The Mistake We Make of Christmas: Our Not-So-Holy Holiday
I have been wanting to write this post for a while, but it is hard to put these thoughts into words. Christmas is a celebration, a holy day to worship, it is not my birthday, and it isn't yours. It is nice to be with family, but Christmas isn't about family either, it is about celebrating the amazing miracle of the birth of the Christ child and what that means for us. That is my gift, that I am redeemed, that I am forgiven, because I took that gift 27 years ago right from the fingertips of Jesus.
Why then are we not content? I think it is because we never stop to evaluate our expectations. We never ask that of our kids either. We don't want to ruin their dreams. Only when they get older will they see right through the fickle Christmas that you built up for them, when they already have several 'Christmas tradition' immersed brats of their own. That can change though. I want to change it now.
Let's fill our houses with the desire and anticipation of Jesus and not of wish lists, because He is the only one who will make us complete. We are not filled by lugging home 5 Christmas trees, one for each room of the house, each with its own theme. Giving presents doesn't even make us feel much better when we can see the getter of our gifts already has opened 10 toys in a row and can barely be grateful enough to muster up a smile. Giving should be done for those who need it. Pray about that.
I've felt challenged in this season more than any other to give to those who don't have- which is not my own children, my family, or those around me. We are blessed in this country, and when we look around some of us don't even see any need to give at all. I would challenge you to pray about your gift giving, the amount you are to spend on family and then to put aside money to give, or to buy something for a local food bank or one of the many charities who give practical gifts around the world (I'll provide a list below). Let's get out of our little bubble- the world awaits. There is no better season than this one, where in the name of Christ we don't say, but we do, we need to learn to be like Him in actions.
What does that mean practically for us this year? We are still deciding. The boys will each get two small toy gifts from us, and some clothes that they need, and some candy- as that is always gone really quick. The Husband and I have been paired down for a while, getting each other a book, a watch, or some small token of our love and appreciation.As a family we are going to set aside an amount of money to give. The boys will have a specific amount of cash that they get to give and they can decide where they want it to go- more than what their own toys are worth, an amount that they will feel thrilled to give away.
In the past we have just had the boys go through their toys and clear out for a new invasion of stuff. That is good to do, but I also want them to know others are just as valued as they are and should not only get their used items. We've also given to different charities, but mainly that was something The Husband and I did, and the boys didn't get to be that involved. I want to change that.
All around the world there is need, even locally if you choose to see it. I challenge you to pray about what you are to do this year. That you wouldn't just buy stuff because that is what you have always done, but that you would seek God's heart in your giving. It is still always important to give tokens of love to our families, and some of you may have family members in great need.Maybe you are to welcome others into your home who are depressed or without family for your special meals, or just to be with your family. There are so many options, many that don't cost any extra if this is a difficult season for you. No matter what there is always something you can do. Just do what God is telling you in this season, if you ask Him, He'll tell you.
There are many great organisations, here are some that I love. If you have a favourite, post it in the comments section and I'll add it in as well.
Living Water International- Providing Clean Water for Communities Worldwide
World Vision- Give a gift. Change a Life.
Compassion International
What have you done in your family in order to simplify your gift giving? As a child do you have a favourite memory of when Christmas was more than about the gifts? Has God been speaking to you about this lately?
Bite the Dust Santa Baby, Saint Nicholas is Here to Stay.
by Elisabeth Jvanovsky
To grow up in Spain, is to know there is a Saint for every day. Yes, and they used to (and probably still do) name their children after the saint of their birthday. An even more amazing tradition in Spain is celebrating BOTH your birth date and your saint--thus giving each kid 2 birthdays every year, if you were named after a saint. I was always a little jealous that my parents didn't name me after a saint as a kid, I am over it now.
Now that I am older I still am not up for celebrating all the roman catholic saints days, but there are some saints that really do deserve mention. Today is the day of such a man. Nicholas famous for his love of children and generosity. He helped the poor and gave of himself beyond what was required. But what stirred him when so many others of his day were stagnant and only interested in the collection plate?? To leave out the rest of his story is to forget the true passion of a hero of the faith. It is to celebrate a fat Santa with all the good intentions and none of anything else.
In 325 Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea, over 300 bishops were called upon in order to debate the true nature of the Trinity. Bishop Arius of Egypt argued that Jesus Christ was not an equal to Christ . As he went on and on Nicholas became so enraged that something so essential was misrepresented that he lost his temper and smacked Arius on the face. Because he lost his temper in such a setting, Nicholas was stripped of his bishop's status and chained in a jail.
The final verdict of the Council of Nicaea declared that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal. Three in one. The following creed was what came out of the council in 325. Many Christians memorise this creed, it is in worship songs, printed on church bulletins, it is powerful in listing what is common ground for those who call themselves followers of Christ. Nicholas although flawed, desired to serve God with passion and practicality and to see Him represented just as he should be. That is truly noteworthy.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
If you want to know more information about this man who although flawed, desired to serve God with passion and practicality here is an amazing website: St. Nicholas Center. They even have pages for the kids!
How do you celebrate Saint Nicholas Day? Are there any special books you read to your kids, or traditions that you enjoy? Please let me know as we just started this tradition last year and I am a little short on ideas!!
Blessings all, and a very Happy St. Nicholas day to you!!
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…
Each year the day after Thanksgiving instead of shopping, this is our activity of choice: Christmas tree hunting.
I think at this point we'd drive around the world to get to this little u-cut Christmas tree location, but it is in our town, so that makes it an easier journey. Each year the trees are better. For the last three years we've visited this exact Christmas tree place, the boys were so little when we first went.
This year they were able to carry the saw and then help with the Christmas tree carrying as well. They enjoyed the hunt much more than the first year. This year ended up going with the tree that The Husband picked out- there were so many that were beautiful it was pretty hard to narrow it down. However, the cold and the wind helped, so then we cut, carried and packed it out (after paying of course).
I love this season.
This is one of my favourite Christmas traditions. What is yours?
Pretty Dress Book Page Origami Ornament
New ornaments are always fun to get, and to give. This is the perfect ornament for a bookie, so think of the bookies in your life and make them one. I saw these and had to share the process of making them here. The little dresses are so very sweet and remind me of an old fashioned christmas, where Christmas wasn't all about glitter and gifts, I like that. I love that you can see the type on the book page that it is made from, it gives the ornament the perfect hint of character. Plus you are re-using something that would otherwise just be recycled, right?
I had an old copy of Jane Eyre, I love the book and loved this copy to death. The binding is compeletely craked, and the pages are falling out. I recently saw another copy at a second hand store and bought it. I knew I didn't want to just get rid of my well-loved copy so it just sat on the shelf along with the new one. When I saw this little project though, it really seemed like the perfect use for my treasured book.
Making this origami paper dress is very simple, here is a video of the paper folding process. In the beginning there are some animate kids talking- just keep watching, you are in the right place and the folding will start right after that.
To get the page of a book to the right square shape you will need to fold it diagonaly until it meets and the folded part will look like a triangle. There will be a top strip, cut off that extra and it will form a square when you open it. Most origami starts from a square piece of paper, so you may know how to do this already.
There you have it, now with a needle just pierce through the two flaps on the back pulling a thread through as you do. Then cut the tread to desired length and knot to close the circle. Now you are ready to decorate with a sash or bow or just leave it plain. It looks good however you choose to make it. This ornament is PERFECT for the typical ornament exchanges that are held throughout this season.
I made this first pretty dress origami ornament for a friend who just found out she is having a baby girl. Since then I have made several more because they are just so cute. I have decided it doesn't matter if you have a girl or not, dresses on the tree are always acceptable!
I found the inspiration to do this ornament from a Pinterest picture, from this blog.
A Handmade Christmas: I will keep posting ideas for a non-tacky handmade christmas. This is the first so far, I am a little slower this year as my babybelly is making me tired. I will still try and get quite a few ideas up before Christmas that you can make for family and friends I will re-post from the years gone by as well.
Previous Ideas from my Handmade Christmas Craft Series: Pretty Dress Book Page Origami Ornament * Jesse Tree Advent Ornaments *Kid Friendly Stained Glass Craft * Homemade Heat Pack or Cold Compress (Rice Socks)* Knit Granny Washcloth (or Dishcloth) Pattern * Reading Pillow for the Bookaholic(s) in Your Life * True Love Heart Ornaments * Bath Salts Soak Recipe* Coffee or Tea Sleeve Patterns * Rosemary Sea Salt Recipe *
Above all, enjoy this season- and remember what it really is all about: the Birth of Christ.
Homemade Christmas in Progress
Over the next couple of months I am going to highlight some homemade gifts that I am putting together for people this Christmas season. We have decided to go for an exclusively homemade Christmas this year and I am thrilled to show you what I have come up with. I will be making these items below over the next couple of months, and will share the process with you so you can make it too! It is fun to be able to be crafty together, isn't it?? Also, I would love some more ideas, things that you have made for people, or things you wished you could have made for them because it was such a great idea.
Here is what I have come up with so far:
*Granny Stitch Dish/Washcloths
*Sweater Hats (from Handmade Home)
*Rosemary Sea Salt
*Natural Goat's Milk Soap
*Fiber Garland (from Handmade Home)
*Dried Spices from our Garden (Rosemary, Lavender and Sage)
*Lavender Rice Hot/Cold Compress
*Pocket Tissue Case (from Patchwork Style)
*Linen Embroidered Handkerchief (from Linen, Wool, Cotton)
*Quilted Pot Holders or "Millie's Hot Pad (from Handmade Home)
*Silky Eye Pillow (from Handmade Home)
Did I miss something? I am sure I did, if you have something to share that you love that either you made or was made for you, go for it.
Christmas comes in Spain (AKA Reyes)
My dad just sent me these pictures of them getting the gifts we sent...I am aching for a visit to la patria.
christmas at grandma canfield's casa
good times, just sitting around, eating, enjoying that we were with family
you'd never guess it, this was the favourite gift out of all the Christmas gifts this year,"skulls" we bungarees call them, uncle a's mom sent them for the boys.
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I (adoringly) HEART—>
