Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
8 Strategies for Great Family Gatherings
There’s at least one in every family. The uncle who consistently asks inappropriate questions, the aunt without kids who’s an expert in childrearing, or the cousin with extreme political views who insists on a debate during holiday meals. Fortunately, we can choose our friends. Relatives we need to learn to live with; the good, the…
Read MoreBrick Builders Bible for LEGO Lovers
Introducing the Brick Builders Illustrated Bible, just in time for Christmas. This is a totally cool bible for kids! Brick Builders Illustrated Bible is a kid friendly, colorful bible. The book contains both Old Testament and New Testament stories from God’s Word in language children will easily understand. All the illustrations are created from bricks, LEGOTM bricks. This…
Read MoreJ.I.N.G.L.E. Keeping CHRIST in Christmas
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to become busier, impatient, frustrated, and generally overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Shopping for family members and extended family, planning special meals, decorating the house, and serving at both church and school makes each day a marathon. Working overtime to get the…
Read MoreHomemade Gifts: Hot Cocoa and Chocolate Candy Canes
Generosity is love in action. Homemade gifts come from thought, time, and the heart, especially hot cocoa mix with candy cane stir sticks! This Christmas, plan how you will instill a generous spirit in your kids. Who can you and your family bless? Getting the kids involved in the gift preparation and giving, helps them…
Read More10 Shopping Strategies for Parents of Littles
Shopping…some like it, others hate it. Holiday shopping has it’s own sparkle as well as tarnish. The cheerful carols, mistletoe, and tinsel are combined with grouchy shoppers, slushy snow, and fatigue. One of the big challenges during the holidays is shopping with young children. With the barrage of ads and bulging shelves at stores touting…
Read MoreThe Power of Traditions
My kids really like pickled herring. Yes, really. It’s not that it’s the single most delicious food in the world. (Although it might be in the top ten!) It’s the fact that their grandma makes it each year. The whole family enjoys pickled herring at Christmastime. It’s special. It’s tradition. Traditions bind family members together.…
Read MoreThe Smile Business at Christmastime
Christmas Eve was not a typical day at my house as a child. Festive? Yes. Busy? Definitely. Purposeful? Absolutely. The day began early with preparations for the annual Christmas Eve deliveries. Sturdy paper plates were piled high with delicious cookies. Jars of homemade pickled herring were decorated with bows. My dad’s smoked chickens were labeled…
Read MoreTissue & Bubble-Wrapped Memories
As soon as the remnants of Thanksgiving dinner are packed away in Tupperware containers, my mind turns to Christmas. Traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Scott, our two boys, and I visit the local tree lot to choose the perfect Christmas tree. Scott trims the lower branches, fits the trunk into the stand, and with…
Read MoreWrapping Up the Holiday: Get Organized
Exchanging gifts reminds us of God’s Greatest Gift, Jesus Christ. The wise men travelled far to deliver gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ Child. They each had one present to think about. Most Christmas lists are l-o-n-g! And getting those gifts organized can be stressful. Here are a few ways to alleviate…
Read MoreThank You Very Much
It’s the day after Christmas. Hopefully it’s a slow day, one in which you and your family can relax and enjoy one another’s company. It’s a day to appreciate the blessings of the season and the presents received. It’s also time to say thanks to the generous givers of the gifts. Why? Family members and friends…
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