This is our 'Christmas corner':
Here we have our tree, our children's bibles and Christmas story books. We have also set up our wooden nativity items (Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus) and our finger puppets, as well as including the nativity set P made at Bible Study creche.
Each night before bed we sit next to our (little) tree and read a part of the nativity story together. We don't follow a structure, but have read or discussed different aspects together. We've talked about how the girls sleep in a comfortable bed, but Jesus slept in an animals food box. We've talked about how Mary sang a song of thanks and sang a thank you song to God ourselves. P has enacted out the nativity story many times herself.
At the end of each Bible reading time, the girls each choose one Christmas decoration to put up on the tree. They both love this tradition.
I've been trying to think of ways of making Christmas not all about the presents. I decided this year to not put the presents under the tree but instead put our nativity scenes and Bible stories there. I'm still not sure whether to have the girls open their presents on Christmas eve (so that Christmas Day is all about Jesus) or not.
What are your thoughts?
1 comment:
Hmmm... Interesting concept! I LOVE the idea of having the nativity scene & bibles under the tree rather than the presents! I definitely want to talk that one over & consider implementing it in our house! Great touch with the putting on of one decoration each night for each child! In terms of present giving, perhaps giving presents on Christmas day, but after church - so focus on Jesus Christmas Eve & Christmas morning and then have presents so they can't be distracted by wanting to play with that new toy they were given? Also good in terms of teaching delayed gratification? I know they're young but I think they're never too young to start learning! I heard a great idea the other day - instead of buying lots of presents, buy one or two little ones & buy a packet of balloons - fill the lounge room with balloons so the kids enjoy playing with them (in celebration of Jesus birthday) & not so fussed about the presents. We're also starting a family tradition of having an envelope on the tree which is a charity giving thing that is a true present for Jesus rather than spending that money on presents for us! It's interesting to think these things through in light of the real meaning of the season. Thanks for sharing your ideas! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all, blessings from the Saunders Family
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