So happy to have Emily from Emily A. Clark here today. She is not only an amazing blogger, but she is quite the designer and dedicated mom and wife as well. I am constantly inspired by Emily’s eye for design. 
During December, it seems like there is something going on every night of the week. While it’s usually parties, Christmas programs or dinners, I sometimes find even the fun festivities of Christmas can wear me down. So, for me, my “holiday haven” is taking time to watch Christmas movies with my kids. I love when we get those down nights during the month to just hang out on our couch and be together. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a few of those nights, here’s a schedule of Christmas movies that will air during the holidays.
My best tip for keeping things running smoothly around the holidays is to not set too many unrealistic expectations for myself. A couple of years ago, I drove myself crazy trying to “make” teacher gifts, send the perfect cards, get coordinating outfits for the kids, etc. It’s a good way to have a mommy meltdown. This year, the teachers will probably be getting gift cards, I’ll have my kids sign the Christmas cards and I’ll try to realize everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Putting too much stress on yourself is a good way to lose the joy of the season. And, it’s about Jesus, after all! So true! Thank you, Emily! I am looking forward to curling up with my children this month as well. It doesn’t get much better than that. Christmas is coming!!! Sixteen more days! My children remind me every morning when they open their advent bag. Hope you are enjoying this special time. Have you curled up and watched a good Christmas movie yet??
Love all the Christmas movies. It is a great way to relax and they always bring back memories of Christmases past.
Love this post- Emily is one of my favs 🙂 SO true- it doesn't have to be perfect to be special!
xo- Carmel
Emily has the right idea about not putting so much pressure on yourself! We love to watch Christmas Vacation. Still laugh after seeing it a million times!
My favorite part of Christmas is all of the time with family, and by that I mean lots of movies {our favorite is Love Actually, but after the little one goes to bed}.
So true! It's hard not to get caught up in all the things we think have to get done when in reality, this season is about family. Need to remind my self of that daily!
no matter how many times i tell myself to "keep it simple" i always manage to break that rule. maybe this year is my year!
Thanks for having me, Courtney! I love how I tell everyone else not to put pressure on themselves and I am already a complete stress-ball and it's not even mid-December 🙂
courtney can i just live in your house please!?! it's GORGEOUS!
Definitely one of my favorite memories as a kid was watching the Christmas specials with my parents. They made watching the shows with my brother and I a priority and we felt so special. Your kids will always cherish those times together!!
We just watched Polar Express…I just love that movie!!
Totally agree with trying not to be perfect, though it's hard sometimes : ) I need to be reminded so thank you!
Paula
Emily's comment just made me LOL. But we do all need to be reminded to just enjoy the time with friends and family b/c it IS so easy to get wrapped up in everything else.