Christmas in July!!
Christmas in July!!
Once your kids are nestled all snug in their beds, it’s time for the Christmas spectacular to begin! Pull out an artificial tree that you have (whether big or small), light it, and decorate it with ornaments and set-up any surprise gifts that you have previously purchased for your kids. Then, let the surprise begin…
Start the day with your favorite Christmas music playing and enjoy your traditional Christmas breakfast in your pajamas. Whether it’s a breakfast casserole or homemade pancakes, your family will be sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday.
Once you have finished, put each family member’s name in a hat and have each member draw a name. Give them 20-30 minutes to come up with a “gift” they can present to their chosen family member. This isn’t about how much money someone will spend; it is about a gift of service. For instance, your son might offer to wash your car, your daughter may be a “chauffer for the day” to her younger sibling, or you may give each child a “day with you” to spend however they like. The idea behind it is to think about the recipient and to make it personal and fun. With wrapping paper and boxes handy, everyone can prepare their gifts to put under the tree.
Then, it is present time! Go around (youngest to oldest) and enjoy watching everyone open up their gifts. Then, bless your children with the gift you selected for them. If finances are limited, we suggest purchasing one fun-family game or an experience that the whole family can enjoy like a day of fishing, sporting event, or a local free music festival. It isn’t about how much you spend, but with whom you are spending your time.
After everyone is finished, read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Remember why you are celebrating and the sacrifice that was made in order to free all of us.
Then, start on the Christmas meal. Have everyone get involved. Some can prep, others can set the table or cook. Simply enjoy your time together while enjoying a favorite family meal.
As dinner is wrapping up, discuss what the family can do to give back to the community. It will be a great way to continue to instill the principle of showing God’s love to others and will be fun all at the same time.
After dinner, turn your air conditioner down so the house is chilly, then snuggle up and enjoy your family’s favorite Christmas movie.
Merry Christmas to all (in July)!!!
Diana W.
Once your kids are nestled all snug in their beds, it's time for the Christmas spectacular to begin! Pull out an artificial tree that you have (whether big or small), light it, and decorate it with ornaments and set-up any surprise gifts that you have previously purchased for your kids. Then, let the surprise begin…
Start the day with your favorite Christmas music playing and enjoy your traditional Christmas breakfast in your pajamas. Whether it's a breakfast casserole or homemade pancakes, your family will be sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday.
Once you have finished, put each family member's name in a hat and have each member draw a name. Give them 20-30 minutes to come up with a “gift” they can present to their chosen family member. This isn't about how much money someone will spend; it is about a gift of service. For instance, your son might offer to wash your car, your daughter may be a “chauffer for the day” to her younger sibling, or you may give each child a “day with you” to spend however they like. The idea behind it is to think about the recipient and to make it personal and fun. With wrapping paper and boxes handy, everyone can prepare their gifts to put under the tree.
Then, it is present time! Go around (youngest to oldest) and enjoy watching everyone open up their gifts. Then, bless your children with the gift you selected for them. If finances are limited, we suggest purchasing one fun-family game or an experience that the whole family can enjoy like a day of fishing, sporting event, or a local free music festival. It isn't about how much you spend, but with whom you are spending your time.
After everyone is finished, read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Remember why you are celebrating and the sacrifice that was made in order to free all of us.
Then, start on the Christmas meal. Have everyone get involved. Some can prep, others can set the table or cook. Simply enjoy your time together while enjoying a favorite family meal.
As dinner is wrapping up, discuss what the family can do to give back to the community. It will be a great way to continue to instill the principle of showing God's love to others and will be fun all at the same time.
After dinner, turn your air conditioner down so the house is chilly, then snuggle up and enjoy your family's favorite Christmas movie.
Merry Christmas to all (in July)!!!
Diana W.
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