Christmas is my favorite time of year. The sights, the sounds, the smells; it truly is a season for the senses.
And every year, as I'm listening to my vast quantity of Christmas music, a song speaks to me. Stops me in my tracks. Causes me to pause amidst the crazy hustle-bustle of the month's never-ending to-do list. (This year, the song was Mary, Did You Know. I think it's this song about every other year.) And I think about the absolute, incredible miracle that occurred 2,000 years ago. For God loved us so much, that He sent His Son, as a little baby, to save us (John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6)! God incarnate! How amazing is that!
I want my children to experience this same awe and wonder. John and I have started some traditions and have special decorations to help celebrate this most miraculous birthday. Plus, some things are just for fun.
So, come on in, and see how we celebrate our Savior's birth. (And we'll just avoid the part of the house that has leaky roofs, and soggy, moldy, asbestos-filled walls, okay? Remember, from this post?)
Our first stop is here at the advent wreath.
I think that the church season of Advent is important for children. It's an important time as we prepare our minds and hearts for celebrating His birth, and encourages patience. Of course, if you remember from last year, Jacob ties the advent wreath into birthdays.
My mother also made this beautiful Christmas Countdown Calendar, which Jacob looks forward to every day in searching for his "treat."
The Christmas tree is also an important part of our Christmas tradition.
Yes, we do use an artificial tree. For me, it's a matter of safety more than anything, but to each their own, right? Anyway, ever since children, the tree has made me laugh, because I still put my breakable keepsakes up top out of reach. Then there is a line with no ornaments, and the bottom foot or so has fabric ornaments that the boys can't destroy. This year, Jacob also decided to decorate the tree with some coasters from India.
If you notice, there are no presents under our tree. This is because I do not want that to be the focus during the advent season. Presents do not arrive until Christmas eve. What you will find under our tree is the very cool Fisher Price nativity set. Jacob loves to set up the characters, and Aaron loves to chew on them. Perfect.
You will also find lots of other nativity sets around our home.
These are just a few. If you notice, one has Santa kneeling in front of the manger. We do have Santa in our house, but focus on how Santa only wants to bring glory to Jesus. And of course, you can't have Santa without stockings!
My mother made these for us. Aren't they beautiful? She's amazing. If you notice, there are stockings for all four of us. We exchange gifts amongst all of us, and not just for the kids. It's important in our house that the children understand that it isn't all about them, and to give gifts to others, including Mama and Daddy.
One of our gifts this year is the gift of cookies, so i've been busy.
This is just a small sample. I love to bake, and love to include my children. We will also be making cupcakes on Christmas eve. Since Christmas is a birthday celebration, we make birthday cupcakes, and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Jacob and I also made this (with a little help from Daddy), just for fun.
And, our house is never complete without a vast quantity of books.
This is only some of our children's Christmas books. Most are about the nativity story, but some are just for fun.
And finally, this is the beginnings of our Christmas card door. For we love to hear from all of you, too.
As I head out the door, I pause, and say a prayer for each of the people represented in those cards. For you are all such blessings in our lives!
May you find special and meaningful ways to celebrate our Savior with your family. Merry Christmas!
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