This year we’re starting something new. Christmas all year. Instead of giving the kids gifts they don’t really need, we are giving them the gift of experiences. A former coworker did this last year with her kids and then created little kits to sell, which are cute and affordable. I plan to reuse ours for the next year. (Check out her website here: https://www.lajakidesigns.com/)
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Each month our kids will open an envelope with a picture of their special gift for that month. I am incredibly excited to do this with them and create some lasting family memories instead giving them a bunch of toys that will be forgotten.
They were thrilled to open their first card today. This month we are doing donuts and special drink!
I really think this is something that they are going to enjoy once they really get the hang of it. Our oldest who is 7 1/2 understands a lot more than our 4 1/2 year-old. But I think once we finish two more months he’ll catch on.
Christmas Traditions
We want to start a new family tradition that we hope to keep for many years. “I want to be more purposeful in creating memories with our children.” It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the tasks we have to complete in our busy daily lives.
I often feel like there is always something that needs to be done or completed at home. Should we clean the living room or the kitchen next? Someone is hungry and needs a snack. What project should I focus on today? These cards serve as a reminder for me to slow down and create special moments with our kids. “I want them to remember the fun times and continue to cherish these memories even as they grow older.”
I also think starting young will be great especially as kids get older and more involved in extracurricular activities and time becomes less available. These monthly dates with our kids will be something everyone looks forward to.
Faith
God has taught us that we need to make the most of what we have been given. He shows us that we need to notice not just the big things but the everyday things. Christmas only comes once a year, but the gift of giving should be year around. Giving does not necessarily mean things it can mean your time. It can mean giving homemade items. It could even mean sharing your knowledge and what you know with others.
We learn in our church that offering does not always have to be monetary. An offering to God can be teaching Sunday school, volunteering with the food pantry, donating food items, donating materials to schools or seeing a need in the church and helping. An offering to God can be many different things. What are your offerings? What gifts can you give?
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.