10 Ways To be Intentional Not Tense During the Christmas Holiday

Friday I had the privilege of speaking to a group of  moms at MOPS.  MOPS stands for Mother's of Preschoolers.  When I first moved to NC I became a member of MOPS at our church and it was by far the best things I could have done for myself as a new mom.  I made so many friends and was able to bond with other moms that were experiencing the same challenges and joys that come with being an inexperienced mother.  For me, yesterday was like returning to my sorority!  I was asked to speak about being intentional during the Christmas holiday with your family, so I came up with 10 Ways to be Intentional not Tense During the Christmas Holiday.

I started out my talk with this cute little picture that pretty much sums up how I am feeling right not about the fast pace at which Christmas and every other holiday over the past 3 months has come and gone.  I could tell by the nods of approval that many of the ladies felt the same way.

1. Keep Christ as the Focus 

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• Display a Nativity, and read the birth story of Christ.  I love to share with my children the "man" side of Christ with things that are similar to their own lives.  I share with them how just like they were carried in my womb, Christ was carried in his earthly mothers Mary's womb.  Everyone has a birth story, even Jesus.  It still brings me great joy when I see  my children, even at 11 and 9 using the pieces to "retell" this miraculous story to their younger siblings.  Here is an activity that you can do with your child using any nativity that you have at your home.   

  

  Courtesy of No Time For Flashcards

  

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• Stand up for Christ, by saying "Merry Christmas"  When someone says "Happy Holidays" to me I simply reply, "Thank you and Merry Christmas to you".  Simple and easy and with a big smile.  There is nothing worst than an angry Christian!

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2. Make a List and check it Twice

• Get organized.  Create a Christmas planner. All of the printables to make one are available here.  

  

  courtesy of eighteen25

  eighteen25 christmas planner printables
• Don't overspending.  Set a budget before going to the store and know what you are getting!

3. Don't Give Into the Excess

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courtesy of Made By Me Millie Rae



• 3 or 4 gift Christmas Wish List : Since our children were little we have used the 3 gift rule. Something they want, something to wear, something to read. We figured that if 3 gifts were sufficient for Jesus, then three gifts was certainly good enough for our children.  This year I am also incorporating a 4th gift, a personal gift from me to help my children in an area that I feel they need to improve in.  
• Gift exchange : Draw names and keep it a secret until Christmas.  You don't have the financial stress of trying to buy for everyone.

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• Shop online to avoid the stress of the malls. This saves time, gas, and money!    

4. Create Anticipation



Advent Activity Cards



• Put on Christmas music and decorate.
• Advent Activity list 

• Advent calendar.  I have used this simple advent activity for several years.  It incorporates items you probably have around your home.  If you would like a copy of my egg carton advent that I have used with my children.  Click on the link below, then scroll down to the bottom of the page for the advent calendar.
  Advent Calendar

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• Attend church together and a Christmas musical.  

5. It is Better to Give than to Receive

• Create a Mommy Christmas Shop: Buy inexpensive items from Five Below or the Dollar Stores/Dollar Spots and make a store for your children to "shop" for their siblings.  They will use their own money to buy the items.  This teaches them to give to someone else.  Also, the leftover items can be used for stocking stuffers.
• Participate in Backpack Buddies. 
• Operation Christmas Child. Fill a shoe box with toys for a needy child. 

6.Weed Out Traditions

• Go back to the simple things that you remember as a child that made Christmas meaningful and special
• Get rid of those traditions that add unnecessary stress or pressure. (travel, presents for everyone)
• Create your own identity and traditions with the people under your roof. If you are honest and tell family members your desire for a quite Christmas, they should understand.

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7. Be Merry… Have fun with your family and laugh!

• Play games with your family 
• Go on a Christmas Lights scavenger hunt
• Watch Christmas movies together
• Put Christmas music on, sing and dance
• Visit with friends

8. Add a little "spice" to your marriage…Make Time for your Husband

• The 12 Days of Christmas, Blessing Your Husband          
  
• 12 Dates of Christmas  The Dating Divas have a lot of ideas to "date" your spouse throughout the entire year!

9. Reach Out and Touch Someone

• R.A.C.K : Random Acts of Christmas Kindness   
• Send Christmas Cards or Family Letter
• Make a phone call to a family member or friend you haven't spoken to in a while.
• Neighbor gifts, a good neighbor is a treasure!
• Surprise the mailman and garbage man by leaving them a present
• Extend an invitation to someone who will be alone

10. Relax…and settle down for a long Winter’s nap

Take a mommy break and go do something just for you. Bubble bath, night out with friends, a dessert from your favorite place. Surround yourself with scents that are calming.  Find activities that relax your heart, soul, body and mind.  Getting crafty is the way I like to relax.   

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     Remember that even in the craziness that can often surround Christmas, Jesus offers calm in the midst of the chaos.  Knowing Christ as your Savior is the greatest peace, and when our hearts are at peace, our Christmas can be to.  


Resources
http://stayinginmylane-sharmin.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas

http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/2013/11/2013-christmas-planners.html 
http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/21325/christmas-coloring-pages 
http://happyhourprojects.com/mulling-spices/ 
http://www.playpartypin.com/2013/11/3-fun-and-unique-gift-exchange-game.html 
http://tipjunkie.com/post/cheap-gifts-to-make/ 
http://allourdays.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-update-on-blessing-my-husband.html 
http://www.thedatingdivas.com/you-me/show-him-the-love/the-12-daytz-of-christmas/ 

http://www.parties4me.com/2010/12/christmas-minute-to-win-it-games.html 

Day 4: Paper clip angel

Today Hannah is guest posting her pick for today's craft.  Take it away Hannah...

This pretty angel necklace is great for a present . I hope you like it!

                                          "Hark the herald angels sing,Glory to the newborn King".

Materials:
Special Paperclips called small ideal clamps.
Sliver Pony Beads or any color pony bead you like
Silver Disk Beads (preferably with fluted or beaded edges)
Ribbon

Directions:

1. Take the ribbon and tie in a loop. Thread a disk and then a pony bead onto the ribbon and push up to the knot. Loop the ribbon through the clip and then through itself (see picture) slip both beads back down to sit flush with the clip.
2. Tie ribbon at top to make necklace.
3. Ta Da! You are done.

Day 1: Glass Ball Ornaments

Glass Ball Ornaments are so beautiful!   If you are afraid of your little ones breaking the glass, they now have plastic ones, that look like glass.  This is a very simple but elegant ornament and I think you will love the many things that you can do with these.  You can fill them with lightweight objects like:

• berries
• tinsel
• faux snow
• ribbon
• greenery
• paper
• candy
• I think a black & white picture would be classy!

Note: Just make sure your items are small enough to fit through the opening.

Supplies:

• Glass ball or plastic ornaments, size(s) of your choice
• Small funnel, optional or rolled up piece of paper
• Fillings
• Ornament hooks (I personally like to use ribbon)

Instructions

1. Take metal tops off ornaments and set aside.
2. Carefully fill ornaments. Use a funnel or rolled up piece of paper to help guide the filling through the neck of the ornament, if desired.
3. Replace the metal tops, then attach an ornament hook.

Christmas Scripture Word Art Tree Printable

Christmas Scripture Word Art Tree

I absolutely love decorating my home for Christmas, and any other occasion for that matter!  Anyway, I really wanted some Christian Christmas art to add to my decor.   I was going to create my own then I thought lets go to the web for inspiration.  Well, low and behold I stumbled upon this blog A Simply Klassic Home, where Kristin created this word art scripture tree.  The best part is she's allowing you to print it for free!!  Yes and free means free here (y'all know free doesn't mean free without a catch anymore).  So go and find a 8x10 frame, card stock or you could use regular paper, and a good spot to hang this beautiful piece of artwork! 

Happy Decorating,

Sharmin

Counting Down to Christmas: Creating Anticipation

One of my favorite ways to create anticipation over this glorious season of Christmas is by using an advent calendar.     Over the years I have used several different calendars..  One of our favorites to use is the paper chain advent calendar. Not only is this calendar a good way to practice counting, but it is very simple and easy for young children to make and looks so festive hanging on the door or even the tree.  Paper chain advents have 25 numbered links with a scripture to read for each day.   You remove a link ever day as you count down to Christmas. Here are two versions that I think are both special.

Advent Chain













This advent chain  is a little different.  This one has the names of Christ on each chain link.  The names of Christ chain also has an additional link that provides you with questions to go along with the daily reading.

Names of Christ advent calendar

Have you ever thought of reusing an egg carton for an advent calendar?  Well, if you haven't let me tell you they make perfect calendars with exactly 24 slots!  So go grab two egg cartons out of the recycle bin and read on.

I used an Egg Carton advent calendar, with my children and I have to say that they really liked it.  There are several ways that you can use them so let me share with you a couple of ideas.

Idea 1 

 Number each egg slot from 1-24.  For 24 days there is a special item that represents a scripture verse.    To keep the peace, each night we take turns to see what is inside the numbered carton slot.  My children enjoyed trying to guess which Bible story was represented by the item. Then we read the Bible scripture that goes with the item and discuss what we read.  I am amazed at the excitement over this advent calendar, even though we have done this for the past three years.

Advent Countdown

 

LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)

 December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

1. Quarter

2. Grape gum or candy

3. Smiley Face sticker

4. Fish picture

5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.

December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10
December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.
December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7
December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16
December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37
December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21
December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27
December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6
December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7
December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41
December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Philippines 2:1-11
December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).
December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.
December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.
December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.
December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.
December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.
December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.
December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.
December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.
December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.
December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.
December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.
December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever! 




Idea 2

This egg carton advent  is simply filled with fun activities to do in the days leading up to Christmas.  The ideas are written on slips of paper, folded, and then attached to each slot of the carton.  Some of the activities include decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols, baking cookies, etc;

R.A.C.K. Advent Calendar

This idea is by far my favorite one.  {RACK} Random Acts Of Christmas Kindness, what a great way to teach your children to give, serve,and help others through small acts of kindness.  I am definately inspired to make and do this advent this year!

I know that there are many advent calendars out there and you may have your own favorite.  I think these are all great ways to create anticipation!  Do you have an advent calendar idea or a way that you create anticipation with your family in the days leading up to Christmas?  I would love for you to share. 

Isn't Counting Down Half the Fun!


The Crafty Crow

Creative Advent Calendars via Flickr

Focus on the Family



Making Christmas Meaningful

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in our home.  The tubs of decorations have come down from the attic and my dining room looks like it exploded with greenery and bulbs!  "Lillybug" is running around saying everything is beautiful and making up words to Christmas songs that she personally wrote. (LOL).  It's funny how at about age three kids really get excited about Christmas.  Sadly, we know that it isn't because their first thought is remembering that Christmas is about Jesus Christ, it's about knowing that presents are coming.  

While I LOVE all of the decorating (I'll hang lights from anything), baking, and gift buying that is part of Christmas, I also know that it is my responsibility to carefully guide my children through this holiday season.  I love to plan fun ways to create anticipation over the true meaning of Christmas..Christ and that He was the greatest gift ever given. 

Many of the ideas that I plan to share this month are ones that I have used in the past with my children and have become traditions in our home!  I hope that you will enjoy them as much as we have.  Also, I will share new ideas and links to other sites as well. 
So let's get started...
Sharmin