We have really enjoyed this little pull-out from our church's children's magazine, Friend. It's basically a scripture advent. Every night by the Christmas tree lights we read the scripture and look at the picture from the Gospel Art Kit (GAK) that goes with it. On the first day we read from Isaiah about his prophecy of the Messiah."For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." [Isaiah 9:6]
I just don't know if there's anything sweeter to me than my hyperactive Cole pausing to ask, "Mom, what does Prince of Peace mean?" First we talked about what peace means and then went on to discuss why Jesus is the Prince of Peace. It was a sweet moment, and all the naughty and crazy things that happened throughout the day melted from my memory. I was reminded why my job as mother is so important.
2) Giftiegiftie.com
On the commercial side... Last year I found Giftiegiftie.com and still love it this year. In the past I have kept a notecard on the fridge of my little wish list. As I would think of things throughout the year that I would like (but didn't necessarily need) I would add them to my list. Well, the list would fall off the fridge, get lost, or ruined and I was trying to think of another way to stay organized. I did a search and found giftiegiftie. Kind of a cheesy name, but it does the job for me! It has replaced the notecard on the fridge, and now Tyler can just go online to jog his memory of gift ideas that I would like.I also love it when family members use it too - then my well of ideas for gift giving is never dry!
3) Elf on the Shelf
Someone special sent us this Elf to watch over us this year. The kids named him MORK (don't know where that one came from) and they know that he is watching them to report to Santa how they're doing. It is just magical! Whitney is at the perfect age for this, I think. She tries her best to obey the first time I ask her to do something because she knows MORK is watching!The list could go on and on, but I'll leave this as my top 3 favorites for 2008.
8 comments:
Do you actually have THE elf on the shelf? Very fun! Ours is, unfortunately, forgetting more and more often to hide. And the kids aren't caring as much anymore. Maybe I started too early. There's always next year.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions that our family has is reading the nativity on Christmas Eve. We have always kept that night reserved for our immediate family because the quiet, peaceful environment of that special scripture reading is so priceless. It always manages to shore me up for the inevitable holiday madness that will surely come the next day with the extended family!
Now if I could just get them to send us the Ensign at our new house...
Great ideas! My sisterinlaw has that elf and I think it's a great idea. Unfortunately my 4 year old son keeps telling me Santa is a cartoon... so...
I keep a list to periodically of things I want/need. But yea, it always gets lost! Great idea!
I love the Elf on a shelf idea. I was just looking at my friend's blog and she mentioned the same thing. My kids would love it. Her husband hides in the elf in a new fun place every morning, so the kids wake up and look for him throughout the house. I thought that was a cute idea. Thanks for sharing the "Friend" advent calendar. I would love to incorporate that. Take care and god luck preparing for the holidays!
P.S. Annie has gotten so big since the last time I looked at picures. How does that happen?! Time is flying by for me.
What a fun post. I love learning about what other people favorites are. You are definitely giving me some ideas here. :) I want an elf on the shelf.
Sidenote: after seeing the new pictures on the sidebar I cannot WAIT to see your Christmas card. What absolutely adorable children!
I really enjoyed this post and the perspective you offered. It sounds like a great mix of religion and tradition for a great holiday season!
Ooh--totally looking into those!
Love the latest pics of your kids--Cole is so darling in his red bow tie!
LOVE the ideas. Thanks! We also did the Christmas advent from the Friend. Jasmin read to us each night (until she left her scriptures at the church, then we dropped the ball - thank goodness we found them, though)!!!
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