Moms, it is the most wonderful time of the year, as the Christmas season is upon us!
There’s something almost magical about Christmas – the lights, the snow (hopefully!), and the holiday spirit.
But most important, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, so if you’re looking on ways to countdown the days, we’ve got some tips!
1. Count It Down!:
Let’s face it — kids love to cross things off and countdown to a celebration!
Consider a craft day and have your children make their very own homemade advent calendar!
You can get creative with little boxes to open up, days to cross off, or numbers to cut off.
The anticipation and excitement in counting down to Christmas is sure to keep your children in the Christmas spirit.
2. Bible Verse A Day:
Now is the time to teach your children the real meaning of Christmas – that God sent His only Son into the world to save those who believe in His name and give them eternal life.
Wow! Talk about the greatest gift of all.
You can read through the Christmas story, and demonstrate how Jesus came humble in a manger, and how he had no place to lay his head.
Children love the Christmas story, and you can pick a verse from the Bible each day to read until the final verse of His birth!
3. Teach Them To Serve:
With the media blasting ads on all the things kids “need”, teach them the importance of serving.
Consider having a “weekly” service project every month in December.
From volunteering at a pet shelter, bringing Christmas cards to the elderly in a nursing home, singing carols on the block – there are countless items your family can participate in.
By cultivating a spirit of gratitude and service, you’re sure to set the tone right for Christmas.
Moms, you can also use this as an example to point back to your daily Bible verse – on how Jesus came to serve the least of these.
4. “Decorate The Home” Jar:
If you’re like most families, there is so much to do to decorate the home for Christmas.
Especially if you are hosting family and friends on Christmas Day!
To help get everything done (and make it fun and less stressful) grab a large mason jar and decorate it.
On tiny pieces of bright paper, write down a different decorating task that needs to be done, and have your children pick one out each day!
It can be everything from helping decorate the Christmas tree, putting out decorations, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or putting together a fun Christmas playlist.
Make them fun! You can even put group activities in there such as going to pick out a live Christmas tree (if your family does that) or making homemade hot cocoa as a treat.
Enjoy the memories you’ll make with your children in getting ready for Christmas time! You can make fond memories such as baking and designing cookies, decorating the tree, and listening to Christmas tunes.
Just don’t forget to teach your children the real reason for the season!
(h/t Mommy Underground)