But somehow we tend to still overdo it every year? The "It" I'm focused on is other things not that is not related to Jesus' birth. We know this beautiful gift is top priority, but why do we sometimes feel like we haven't done enough to bring our families together and celebrate the TRUE reason? I have struggled with setting my priorities straight each year because I think I need to do
* Christmas Shop - Thank You Amazon! Yes, there are some gifts I still have to travel to the store and buy.
* Bake Cookies - I wish I was Suzie Homemaker. I'm not a great at baking. I admit it.
* Advent
*Jesse Tree
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ
*Preparing for Christmas Plays
*Put up the Christmas Tree
* Decorate the Christmas Tree
* Keeping animals away from the Christmas tree
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ
*Black Friday Shop - WHOOO!
*Watch all those Christmas Movies
*Wrap those Christmas presents
*Children's Christmas Play
*Hold a Christmas Party
*FIND those hard to find gifts for someone who has literally everything. AKA: My Father.
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ.
*Oh.....I missed the last 4 days of advent. Catch up.
* Go back out shopping because you forgot that one person you knew you wanted to buy for.
*Visit family alllllll.day.long.
or
entertain family alllll.day.long.
*Make your final decision on your meal and execute it, perfectly, but not without exhaustion.
If December is overwhelming and you just can't prioritize, organize, and just aren't a planner. Let me suggest three things that have been a blessing this year and have both my girls (Hannah 4, Reese, 2) excited about the coming days and what our plans are for tomorrow and the days leading up to the birth of God's son.
1. TRUTH is in the TINSEL
My Review: This wonderful ebook for $4.99 has a very easy to do craft activity each day for you and your kids to do. She also links scripture and even has a section where you "Talk" with the kids while you do the craft. It's downloadable at the link above. She outlines the materials you need beforehand so you will no have to hunt down something that seems impossible to find. A PLUS? Most materials are laying around your house! I printed the whole book and put it in a binder. When are you finished with your crafts and advent, just store it away until next November.
2. Nativity Magent Wooden Advent Calendar by Kurt Adler
Most wooden advent calendars can be pricey. You have to be willing to invest at least $25+ into them. This one is from Kurt Adlers collection and it's my favorite. The magnets can be stored inside each day (not enough though for all 25 days so you can space them out). I put a magnet, scripture and about every other day I add a sweet hershey kiss as a treat while we are reading! If you don't have an advent calendar yet, just wait until after Christmas to get them on discount!
A Felt Jesse Tree - Thank you Pinterest! I love to do anything with felt. It's easy to use for kids, pretty indestructible and easy for kids to play with.
Remember mom's, relax and enjoy the Christmas season with your family and kids. It's not too late for you to save Christmas in your house! Enjoy family dinners together and talk about why Christmas is so important. Start your own traditions that you can continue with every year. You can even explain why we give gifts. Being giving, loving, and thankful this Christmas will be the ultimate gift you give to your family.
We here at MOPS & Beyond want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!
I must sign off with this. One of my favorite Christmas movies clip.
Many Blessings, Lynnette
Beautiful Netty!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynnette! Wonderful ideas and such an important reminder!
ReplyDelete