Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
J.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…
Read MoreBring It Home at Christmas
The December blog posts have been to encourage you to slow down, serve others, and enjoy family Christmas traditions. In essence, creating a more purposeful and thoughtful holiday season. In light of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, CT focusing on matters of faith seems more important than ever. There’s only One who can overcome evil…
Read MoreSt. Lucia Day
Is there a certain Christmas tradition you and your family look forward to each year? Family traditions are important. Special celebrations promote a sense of belonging and security in a child. They also help a child identify who he is by the values taught by Mom, Dad, grandparents, and other relatives. Memories passed down…
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