A few of my favorite things.....

Being that tomorrow is December 1st, I thought I would share a few of our favorite family traditions. Let me preface this post by stating that most of these traditions have been started within the past 6 years or so...however, all of them are things that both Joel and I wish that we had done from the time our children were babies in order to help them understand the true meaning of Christmas and to keep things in perspective.

Our oldest and one of my personal favorite traditions is Jesus' stocking. This is actually one that we did start when Hannah was still a baby and although we have changed the way in which we do it the idea has remained the same. This burlap stocking is for Jesus...each year we either share out loud or write on a paper and put in the stocking something that we would like to "give" Christ for the upcoming year. Things that have appeared in his stocking have ranged from my love, a good attitude, a quiet time, worship, my heart, my toys, my time, etc. It is a special time each year for us as a family as we remember that Christmas is really Jesus' birthday and we need to give him the very best gift that we can give each and every year. Even as little children, our kids knew that it was important to take time to give Jesus a special gift.

Another favorite tradition that we have and has become a very fun one for the kids - even as teens- but also has significant meaning. On Christmas morning, Baby Jesus is often "missing" from the nativity scene. The kids have to go looking for him to place him back in His rightful place. Although a fun game - we take the time to remember that the reason for the season really is Jesus and without Him - Christmas is empty and not complete. We want our kids to know that Jesus is the essential part of Christmas.

In order to gain control of the number of gifts we give each child and again to keep the focus of Christmas exactly where it needed to be - I found this creative idea several years ago in a parent magazine and have come to absolutely love it!!! Each of our children get three gifts - no, this is not for financial reasons although that definitely does help. Instead - each of the gifts represent the gifts that Jesus was given at His birth; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Gold Gift: This is something that they have asked for. It is simply something they want but it has a $50 limit to it. Again - Christmas is not their birthday...so they are not "birthday" size gifts.

The Frankincense: This is something that they wear. It is usually an article of clothing but can include perfume, cologne, etc. This reminds us of the cloths that Jesus was wrapped in.

The Myrrh: This is something that will help them grow in their spiritual walk. It is always something to point them to their Savior. Things that have been given in this area - Bibles, Devotionals, Journals for quiet times or sermons, CDs with music, or books to help them grow spiritually.

Our kids have all gotten to where they anticipate their gifts and sometimes give us ideas for each area - not just the gold thing that they want. It is always a special time for us to talk about the significance of each gift in the Christmas Story as we open the corresponding gifts around the tree!

For many many years - actually since I was in HS - our family has participated in Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse. This amazing organization sends shoe boxes to children all around the world who are impoverished and in need. When the boxes are delivered the message of Christ is shared. Our whole family enjoys putting the boxes together and packing them! We have tried - although didn't succeed this year - to save our shoe boxes from shoes purchased throughout the year and pack that same number of boxes. The theory is that if you can buy a pair of shoes, you can pack a box!!!

Although this particular basket is new this year, the tradition that we do with it is not. Each year, as we receive Christmas Cards we place them in this basket. Beginning on New Year's every morning at breakfast, we will take turns pulling out a card from the basket. We will talk about who that person or family is, how we know them, and what is going on in their lives now. Then, we join hands and pray for that individual or family - a special time for all of us! So, know that when you send us a card - you will be prayed for in the coming days!!!

Of course, a long time tradition is the reading of the Christmas story. We have tried to alternate which Gospel we read it from so that we can get a full picture of the events of that first Christmas but it is always a part of our Christmas tradition. Depending on what our plans are with extended family we have read it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day....

Brand new this year to our Christmas festivities....a Christmas Tree decorated in burlap!!! This idea originated from my friend Tina Barnwell whose family are missionaries to Europe. Doing Christmas on a budget, she creatively decorated most of her home in burlap a year or so ago. As I looked at her beautiful photos - I was reminded that burlap was more representative of the first Christmas and so I began thinking of the concept of decorating in burlap. Joel was enthusiastic about the idea and so we began this fun tradition! Kestra and Hannah helped make some burlap ornaments from pinterest ideas and of course Hobby Lobby was a huge help in getting the needed materials!

Another fun tradition - is simply family time! We love to play games as a family and just enjoy the presence of one another. It is always filled with lots of fun, laughter and a good time! Looking back on my childhood - it isn't the presents that I remember but more the memories made by spending time with family - and this is what I want to pass on to my kids as well!!!



Finally - although I didn't really have a photo to represent this tradition - Joel's favorite and yes I like it too...we always try to be sure and give more than we receive each year. This is either done by providing gifts for others or by finding ways to serve during the holidays. We want to always keep Christ's servant heart at the forefront of the Holidays!!!

So...there you have it! These are a few of my favorite things about Christmas. We wanted to take the time to share them with our friends and family so that you can be a part of our Christmas traditions! If you see an idea you want to start with your kids or grandkids - go for it! No matter their ages!!! It's never too late to share the true meaning and heart of Christmas with your family!