Dec. 29, 2006 - Our New Christmas Tradition
I came up with an idea for how the kids go about opening their presents this year. It was so successful and fun that we plan on doing it this way every year from now on.
Each present had a question on it about the true Christmas story. They had to answer the question before they could open the present. My kids are 6 and under so my questions were quite simple such as:
Silent Night, ______ Night.
What kind of animal might Mary have ridden on?
What did the wise men follow in the sky?
Who did the angel tell the good news to out in a field?
What city was Jesus born in?
What was Mary's husband's name?
What kind of animals might have been in the stable?
For older children, you could very easily make the questions much harder. Maybe even involving questions of prophecy that they may have to look up the answer in their Bible. This would hopefully bring new meaning and interest to the story they've heard a hundred times.
I used address labels to write the questions on. I put one on every present. With some advanced planning next year I could probably make the labels more decorative.
The idea popped in my head when my husband used a present as a visual aid for the Sunday School class to teach the real gift of Christmas.
• 2 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Dec. 18, 2006 - Christmas Reading
I love to read! I spend about 20-30 minutes reading most evenings after the children are in bed and I have some of my own chores finished up. If you've never read The Christmas Shoes, you should! This book I just couldn't put down. I finished it in 2 evenings and then went on to read the 2nd and 3rd books in the series - each just as captivating as the first!
These are great novels that will get you teary eyed and sentimental. Buy yourself one for Christmas! Or buy it for someone else and then borrow it!
The novel is based on the hit single "The Christmas Shoes" by Newsong. The movie with Rob Lowe is from this book.
We celebrated one of two family Christmases this past Saturday and guess what I got!!!!???!!! Her new 4th book - The Angels of Morgan Hill. I can't wait to start reading it!
• 0 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Dec. 17, 2006 - Save Those Christmas Cards!
Last year, I saved the fronts of all the Christmas cards for a "I don't know why but just in case and because they're pretty" reason. Well, I found some fun ideas for those old cards. A couple of the ideas will help develop acts of service for your kids. The other ideas will anxiously hit the garbage can when Christmas is over (if not before) but it gets the kids directed on a fun activity or keeps them busy while working on studies with another child.
My personal favorites are the ornaments to give away and the placemats.
Ornaments
For some of the smaller pictures, cut them out using some zig zag scissors (or some other fancy cut). Use decorative ribbon, sequins, or glitter to glue on as a border / frame. Glue a loop of ribbon on the back to hand the ornament from the tree (or hole punch and tie ribbon through). As an added idea you could write the name of the person who sent you the card on the back. Each day pray for a different "ornament" person then hang it on the tree.
Or
Write a brief note of encouragement to an elderly or sick someone or just anyone. Then deliver or mail.
Cards
Same as above except don't attach a ribbon for hanging.
Placemats(for younger kids)
Cut out pictures with fancy scissors. Let children glue several pictures on a sheet of construction paper. Cover with contact paper, if desired. Use a placemat.
Streamers/Garland
Cut out pictures. Decorate, if desired. Glue a loop of ribbon on back or hole punch and tie ribbon through. Write the name of the person who sent the card on the back so you can pray for them. Hang them on a string. Or make into a streamer by gluing the picture onto a wide ribbon to hang.
Gift Tags
Cut out pictures from the front of the card with fancy scissors. Decorate, if desired
Use as gift tags on presents.
• 3 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Dec. 16, 2006 - Homemade Sock Gifts
"This is a stitch!" LOL!
• 0 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Dec. 5, 2006 - Indoor Snowball Toss Game
We plan on making this game this weekend. Click here to see pictures and how-to make instructions: Snowball Toss Game
• 0 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Nov. 29, 2006 - Christmas Countdown Fun for the Kids
Starting December 1, you and your kids can enjoy some daily fun to help countdown to Christmas. Each day includes a game, craft, recipe, activity, coloring page, etc. It's geared for the younger elementary but even my preschoolers are going to be all over this too! Hope you enjoy!
• 2 Notes
• Leave a Note!
• Permanent Link
Nov. 12, 2006 - Crafts
Click here for some very cool craft ideas from Family Fun.
