I'm on a Christmas kick this morning, but already were in Sept. The time has flown so fast and I have a thousand things to do it seems before Christmas comes.

Were looking at downsizing our Christmas this year and were planning on a Victorian/pioneer Christmas. The kids are making gifts for us (dd is knitting a scarf for her daddy) and were making most of our Christmas gifts.

Will re-read The Little House book and see what their Christmas was like. I know they didn't have turkey, they had goose so I'm hoping dh can shoot a couple this fall. Were making Victorian ornaments (I found a great book for 10¢ at a yard sale) and were going to have a very simple Christmas.

Any suggestions as to how to keep it even simpler and to make it true to pioneering living?

When the kids make there wish list, let them know you plan to keep it simple. Ask them to include something on their wish list that is for someone else, something simple, some of the things my kids have asked for are blankets and coats for the homeless, an anonimous gift for a child at school that has little. Snow shoveling or yard coupons for the elderly neighbors (Make them keep their promises !!!) A plate of Christmas dinner or invitation for a lonely neighbor. These are the things that to me, truely are the spirit of Christmas. You can not imagine just how much fun your children will have organizing these projects.

One year I made a set of pioneer Christmas tree thingies. lol
on the Prairie there were no trees, so they use dowels and branched them out, and put bows of homespun material. Also strung some wooden stars etc.. of the ends.

One tall dowell up and down. Then cut maybe a 6 inch and tied it on near the top, then a 8 inche, 10 inch and 12 inch . It is really cute...........hmmmmm wonder where it is?

well most of the ladies on my list are getting clove oranges or apples wrapped in a hand knitted dish rag.
As to the men i do not know

Lori that is an excellent idea. we are making alot of christmas stuff here but that is something that i could do and not expensive too. it really is the spirit of christmas. :)