That is our motto for this time of year.
If you want bunches of ideas for celebrating Christmas, you should probably go to Pinterest. We are more about cutting out a lot of the hoopla -- going for special and memorable (yes) but simple. It is Jesus' birthday; so, we focus on Advent ("waiting with hope") and then throwing a birthday party for Jesus. Simple as that. However, we will be going to stay with extended family over the Christmas week this year, so we will not be hosting our own Christmas at our home. Yet, here is what we have been doing so far this month:
Devotions: Advent is where I put most of our emphasis, because what is this holy-day about if we do not prepare our hearts waiting for the Christ-child to come? You can see our Advent wreath (carved out of wood, with 24 candle holes, and there's a movable donkey carrying Mary). We light the candle after moving it forward. This year, we are using the same book we did two years ago -- Christmas Carols for a Kid's Heart. We read some verses, sing a hymn, say a little prayer, and let our kids blow out the candle.
Here are the activities:
- Buy a new Christmas album and listen to it
- Decorate our home
- Open and read a new Christmas book
- Color a Christmas picture
- Make a paper plate wreath
- Watch a new Christmas movie and snack
- Make apple bread and give to the neighbors
- Go to a Christmas party (this is today)
- Open and read a new Christmas book
- Make handprint wrapping paper
- Make paper snowflakes
- Wrap Christmas gifts for family
- Open and read a new Christmas book
- Make a birthday cake for Micaiah
- Dance to Christmas music
- Watch The Nativity Story movie under blankets
- Make play-dough candy canes
- Make a paper plate angel
- Wrap Jesus’ birthday gift
- Call Grandma and Papa and sing a Christmas carol
- Using the nativity set, act out the nativity story
- Drive around and look at Christmas lights
- Sing Christmas carols around the tree
- Make a birthday cake for Jesus
- Throw Jesus a birthday party!
Decorations: Most noticeably, we do not have a Christmas tree. We are not fully against them; we just choose (for several reasons) not to erect one. We have other items (ornaments, stockings, nativity sets...) hanging around. We have our Christmas books propped up on the bookshelf beside the kids' nativity set (they love playing with this Little People one) and keep the Christmas music playing. I usually make a winter spice aroma spray but am currently avoiding all scents. Also, we simply hang the Christmas cards we receive on ribbon with clothespins! Then, when the season is over and it comes time to take them down, we will pray for the person/family that sent each card as we remove it :)
Treats: Our treats are more sporadic this year and less planned -- our own Chex mix, mini cookies, apple pie, gingerbread cake, specialty breads, coffee cake, etc.
CHRISTmas joy to you in your celebrations and preparation for the coming of the King,