I don't like December. Oh, around October I get excited about the holiday season and I start to make my list and check it twice. But, then it arrives and it is always (ALWAYS) more stressful than I remember. I tell myself - next year I'm going to remember this and make things less hectic. But, then it happens again. I am doing a better job of saying no to all the Christmas parties, cookie exchanges and White Elephant gift grabs. But, to no avail. I long to spend quality time with the friends and family that I cherish. But, that free time just gets eaten up by some sort of holiday goblin that robs an hour here and there.
Now that my oldest children are getting..well..older, I am trying to think of creative ways to establish Christmas traditions and keep Jesus front and center of the chaos. My friend gave me this suggestion and tonight I purchased the necessities to make it happen. She heard about the idea of putting a special gift under the tree for Jesus. One family member gets to open the box and share w/ everyone else what's inside. Inside the box is a mirror. I'm sure you can imagine the inspiring conversation that will ensue.
So, this year I'm going to do the Jesus box, and I am hanging a stocking for Jesus up on our mantle. Hopefully, when our children look at their empty stockings with longing they will see the Jesus stocking and be reminded of His eternal gift to us.
How do you keep Christ in Christmas for your family?
Kristin
About Me
- El Shaddai Ranch
- El Shaddai Ranch is a non-profit, interdenominational, Christian camp ministry committed to furthering the Gospel of Christ among youth and families.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Lincoln County, just one hour Northwest of St. Louis, El Shaddai Ranch offers more than 80 acres of wooded spendor and wide-open ranges for your youth gatherings and church-sponsored events.
El Shaddai Ranch Ministries' Mission is to Provide a Christian Camp Setting that will seek to Nurture, Develop and Disciple Youth in the areas of Godliness and Principled Living.
At El Shaddai Ranch, we desire to Build Character and Develop Leadership in the Youth we Serve within a setting that is Honoring and Glorifying to God.
Ranch activities will place an emphasis on the Spiritual Development of the Child, while furthering their Physical and Emotional Development.
God has a Plan and Purpose for every Individual. It is our Hope and Prayer that each Child's experience at El Shaddai Ranch will serve to draw them closer toward the Calling that God has planted in their Hearts.
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1 comment:
BekahBoo is 2 this year. She is loving Christmas. We have visited Santa and I'm okay with that. Often when we say Merry Christmas we'll add "Happy Birthday Jesus". At church there is a navity set outside the front door. Every time we go in or out BekahBoo goes over and kisses baby Jesus...too cute. Then I tell her to say "Happy Birthday Jesus". Christmas morning is just for DH, Bekah and me before we go to see others. This year we are going to have a birthday party for Jesus.
MrsScotsman
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