Christmas Time's a'Comin' - Hallmark KOC Dream Box

So I received my Hallmark KOC Dream Box yesterday. This is the new program Hallmark is using this year for the Keepsake Ornament Club members.

I'm very excited that my Dream Book was in the box so that I can start working on this year's ornament pre-order. There were two cute trading pins in the box. There's a one-year subscription to their new movie service which I will check out. 

There was a cute cookie cookbook. There were two artist renditions of past ornaments. And there were two ornaments. 

I have to admit I don't like either ornament. They are larger than the ornaments I use on my trees. The Santa ornament I will probably keep and put on Dan's office tree. But the snowman ornament is not my style and I really don't like the size of it, so it will go to one of my kids.

I wasn't that enthusiastic about Hallmark sending out ornaments in the box. The program used to be that we could pick two or three ornaments as part of our renewal fee. I enjoyed that because I had a choice.

I'm not that enthusiastic about the artist renditions either. I like the idea of it. But again, the renditions I received are not my style.

Oh well.

At least I have my Dream Book! I've already gone through it twice and have started my list. I can't wait to show it to the kids/grandkids and get their input. Then I can fill out my pre-order and start the countdown to July 14th.

So, all in all the Christmas Spirit continues to be alive at my house. I'm eager to see what Christmas-related item arrives in my mailbox next...

Christmas Time's a'Comin' - Hallmark Ornament

I mentioned last week that I renewed my Hallmark KOC subscription. Yesterday my first ornament for Christmas 2018 arrived in the mail. I've been purchasing this series since I joined the KOC in 2006. This makes my 13th ornament in this series. Maybe I should do a small tree in just this series this year...

The back 

The front

Countdown to Christmas: 35 Weeks

Christmas Time's a'Comin'...

Yesterday my counter tops were all cleaned off and I decided it was the perfect time to start organizing stocking stuffers for 2018.

In the past I've used my gift list to keep track of stocking stuffers. Now, with so many people, I decided to make a separate list for them. I've been in the habit of shopping for stocking stuffers year around, and have a small stash of them already.

My plan is simple. I used small gift bags (that I buy on super clearance from Hobby Lobby after Christmas each year) for each person. I find a corner in my house to stash them in and put the stocking stuffer in the bag when purchased.

This year I'm stashing them in my closet on a top shelf. I tuck my master list into my stocking stuffer bag so I'll know where to find it.

Since I hang the stockings in November to use as decor, I don't stuff them until the evening before Family Christmas. Some years I wrap the gifts in tissue paper, some years I stuff the stockings without any wrapping.

I'm suffering from a severe case of "Christmas Fever" brought on by renewing my Hallmark  KOC membership. I got an email this morning telling me that the ornament I bought has shipped and should be here early next week. Now if my Dream Book would just arrive...

Countdown to Christmas: 36 Weeks

Christmas Time's a'Comin'!

I am filled with the anticipation of the holidays and Christmas Spirit today!

Earlier this morning I renewed my Hallmark KOC subscription. I've been a little apprehensive about this because they made big changes in the Keepsake Ornament Club this year. I was relieved that the process went well. In addition to my membership, I purchased an ornament.

I'm now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Dream Box. It's supposed to hold a variety of goodies. I will reveal the contents when it gets here. The 2018 Dream Book is one item it is to hold. I'm eager to get my hands on it so I can start choosing the ornaments for purchase this year and get my pre-order into Hallmark.

Hmm, think I'll go watch a Christmas movie...

Countdown to Christmas: 37 Weeks

Countdown to Christmas: 38 Weeks