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The most wonderful time of the year (almost)

It’s that time again (almost). It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year…..CHRISTMAS!!!

Maybe it’s because the forecast is calling for snow on Sunday and the Christmas catalogues have already started arriving in the mail or perhaps it’s because November is just a few days away and I’ve barely begun tackling my shopping list, but whatever the reason, I’m full swing into the Christmas spirit (I know you are groaning and sighing at this, but indulge me). I want this year to be special!

Last year our funds were really low and yet, instead of that causing me to want to “make up for it” this year, it helped me to realize just how happy you can be when the gifts are gone. As a result, this year we are going to keep it simple and try to participate in a LOT more ministry minded and Christ-centered activities.

The kids are already pumped to do shoe boxes. I know that it’ll be a challenge, choosing gifts that they would love and giving them away, but I think it’s such a beautiful, tangible way to teach the kids love (and a tiny bit of personal sacrifice). I want them to grow up with a heart for the world and a heart for the church!

My first “new activity” is something that I read on Ann Voskamp’s blog last Christmas. Every morning during the week leading up to Christmas, as a family they pore over catalogues from places like Compassion and World Vision and choose a gift for the day. Isn’t that neat! There may be some squabbling over choices, but I think it’ll be so exciting. We’ll have to save our pennies and maybe modify it a little, but we’d really like to give it a try. The younger the kids are when we start transforming our approach about Christmas, the better.

Another thing that we are going to begin is an advent nativity scene. My sister-in-law does one and loves it and I’m looking forward to trying as well. Noel Piper has a good outline on her blog that I’m going to use this year. It’ll take some prep to get the animals/figurines all together, but it’s going to be great. Every day during advent, you read a passage of scripture and add a corresponding character leading up to Christmas morning when you add baby Jesus. Can you imagine the excitement of adding baby Jesus and the wonder on the kids’ faces when they realize that it has all been leading up to Him – our greatest gift! Here is the link if you would like to check it out: http://noelpiper.com/2011/11/27/calendar-update-and-story/

Those are just a few ideal that I have had so far. What about you? What special traditions do you and your family have at Christmas time?


As cliché as it sounds, this year I not only want to “keep Christ in Christmas”, but to help the kids, especially, understand that He’s what it’s all about.  


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