real challenge!
conversations with people you haven’t seen in a really long time.
My biggest stressor is trying not to stress! 🙂
Biggest holiday stresser is trying to keep up.
My biggest holiday stressor is trying to manage everyone’s expectations for what makes a special Christmas.
extra activities in the schedule
My biggest holiday stressor is when I have to figure out EXACTLY what eac and every person in my family wants to get for Christmas and THEN I have to plan my budget according to how much their wants/wishes are. It NEVER fails that every gift is Way OVER PRICED and I somehow have to make it work!
Try to enjoy every moment and spend more time with family. Love the holidays!! Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas Tanya!
My biggest holiday stressor is getting everyone’s gifts in time for Christmas & having the house clean & organized!
My biggest holiday stressor is cleaning up after every one leaves. Uhh!
😀
What to buy people for Christmas gifts…and I hate buying just “something” to be able to give them something…I stress about getting something they will really use, love, or need!
Holiday stressor – trying to fit everything in, and making sure we get everything we want to do actually gets done.
Biggest stressor? All.The.Toys. We don’t buy many for our two daughters, but with a few here and there from family and friends, they really pile up! Crazy!
My biggest holiday stressor is finding nice things for family and friends at a reasonable cost… We love decorating and enjoying each others company !!
Thats the best!
Biggest Stress right now? Trying to organize all of the obligations, invites and a certain family member who basically just announced, “Christmas won’t be happy unless my needs are met.” 🙂
Family gatherings are my stressful time.
I guess finances would be the biggest stress.
Shopping for everyone and hiding the gifts from the kids
and then remembering where I put them ;P
All the things to do and not enough time but I want to do them all and my my introverted soul gets so depleted
Making sure I’ve got everyone covered! I’m from, and have, a big family. 🙂
My biggest holiday stressor is MONEY!
My biggest holiday stressor is choosing the right gifts!
My biggest stress this Christmas season is having to go gluten free, possibly due to celiac. I am starting to feel better, praise God, but being on an extremely limited budget as a pastors wife makes this overwhelming. Thank you for the opportunity to win some new and awesome products! God Bless!
I hope you can find some help and encouragement here at Keeper of the Home Michelle, it’s not easy to be gluten free during the holidays…or any day!!….May your holiday be joyful!
My holiday stressor: all the gift buying
Buying gifts and keeping it “even”…
My Biggest Holiday Stressor: Trying to schedule visits with everyone who is either in town or wants to get together during Christmas time.
My biggest holiday stressor is shopping for gifts.
biggest stress, especially this year, has been dealing with all those around me who are stressing over the holiday season – I really am personally enjoying it and am finding it difficult to interact with those who are over-reacting to the activity and busyness!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Crowds are the most stressful part of the holidays.
Thanks for the giveaway. Trying to do too much is my biggest stressor.
My stressor is buying gifts. I hate crowds and I hate shopping so that’s probably why I hate the shopping. 🙂
My biggest stressor is finding the right presents for everyone, and not overspending.
Biggest stressor — trying to make things as “normal” as I can for my teenage son and my husband — who is in the end stages of a brain tumor and is in denial that he has little time left. I am taking care of him and commuting to school, taking 15 hours/semester, to finish my bachelor’s degree (so that I can get a job to support myself and my son afterwards). And I work a part-time job. I don’t have time — or energy! — to bake, decorate, shop….but I’m trying to get through the last of my final exams this coming week and then I have to make it look like Christmas at our house, because that’s what they both want.
What a wonderful gift idea…they all look so good 🙂
trying to afford everything
teacher gifts, trying to get something nice but affordable
Thanks for giving in the contest. Great items!
Shopping
Trying to get around to see all of the family.
The Christmas season is not too stressful for me. However, one of my children is born on Christmas Day, so making sure her birthday is not overlooked is a bit of a challenge, especially when getting together with extended family.
Hosting Christmas night dinner- I am not much of a cook and I worry about everyone having a good time.
FOR ME IT’S THE LONG LINES.
The biggest holiday stress for me isn’t probably that I am such a procrastinator and leave everything to the last minute. I have such good intentions to not do the same this but it always turns out the same!
What to fix for food for everyone.
Trying to get everything done and still make sure Jesus is put first in the season.
The biggest stressor is the time management…trying to fit all of the extra stuff into an already full schedule.
My biggest holiday stressor this year is our postal delivery person. They don’t deliver half our boxes and just leave slips in the box for us to drive to the post office to pick things up (instead of leaving the boxes on our porch). They put wrong mail in the box all the time and crush any boxes they do touch. It’s been a nightmare this year!
My biggest holiday stressor is traveling to visit family because one of my kids has severe, life-threatening food allergies, and food is so much of a focus during the holidays!
The cost of the holidays are my biggest stressor.
Biggest stressor is time! It just flies by! I enjoy every minute but it goes too fast!
Dealing with family who live locally
Hmmm. My biggest holiday stressor is that I love all things Christmas, so have always struggled to NOT try and do it all!
My biggest holiday stressor is wanting to do all the cool/pretty/fun Christmas things and not having time to do a quarter of what I wantl.