It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!
Yes, it's fall again, and for me that means the start of the festive season!
I know some people think this is way too early, like the Christmas shows that are already popping up, or that they don't like Halloween, a festival that they think has unfairly been brought over from America.
And that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So if you recognize yourself in this, no problem, please close the site and do not read the blog any further.
For those who, like me, love this time of year, let's get started!
Autumn in the house
From September 1st I started with the autumn decorations in the house. Not that I don't appreciate summer – I enjoy it immensely – but those warm autumn colors and cozy lights just attract me. Apparently it runs in the family, because it makes my children as happy as I do! My youngest son, 1.5 years old, doesn't quite get it yet, but my eldest, who is 5.5 years old, is a huge Halloween fan. So on October 1, the Halloween decorations also came out.
In our neighborhood in Maarssenbroek (between Amsterdam and Utrecht on the A2) we do a lot for Halloween. This year it will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26, and children can go door to door to Trick or Treat at houses with a special poster on the window. Anakin, my eldest, has been looking forward to it for weeks. He goes as Harry Potter, I dress up as someone from Slytherin House, and when my youngest joins in, he has a cute pumpkin suit that I recently borrowed from a neighbor.
Halloween presents
This year we are doing something special for Halloween: a present! Yes, I know this isn't really part of Halloween, but since we don't give gifts at Christmas, I thought it was appropriate. Our eldest is a huge fan of Mario and Luigi, and he really wanted the "Luigi's Mansion Lab and Ghost Sucker" expansion set from Lego.
Unfortunately, this set is no longer available, but luckily I found it for €15 on Marktplaats, complete with box. There were a few small parts missing, but I was able to order them online. I will give him the present on the evening of October 31, because after Trick or Treating he will probably be tired on October 26.
Scoring presents on time
This ties in nicely with my blog from last week, in which I talked about rising prices. Buying gifts on time is the best way for me to save costs. I really don't need everything new – if something is second hand but as good as new, that's fine with me. For example, last year I bought gifts for the holidays during a bol.com promotion (2+1 free). This year I already bought discontinued Super Mario Lego sets, so I'm done for Anakin through his birthday in March. For Obi, my youngest, I only need something for his birthday, but that's not until March, so I still have some time.
For example, I bought him a Vtech Scan & Leer shopping basket for Sinterklaas, completely new for €25. I'm sure he'll be happy with it, and I suspect Anakin will enjoy playing with it too.
Finding balance
Of course, my kids can also look through toy books and mark their favorite items, but I think it's important for them to know that they can't have everything they want. For me it's all about the balance between giving and staying realistic.
Smart deals
Buying early also pays off when it comes to decorations. For example, in July I bought a nice family craft package for Sinterklaas from Liefs van Cindy, with a big discount because the webshop was changing owners. I also found Sinterklaas window stickers at Hema with a 50% discount - my youngest had them in his hand with bright eyes, so I couldn't pass them up!
Of course, I don't always have to have everything cheap or on sale, but it's nice to save some money, because that means you can spend a little extra on other things.
Are you curious about my further decoration ideas for Sinterklaas and Christmas? Then follow me on Instagram, where I share everything as soon as it hangs in your home!
@hello_daphne_nl