Keeping Jesus the Reason for the Season

Oh there is just so much to do, to enjoy, to watch, to ride, to experience, to bake, to plan, to wrap, to organize, to decorate, to light up, to clean up, to stuff, to shop, too much to do... *sigh*

As moms we sincerely want to make this the best Christmas ever. We want to do all of our traditions and build memories... and we want to keep Christ the center of attention.  With all the hoopla surrounding the holidays how can you keep Christ at the center?

Lower your expectations... keep it simple.  Stop, smile, enjoy it all... remember we celebrate Jesus all year long!  Grace.  Make your time alone with him a priority and you will make Him a priority naturally for the rest of your family... don't be too hard on yourself. Your kids need your presence... not so much your presents.  Take a moment to read this... good stuff.

Now saying that... here are many (too many) ideas I have gathered over the years to help make Christ's birth a priority over the next 28 days.  Do not... and I repeat... do NOT try to do all of these things.  This is just a compilation of ideas... every family will have their own traditions.  Pick a few that works for your family and do it with ALL your might!

The Advent Wreath - Every Sunday gather your family around the wreath of candles.  Read the Bible verses. Learn what each candle means. Pray together.  I personally love this tradition because you have to do this weekly.  (And there have been Sundays that were simply too full so we did our wreath on Monday... grace.  Right?)  Let me know and I can send you the word doc. on this.  More wonderful details and ideas on Advent here.

This book by Lisa Whelchel is a wonderful source for pointing our eyes towards Jesus during Christmas.  I love this book... just reading through this alone with your kids would be wonderful! Christ centered ideas from the Advent Wreath, Christmas tree decorating, wrapping to baking and even Santa.  Can't say enough about this book. 

Use Scripture - As much as you can... The Christmas tree star (Mat 2:2 NIV), the Candy Cane (Isaiah 1:18 NIV, Isaiah 53:5 NKJV and Psalm 34:8 NIV), Christmas Lights (John 1:5), Christmas Cards (Luke 2:10 NKJV)... Good quiet time material for this momma!

Children's Books - make it a nightly priority (even every other night) to read books about the first Christmas.  My favorite Christmas children's book is Mortimer's Christmas Manger... it's SO cute. I just love it.  Paired with a make-your-own gingerbread house - would make a great gift! 

Nativity Scene - (Luke 2:10-12 NKJV) I love the Little People nativity, Play Mobile, or the Veggie Tales set... that way the kiddos can "act out" their nativity.  Little hands can touch and play... Having a nice (untouchable) nativity is great, too... I've heard of some families waiting to place Baby Jesus in the scene until Christmas Eve.  Keep Wise men across the house and every day they get a little bit loser as they make their journey.

Birthday Cake - Younger children love having a birthday party for Jesus.  Recipe and details for this later... you can google it, too!


Service - Take an Angel from the Angel Tree - have kiddos help shop for the family in need.  Sing carols at a nursing home.  There is SO much you can do here... my kids are just at this age to get it... we will do more service this year...

I'm sure you have other ideas, too... please let me know so I can add them to my list!

Coming soon... creative, fast and easy ways to countdown the days 'till Christmas.