Wow, Christmas is certainly approaching almost as fast as it takes Santa to deliver his gifts on Christmas Eve! It has really started to feel like Christmas to me now. The stores are beautifully decorated, there are Christmas songs being played on the radio and we’ve taken out all our ornaments and will be putting the tree up tonight.

We usually put our tree up towards the end of November or the 1st of December. This year, it’s been a bit delayed as, firstly, I couldn’t remember where I had put the base to the tree (it wasn’t with the tree!), secondly, when we found it this weekend, my daughter had gone away for two days with a friend, and asked us to wait for her to return before beginning the decorating.

This has all got me thinking about how everyone celebrates Christmas in different ways. Do you have family Christmas traditions?

When do you put up your tree? Do you have a favourite ornament? What are your plans for Christmas Day? ………

I decided it might be fun to do a Christmas journal challenge to get those creative juices flowing and to record the way you celebrate Christmas. Don’t panic, you don’t have to write a book!! LOL!

I have jotted down a series of questions which you can use on a layout in any way you wish. These should hopefully help you get started on jotting down your Christmas memories.

Perhaps you’d like to ask your kids some of these questions the way I plan to. (See second set of questions). What a cute fun memory for them to have one day. If they can write already, get them to write down the answers so you also have a record of their handwriting (and spelling!). I’m sure some of the smaller kids will really amuse you with their answers too!

What about creating a journal jar ? Place these questions in a decorated little jar and ask them to take one question out a day and answer it.

You can then perhaps make a hybrid layout with a pocket on it or otherwise tuck their written answers in behind the layout in your album.

Here are a few questions to get you going:

1. Did you shop early this Christmas?
2. Are you using wrapping paper or gift bags this year?
3. Plans for your Christmas Table colour-scheme?
4. When do you put up the tree?
5. Is your tree different each year or is it always the same?
6. Does it have a particular colour scheme or theme?
7. When do you think you’ll take it down?
8. A real tree or an artificial one?
9. Can you remember your favourite Christmas present you received as a child?
10. What’s on the menu for Christmas dinner?
11. What’s your favourite Christmas song/carol?
12. What is your favourite ornament on your tree?
13. Have you got an unusual ornament?
14. Do you hang lights up outside your house?
15. What’s your favourite part about Christmas time?
16. What’s your worst part about Christmas time?
17. Are you celebrating at home or are you going away somewhere?
18. Will there be snow or shine?
19. What would you like for Christmas?
20. Is your tree topper an angel or a star?

Here are the questions I am going to ask my kids:

1. What would you like for Christmas from Santa?
2. Where does Santa live?
3. Where will he park his sleigh?
4. What’s the name of Santa’s reindeer with the red nose?
5. What’s your favourite tree ornament?
6. What’s your favourite ornament in the house?
7. What do you leave for Santa as a snack when he visits?
8. What’s your favourite Christmas song?
9. What do you like to eat at Christmas?
10. Where does Santa get the presents from?
11. What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
12. What date is Christmas day?
13. Why do we celebrate Christmas?
14. Do you have an angel or a star on top of your tree?
15. What do the words “White Christmas” mean?
16. What will you be doing on Christmas Day?
17. How long is it between Christmas Day and New Year?
18. What colours do we see at Christmas?
19. What is an elf?
20. How tall is your Christmas tree?
21. How many ornaments are there on your tree?
22. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?
23. How long does it take Santa to deliver the gifts?
24. How fast does the sleigh go?
25. Describe Christmas using one word.

You can base it on this Christmas specifically, or on the way you celebrate Christmas in general – your choice. You can add extra questions and you don’t have to use all of these either. Adapt it as you wish. You can even simply answer one question in your journaling if you like.

Also, if you can think up any more questions to add, why don’t you post them in the comments here so we can get even more inspiration. (I’ll then update the list accordingly.)

You can have photos on the layout, or choose to simply journal –  BUT – you must journal!! And remember to check out the cute Christmas themed goodies in store HERE

Post your layout in the Challenge Gallery and post a link to your layout HERE so you can collect another Petal Point. Work up to 10 Petal Points and receive a $10 Gift Certificate to the Weeds and Wildflowers Shoppe!

REMEMBER here are the basic rules in order to earn your Petal Points:

This challenge will run for TWO WEEKS until the end of Sunday 20 December 2009.

It is essential you journal on your layout using either my questions, or your own.

Don’t forget to post a link to your layout in the challenge gallery HERE in the Challenge forum.

Use at least 80% of W&W goodies.

We will then ask the W&W CT to vote for their favourite and the winner shall win an EXTRA Petal Point.

PS: I have an added little extra Christmas present for you – I have created little journal strips using W&W paper from the Life is Good Collection.

You don’t have to use them if you don’t want to. I have also included some blank ones so you can add your own text. Enjoy it!!       DOWNLOAD HERE