experiences | Texting the Truth

After our Santa discussion this week, it got us thinking – what resources are out there to help us focus our kids on the real meaning of Christmas? How do we center our kids, our families, and US on Christ this Christmas?

So we made a list of what we personally use and what some of our mama friends use. This list is not meant for you to feel any guilt if you don’t do any of these suggestions; they are just resources if you are looking for ways to keep your family focused on Christ this Christmas.

FOR MAMAS

We have put together a devotional for busy moms to take a couple of minutes out of their busy day and focus on inviting God into their days. To get the devotional and save it to your phone, go here. We will be sharing more of what we are learning and how it relates to Christmas on our Facebook and Instagram pages starting on Monday!

MOVIES

Take your children to go see The Star Movie. It is fabulous!!
Gigi God’s Little Christmas – Dreaming of a Pink Christmas: A Lesson About the Real Treasure of Christmas
Miss Patty Cake’s Christmas
Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas
Owlegories: The Gift and The Star (featuring Jennie Allen)
A Wowiebozowee Christmas

BOOKS for KIDS

Truth in the Tinsel – an ebook that centers on Christmas for 25 days in December.
What is Christmas?
The Pinetree Parable
The Sweet Smell of Christmas
Santa’s Favorite Story
One Winter’s Night
God Gave Us Christmas
The Christmas Promise
The Legend of Saint Nicholas
The Other Side of Christmas – An Upside-down Book –

ADVENT RESOURCES

OTHER CHRISTMAS RESOURCES

The Kindness Elves – We use this concept and I write a new kind thing we are going to do each day from the elves. Sometimes it is helping me finish Christmas cards, visit a nursing home, make care bags for the homeless, etc. It’s been a great focus for my girls.
Fisher Price Little People: A Christmas Story

EXPERIENCES TO TRY

Allow kids to have a nativity in their rooms. Let them choose a character and imagine what it was like when Jesus was born.
Make a Birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas and sing Happy Birthday.
Open up a new book for either the 12 Days of Christmas or the month to talk about the meaning of Christmas. (Use the suggestions of books above!)

OTHER FUN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Give ornaments to each child that represents the year.
Make Fruit baskets for neighbors
Volunteer at homeless shelter
Go on a DIY polar express. Make tickets. Get together hot chocolate and snacks. And drive around in pajamas looking at Christmas lights.
Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day to teach children who St. Nick is.

A special thank you to the Hope MOPS Leadership Team for helping us compile this list. We’d love to hear if you’ve used any of these resources or if you have any additions to add! Please add it to the comments below! ?

Disclosure

Anna

Michelle, what are you getting your kids for Christmas this year? I need some new ideas. ?I’m so tired of the toys that are only played with for one day and left to clutter up the floor!

Michelle

You are asking the WRONG person. I look around my house and I can hardly think of anything because we already have more than enough!

Anna

Us too. So I start thinking – what do they NEED? — OK, they need socks (always) , and coats, but they will not love opening that up on Christmas morning…?

Michelle

Ha. True. Isn’t it funny how when you get old like us you actually love practical gifts? Like, did you know I am asking for a vacuum for Christmas?!

Anna

I LOVE vacuums!

Michelle

Haha, spoken like a true mom. Or maybe better yet – I love [when my kids use] vacuums! ?

Anna

Well, that is very true too! It warms my heart to see my kids vacuuming! Hahaha #buildingcharacteroneflooratatime

But seriously, WHAT am I going to do about Christmas? I mean, it’s December 4 and all I have to show for it so far is one LOL Surprise Ball. ? Why am I dragging my feet so much…? I guess I need some Christmas spirit. #bahhumbug

Michelle

Well, I think it’s because of what you said at first. It’s hard to find the purpose in going to all of the effort when it may not be needed or truly wanted–well, for more than a week, ya know?!

Anna

I do. R.I.P. Trolls figurines — the hot toy from last year and there it sits in the bottom of the toy box now…

Michelle

Haha. ?S o I do have an idea but I’m curious with what you think because maybe this wouldn’t speak to all kids?

Anna

DO TELL! I’m all ears!

Michelle

What if instead of giving gifts you give quality time together?

I know it’s out of the box but I had the idea last year because I am realizing Sophie feels love most of all when I spend time with her. She likes gifts but it’s not what truly makes her feel filled up. And isn’t that one of our major goals?

Anna

That is SO smart of you, just thinking about how Sophie feels most loved.

Michelle

Well, but parenting is so funny because Ellie may be the opposite and love giving and getting gifts! ? So I think it’s about knowing your child and finding a balance – what do you think?

Anna

I think you’re right, and balance is exactly what I am longing for, deep down… Like a good balance of family experiences, enrichment kinds of things (like getting Ashton cake pans because we want to encourage her interest in baking), and a couple of those hot toy kinds of things.

Michelle

YES. So would you give experiences as a gift? Just trying to think about how this would work? ?

Anna

Well, my husband was talking about taking the kids snow-tubing for a day. They’ve never done that before. He was even saying we might take them out of school for a day (my former teacher self is having a heart attack uttering those words), but we rarely take vacations, so that would be really special.

Michelle

Haha, but I think those are the things they would really remember and appreciate, you know?

Anna

Yes! And the memory would last longer than one week (or even one year)!?

Michelle

Could you get them gear for some of the experiences or something? Just thinking out loud.

Anna

Ohhhh… I hadn’t thought of that, but I love that idea!!! Like they need waterproof gloves! ?

Michelle

And maybe when they see the gloves in the future it would remind them of their time together growing closer as a family…

Anna

Yes! Growing closer as a family is all that I want for Christmas this year. ?

Michelle

Aw, I think all moms would say the same thing. Well, that and a little rest. ☺️ But seriously, this really hit me because it is reminding me WHY are we doing what we’re doing? Are we just giving gifts because that’s what we do? Maybe it’s time to think what do we want the end result to be and then work backwards?

Anna

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Seriously, thanks for helping me get unstuck!! I feel like I know which direction I’m headed in now, and I can talk to my hubby about it.

Michelle

This was so helpful for me to chat with you about too! Now to pause and ask God – How can we grow closer as a family this Christmas? I’m pretty sure He has some good ideas! ☺️

Soaking in the Truth

Scripture to encourage you:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10

Music to inspire you:

Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
Get into the Christmas spirit by playing festive songs with your kids, while you are driving, doing chores, or just hanging out together. We’re working on putting together a Christmas playlist for you, so if you have a favorite song hop on the Facebook post a couple of days ago and add your suggestion!

Readings and Resources to come alongside of you:

Tag Archives: experiences

Christmas Resources for Your Family to Help Keep Christ in Christmas

All I Want For Christmas This Year