Christmas Traditions

I didn't grow up in a house with traditions as such. We were all together and we watched movies and ate good food. No particular food had to be served other than roast potatoes yum yum. 

Now that I have a family of my own I really have been giving thought to what I want my children to have as Christmas traditions. It seems to have manifested in the following ways which I think are actually not bad. I wanted to give my children a taste of the values we hold dear as adults. Faith, love, charity and hope. 

First tradition is buying the kids Christmas presents in the January sales. Throughout the year when we see things the kids and their friends and family would like we buy them and put them down so that we don't have to rush at the end. Also means we don't spend excessive amounts or have to rush at the end and pay over the odds. Plus the kids have to trust their parents to buy what they would like. No lost for me ha ha ha. But the thing is that I am sure will get more difficult as they want more technology but for now it works wonders and if it's not broke I am not fixing it for now lol. 

Charity is the second thing we do. This year we got out all the toys the kids don't really play with and they picked the ones they would take to the charity store. We wanted to give it to a toy drive but couldn't find one anywhere taking second hand toys. Real problem when all they want is new ones. The children then took the toys in themselves and handed them over. Trick was in getting out the shop without then buying anything in the place of those handed in. I want to give the kids a sense of reality in the world. You might not be able to fix everyone's problems but you should help where you can. Even if that is handing in a few little toys. 

Now that I have energetic storms it's important to challenge them in a fun way. So we try each Christmas to play a game together. Lots of people tell me how wonderful this is so I am sticking with it. We never played games in my household. But others tell me it's fun to get together over a board game. While trying to teach my little ones how to lose graciously is challenging I am sure it will be worth it in the end lol. 

The last two years this is the Christmas book. Next year I am gonna find a Christian one to add to the mix. But it's definitely nice to have a story to read with no pressure. They really loved seeing this one again and lifting out all the letters and seeing what was inside. 

Our final tradition is going to church before opening our presents. I love the idea of starting the day with God and keeping that focus throughout. My little way of not being so self absorbed at a time when it's difficult not to be. 

So as you embark on your own Christmas traditions and Christmas celebrations I urge you to think about those who are smaller than you. What will they learn about life at the time of great excess by most of us. 

Have a blessed season 

Sabbath/Sunday Snow Days activities

I have been thinking since we here in the UK have been snowed in (it doesn't take much) what should we do with our sabbath and Sunday.

First things first. As Christians we are called to look after one another so the first thing you need to do is look out for those more vulnerable than yourself. If you have elderly or disabled on your street check that they have the essentials they need. Take a meal round so they don't have to worry about cooking. Movement in snow may challenge us but if your elderly in a wheelchair it can be dangerous to be out and about in the snow. Another group you might want to check on is those who are alone with young children. They may find getting out challenging or might just find it challenging being trapped inside with their little angels. Either way you could help just by checking in with them.

If you can get to church for your usual service you might want to consider organising a pot luck lunch or a lucky dip lunch as I call it. Call round to your friends and encourage them to call round and everyone bring a dish and share. If there are elderly members then it might be worth packing up some meals from your lucky dip lunch and taking it to them. If there are young families then get together and share the burden of entertaining the kids.

What if you can't get out of your house what then? Snow is awesome and fun and there is plenty to enjoy in the snow from making snow angels to building snow men to snow ball fights and lots of others exciting snow things. But it gets cold after a while so you have to come in out of the cold then what?

I can happily recommend a movie, hot chocolate, and warm food. A good book is always awesome with a nice book and a lovely warm duvet. Baking is always a great winter activity the warmth from the oven adds to the joy if you ask me. I like being home alone in the warmth with an activity I love like knitting, sewing, baking. I don't live alone anymore so what then?

I have very little storms and they are great but have a super duper amount of energy so after going out in the snow what am I gonna do well here are my thoughts.

I am gonna get the glue out and make some snowmen pictures with the cotton wool in the bathroom.

I am thinking of baking cookies or rather getting the storms to make cookies. They will enjoy eating them with hot chocolate later.

I plan to have a dance contest with the storms. Lets see if mummy can actually win something in this house! I think I might even have a chocolate trophy somewhere.

So then there will be movies, colouring books, bricks, toys, indoor penalty shoot out. Am I gonna run out of things to do? Yes! So when I think of something inspiring to do I will definitely share that.