Thursday, November 2, 2006 - Christmas Preparation
It is funny, but Christmas is not my favorite time of the year. In fact, I am sometimes affectionately called the Grinch. Hey, my favorite color is green. My secret is out. I guess I hate all the hoopla and plethora of activities and social engagements that come with this season. Actually the only holiday that I really like is my Birthday. Saying that makes me feel silly and selfish. I think it has something to do with my life situation and holidays just bring out that fact that I am missing out
#1 Share your family traditions for Christmas and/or Advent:
I did start a new tradition two years ago. Christmas night, Cameron and I take a walk around our neighborhood. It is so peaceful and quiet and the lights are so pretty. It is a wonderfully private time for the two of us. Then we come home and get toasty with warm drinks, leftovers and a blanket.
I started something else new in the past few years. Cameron only receives three gifts from me. We link it to the three gifts of the wise men.
Gold is highly valuable. It is much to be desired. This would be a gift that is for fun or something that he really likes. It is the one big gift and my big gifts are not very big. Last year it was a truck Gold is given to kings
Frankincense is an incense. The priests in the temple used incense. The frankincense gift would be something to do with his spiritual walk with God. Last year it was a Bible devotional book.
Myrrh is associated with prophets. It was also used for embalming and anointing the body. The myrrh gift could be something to prepare him for the future or something for the body. This is a practical gift. Last year he got a sweat suit.
My goal this year is correspond verses to Jesus being Prophet, Priest and King
I also do a Christmas stocking. But as we don't decorate for Christmas (I can hear the gasps of surprise) we hang it up on his bedroom door. I put some small things in there. I think this year it will be a new toothbrush with some candy...notice the humor.
And on Christmas morning, before we do anything else. We read the Christmas story from the Bible. I have an old, old plastic nativity set that we use to "act out" the Christmas story.
#2 List 10 ways that you can prepare for the season.
-
Lots of prayer for a proper attitude and spirit.
-
Start focusing on the positives of the season rather than what I don't like.
-
Practice my music for the childrens Christmas play. Im the pianist this year. YIKES!
-
Try limiting my activities to help this frame of mind.
-
Try not to stress over all the small things that can bring me down.
-
Practice my music for the childrens Christmas play. Im the pianist this year. YIKES!
-
Do any and all shopping EARLY. Stop waiting until the week of or the day before. (I'm a procrastinator)
-
Do any and all wrapping early instead of the night before.
-
Play Christmas music. That is my ultimate FAVORITE part of the season. All the Christmas Hymns!! In fact, we had a favorites hymn request in Church once. I requested "Joy to the World!" It was in July.
-
Practice my music for the childrens Christmas play. Im the pianist this year. YIKES!
#3 Post a scripture that will help "Get you into the Spirit"
Luke 2:1a And it came to pass (Praise God it didnt come to stay)
Seriously, the one that does get me focusing on the greatness of Christs birth is
Isaiah 9:6, 7a For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. (!!!)
I think this might get me in the spirit because it is also linked with a Christmas song. In fact, I couldn't read it without singing in my head. And just those lists of names/attributes of Jesus! Wow.
Comments
Thursday, November 2, 2006 - Fantastic!
Posted by TrainingHearts
I REALLY love your Christmas present idea around the wise men :) Your walk sounds so peaceful, too!
Thank you for sharing from your heart and I truly hope that this season you will find more peace and "JOY" (your favorite hymn) than in years past.
Friday, November 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by timbuck2mom
Hi. Thanks for posting a comment at my blog.
I have to admit Christmas is not my favorite holiday either. We don't have a Christmas tree or do stockings but none-the-less we have an enjoyable time together.
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Galatians69
I love talking a walk at night and looking at Christmas lights ... such a fun thing to do. :)
~ Rachelle
Friday, November 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hallmark
Very thoughtful post.
I've noticed this "Assignment" in a couple of blogs. Where does it come from?
Thanks,
Jean
Friday, November 3, 2006 - #5
Posted by Roo
I never liked Christmas either until I toned it waaaaaay down in our home. We keep it very simple and I don't do a big splash with it. A simple celebration is wonderful.
A couple of years ago I read Little House on the Prairie as a read-aloud. The Christmas story in there inspires me to keep it simple.
Roo
Saturday, November 4, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by heidim
Hi,
I actually agree with you that Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I prefer Easter. I really like your three gift idea of the three wise men.
Have a great weekend!
Heidi
Saturday, November 4, 2006 - Curious
Posted by hmschlmomto2
I'm wondering why you don't decorate for Christmas? Is it because Christmas isn't about the tree and all the garb that goes with it?
I love your line to the verse "and it came to pass"!! hahahaha
And your gift idea is so creative! I love it!
Pam
Saturday, November 4, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by DanielleW
LOL, I don't decorate because it isn't in my personality. I HATED it when I was a child. I didn't mind the final effect but I hated putting stuff up and hated it even more putting it away. I don't know why exactly.
This was also one of the biggest fights DH and I had our first year of marriage. I grew up with an artificial tree. That was a four letter word to him. So, being the submissive wife I was we got a real tree with the understanding that he would be the one that took care of it and would take it down.
He didn't do that and the day that we did take it down (almost February!) we had a huge fight about the stupid thing and he said, "We will NEVER have another Christmas tree!" (Does he think he hurt my feelings LOL) and we never have.
So that is my long, long reason why I don't decorate. I don't decorate for anything. I'm a plain jane. Hopefully you aren't sorry you asked. ;o)
Monday, November 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by babymakers
Somehow I missed this post before. I never knew part of this about you. You are an enigma.... Did I use that word right?
I do not think that word means what you think it means (Princess Bride) LOL
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tripletsrajoy
ok the first scripture made me laugh!
