Happy almost Christmas to you! Hard to believe Christmas will be here in a matter of hours!
In the midst of preparing for Jesus' birthday, I can't help but think of others who are struggling this Christmas. Families like Judy's, and Samantha's, and Derek's. Will y'all join me in keeping these families in your prayers? Who else do you know who has an "empty chair" this Christmas season? Let's overwhelm them with prayers and love.
In case you too are wrestling with some "holiday blues", today I'm thrilled to feature PoppySmithas she shares some simple ways to Beat the Blues this Christmas! Here's Poppy....
Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmasby Poppy Smith
Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!
But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!
•Sing.
Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
•Smile.
Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
•Invite.
Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
•Rest.
Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time! •Give gifts to others.
Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive. •Write a list of your blessings.
Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
•Go to a Christmas Eve Service.
Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
•Pray about your dreams for 2012.
What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone. ~ Poppy Smith
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
And I'd love to hear from you, dear friends! How do you stay joy-filled at Christmas, even in the midst of disappointment? Any way we can pray for you this Christmas Season? Share with me please!
Have a wonderful, refreshing, Christ-centered weekend! I thank God for you!
As I mentioned last week, one of our Top 10 Favorite Christmas Traditionsis our annual "Happy Birthday Jesus" party. Although some of the details change each year, here are some ideas that have worked for us....
**Hosting a Happy Birthday Jesus Party**
Who:We hold our party every year on Christmas morning. Some years (esp. when the flu has gone through our home) it's just our immediate family, however, our hope is that we'd always have a spot for anyone wanting to celebrate Jesus with us.
Food:What's a birthday party without good food? Since our party is in the morning, I plan a yummy brunch with all my family's favorite dishes. This year I'll be making french_toast_casserole (thanks, Lisa), cinnamon rolls, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit. Any other ideas?
Also, you can't have a birthday party without cake, can you?! Some years we've made a "Jesus birthday cake", although last year I ordered this fun cake.)
And yes, we do sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! If only we sounded like this....
Festivities:Every celebration needs a couple of fun games. Here's some of our favorites:
• Christmas Bingo (You knew I'd say that, didn't you?!) with M&M's as markers.
• Christmas Card Toss - Have children stand in a line and try to toss Christmas cards into a bucket. • Musical Chairs with Christmas Music (my kids never outgrow musical chairs!)
• Pass the Gift - Wrap a present. Have guests sit in a circle and pass the gift while the music is playing. When the music stops, the guest with the gift gets to pick a candy cane off the tree and leaves the circle.
• Christmas Charades - Make a list of common Christmas items on the back of old business cards. Divide into 2 teams. Let the fun begin!
• Christmas Wreath Toss - Place three wreaths in a line on the floor. Have guests try to toss a Christmas stuffed animal into the wreaths. • What's Missing? - Place a nativity set on a tray. Let children look at it for a couple of minutes. Turn around and remove an item from the tray. Let children look again and see if they can spot what is missing
• Christmas Old Maid - You play this game exactly like Old Maid, except instead of an Old Maid, you have a "Happy Birthday Jesus" card. And instead of trying to get rid of it, you win by being the last person to have the card.
Presents: We all bring a "gift" to present to baby Jesus, and then read the story of Jesus in Luke 2:1-16.
Thankfully, everyone at our home is healthy this year (thank You, God!) ~ so I am so excited about our Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration!
What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God's richest blessings to you this CHRISTmas season!
P.S. For more "Happy Birthday Jesus Party" ideas check here, here, here. P.P.S. For more Works for Me Wednesday ideas, head over and visit Kristen at We Are That Family. :)
Family photo compliments of the Grand Rapids Press
Today I continue my Christmas Vacation Series. Read Part 1 here! :)
Hello dear friends! :)
Happy Christmas Vacation to you! I'm so excited that soon I'll have my gang home for 2 weeks.
In case you've been wondering how you can keep your kids/grandkids/nieces/neighbors occupied for the next few weeks ~ no worries!
I've come up with a new Christmas Break Family Fun plan. I believe with some advance planning and creativity, we can make Christmas vacation as much fun as a week at Disneyworld (but for a lot less $$)!! Woo Hoo!!
(A quick disclaimer....I've tried to think of things that you could participate in regardless of the city you live in. For my GR friends, many of the ideas have links that will lead you to more specific times and information. For all of the ideas, I tried to think very inexpensively. Also, please remember I live in Michigan ~ and we have snow. I'm sorry for all of my non-snow friends. You can come visit us!). Here are some Christmas Vacation ideas from A to Z....
A - Art projects! Art in the Snow or make a Snowman snow globe(so cute!) or just pull out your odds & ends craft supplies, and let your little artists create!
B- Bowling; Baking; BINGO (Did you know we play bingo for every holiday/season? The kids love it ~ and it's a great way to spend quality time with relatives of all ages. You should try it!) C - Camp-out in the Family Room. Grab your sleeping bags, flashlights, and smores, and get ready for fun! (more camping ideas here); or Cards (kids card game ideas here); or Children's Museum (Grand Rapids info) D - Dance Party ~ Find some fun 70's or 80's music, crank it up, and let the fun begin! (We especially enjoy our dance parties while jumping on the bed. But shhhh! ~ don't tell anyone!) E - Eatout (the food court at the mall is always a fun experience for kids)
F- Family Fun Night ~ Invite over another family for food, fun, and fellowship; or build an indoor Fort or start a Flash mob! (The kids and I have been trying to learn the Oprah Flash Mob. So fun!)
G - Game Night ~ Have everyone pick a favorite board game to play. (More Game Night ideas here); or Gingerbread Houses (great ideashereor especially easy to pick up when they all get clearanced after Christmas!)
H - Hockey! Play hockey, watch hockey (Grand Rapids Griffins or my son Jake's team Grand Rapids Christian High Eagles); Hot Chocolate Bar (my kids like to go outside just for an excuse to drink my yummy hot chocolate served out of my ceramic snowman hot chocolate dispenser!)
I - Ice Skating (Rosa Parks info); Indoor picnic (don't forget your plastic ants ~ smile) J - Juggle! (Do you know how to juggle? Me neither! But we can learn here) K - Krispy Kremedoughnuts ~ wait until the Krispy Kreme light is on, and then go in for your free doughnut!
L - Luau ~ Host your own indoor luau! Grab a beach towel, bathing suit, beach ball, and any leis your might have around your house ~ and let the fun begin! fun begin! You can even play Hawaii Bingo (More Hawaii ideas here) M - Movie Night ~ Fun Family Movie Night ideas here
N - Nature Time! Build a bird feeder (great idea here) or Neighborhood Light Tour O - Opposite Day ~ Do everything backwards! Eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast; or play Outside (you play too, Mom, not just the kids!)
P - Pizza Party ~ Let the kids make their own pizza ~ more ideas here! OR Pajama Party
Q - Quiet time ~ head to your local library for some quiet reading and/or story time activities. (The link for Kent District Library events ~ here)
R - Roller Skating (GR friends...anyone want to join us at Tarry Hall?) or Road trip ~ Let the kids help plan a Road Trip! Depending on your financial situation and the ages of your children, you can plan a Road Trip near or far. Do you have a relative or friend you could visit? Maybe it's time for a Road Trip! Remember, part of the fun is in the planning ~ so let everyone look at the maps, write out the itnerary, pack the snacks, bring activities for the car, and more! What fun! :)
S - Sundae Night (our family's Sundae Night ideas here) OR Skiing OR Sledding OR Snowman building OR Starbucks (sorry, I couldn't resist ~ doesn't a latte sound great?!)
U - Underwater activities ~ Find a local indoor swimming pool and swim, swim, swim! Another idea...we sometimes go to priceline.com to bid on a hotel for the night. In Grand Rapids, you can stay at a nice 3 star hotel for $40. The kids love it ~ they swim for hours and hours!! (Thanks to my Grandma, we'll be spending the night in a hotel this Christmas break. Woo Hoo!)
V - Volunteer. I like to volunteer to watch my friend's kids one day during Break to provide free child care while she works. Last year we also went with school friends to pass out blankets at a homeless shelter. Or you could walk a neighbor's dog. Shovel a single mom's sidewalk. The ideas are endless...
W - Winter Wonderland Party (Fun ideas here) or Walk! Walk to the nearest park. Or walk around the block backwards. Enjoy the beautiful crisp winter air :)
X - eXercise. Set up a family exercise experience! (Get startedhere)
Y - YMCA. Go to the YMCA or another local gym. Many will let you try their facility for free for the day.
Zzzzz - Catch some Z's and enjoy a nice nap together! :)
Woo Hoo!! I'm so excited for Christmas vacation! What a perfect opportunity to enjoy our children and participate in many of the outings and activities we can’t fit into our school-day schedule. Let's make our ordinary Christmas vacation days "extraordinary"!! :)
So, what do you have planned for the next few weeks?? Any fun ideas you'd like to share?? I can't wait to hear more about your Christmas vacation! Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! May your CHRISTmas be filled to the brim with much joy, laughter, and fun, family moments!!
P.S. I should probably mention that yes, I do have lots of Christmas "to-do" lists yet to accomplish. However, I still want to be intentional and enjoy this special time with my kids. The house won't be perfect ~ but we're not either. Thank goodness for grace! :)
Although my kids still go to school Monday and Tuesday next week, I know many schools are finished for 2011 today. Do you have a Christmas Vacation plan??
My hope is that our Christmas Break will be filled with much fun, adventure, laughter, creativity, and amazing family times!
However, I also know that without a plan...it will be mostly fighting, whining, crying (me, not them!) and a countdown until school is back in sesson!
Here's what I've learned about creating the best Christmas Vacation ever ~ and my personal tips on Surviving Thriving on Christmas Break!
1. Pray
Pray over your Christmas vacation. Ask God to fill your days with His plans, His blessings, His opportunities, His joy & peace, etc... Ask Him to lead and guide you as a mom, and for your family to enjoy His gift of rest and refreshment (although, personally, I've found Christmas Break isn't too restful with 4 kids...but that's another post ~ smile).
2. Think Big Picture.
What 3 words would you like to describe your Christmas vacation when the kids go back to school in January?
Fun? Relaxing? Family time? Peaceful? Service Oriented? Harmonious? Sleep-filled :)
You get the drift. Pick some of my ideas or come up with you own ~ but pick 3 words. 3. Intentional Planning
Next, with pencil and/or post-it notes and a paper calendar (I know, you could do this electronically too, I'm just not there yet)...fill in any commitments you have to do over the next few weeks (i.e. traveling, Christmas gatherings, sports commitments, work, etc..)
Then, thinking of the "3 words" you selected, come up with ideas of how to make your "hope" a "reality".
For example, personally, one of the words I've selected is FUN (surprise, surprise, I know). I've been thinking and dreaming about how to make that happen. I'm planning another mystery day, fun play dates, we have good friends coming from MN, etc..
Last year for fun the kids invited friends over for a "Monday - Fun Day". It was a blast!
OR, if you are exhausted and just need some rest...why not call a "PJ Day" and plan a relaxing day filled with fun rules like everyone must wear their pj's and slippers all day, watch a fun movie, soak your feet and give each other foot massages, etc..
Once you come up with ideas (based on your 3 words), add them to your Christmas vacation calendar. It's fun to watch as the Christmas break plan begins to take shape!
(In case you need more ideas, I'll be back on Monday with a complete Christmas Break idea list - A to Z style!)
4. Invite the family to participate. After I've come up with a rough outline of our vacation, I ask for the family to participate.
For example, at our family meeting this past Sunday, I gave an index card to each family member. On one side I asked them to write down something they really want to do over Christmas break (something realistic and inexpensive ~ "go to Disney World" is not allowed!). On the other side, I asked them to think of a family they'd like to invite over. We then spent time sharing our ideas with each other (common answers were "sledding", "play video games", "play hockey"). I'll take their ideas and add it to our Vacation calendar. This way, at the end of Christmas break, each one of us has been able to participate in activities that are significant and meaningful to us...and we didn't spend the whole 2 weeks just sorting through our clutter.
5. Be flexible
Last year, Benj came down with the flu, and unfortunately our plans were limited. Our "Friday Field Trips" went out the window. A good day was a day we could get out of the house .
But you know what...we still had a wonderful break. The key was being flexible and finding the joy in every day ~ even if our plan was thrown out the window. Knowing that I had committed our Christmas break to God, I could rest in His plan (although it looked much different than I was thinking). God knows what He is doing!!
What about for you?? What are your hopes for Christmas Vacation 2011? What will make your time together enjoyable, memorable, and fun?? I'd love to hear from you!!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Merry CHRISTmas to you!
P.S. Here is a Christmas Vacation song. Why not start a new tradition and listen to this song at the beginning of your break. "Hip Hip Hooray for Christmas Vacation!"
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
