Tag: Christmas

Advent Family Read-Alouds

I love all things Christmas – the lights, the music, the food, and the festivities! It is my favorite time of year. And yes, I do start listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving – I just love it. 🙂

Yesterday was the start of Advent.  The word “advent” stems from the word adventus which means coming or arrival –  referring to Christ coming as a babe in a manger and his eventual coming again. Something which should give us great hope!

Our family has many Christmas traditions, such as decorating the tree, baking, giving gifts, the Jesse tree, etc., but one of our favorites is our Advent read-aloud. We have found a series of books we love. And this year we are reading the 4th and final book in this Advent series.

We started this series in 2015 when our oldest was in 2nd grade. It is always one of the highlights of the season for us and helps to get and keep our hearts focused on the reason for the season.

Note: These books are historical fiction, and like any historical fiction book, the author has done research to give you a good idea of what life was like during that time and includes true facts, but many creative liberties are also taken.

These advent storybooks, all by Arnold Ytreeide, are listed below. The books intertwine with one another which creates an even more interesting storyline.

This blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Advent Familiy Read-Alouds

Advent Family Read-Alouds

Jotham’s Journey (available on audiobook too!)

We’ve had this book the longest, and even though we’ve read it a few times as a family, each year I’ll catch my kids re-reading it.

Jotham is a young shepherd boy who gets separated from his family and eventually discovers the Christ child in the stable.

Bartholomew’s Passage

Bartholomew is a young fishermen who gets separated from his family and undergoes many adventures, eventually leading to the stable in Bethlehem.

Tabitha’s Travels 

Tabitha is the daughter of a shepherd and encounters many adventures and in the end finds her way to the manger.

Ishtar’s Odyssey

Ishtar is the son of a Persian wise man and adventures across the desert, following the star to Bethlehem.

How to read through the books:

Ideally, you start the 4th Sunday before Advent and read a section each day. But really, you can modify it to work for your family! Sometimes we have days where we can’t all gather and read at the same time, and so we’ll read two sections the next day.  Sometimes we read it at night and other times during the day.  Each chapter ends as a cliffhanger so the kids are always excited to read more.

The books all have between 150 – 200 pages and the recommended age is 8+. The books can be intense at times, so keep that in mind for sensitive readers.


 

 

 

 

 

Share this!

Implementing the Jesse Tree Using ‘Unwrapping the Greatest Gift’

How to Implement the Jesse Tree (Ornament list included below!)

I’m In our home we strive to make Christmas what it was intended to be about – JESUS!  Over the years, we’ve done various things to make that happen including many different books and activities. Our favorite Advent read-alouds are these.  THIS POST is dedicated to the Jesse Tree and how to implement it.

This blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will result in a small commission for me (at no cost to you!).
Jesse Tree Ornaments
What is the Jesse Tree?

I first heard about the Jesse Tree 5 years ago but it seemed OVERWHELMING to implement.  After all, I’m not a crafty person (there are 25 ornaments to make!).

The idea behind the Jesse Tree is exploring the lineage of Jesus Christ, starting from the very beginning with Adam and Eve.  It emphasizes God’s plan of salvation.  There is a scripture reading and coordinating ornament for each day of December up until December 25, Christmas Day!

Jesse Tree ornament exchange

I attended a Jesse Tree ornament exchange this past February coordinated by some women from my church.  Each person had to bring 25 of whatever ornament they chose to make.  And then we swapped so everyone went home with one of each ornament.   I made 25 of David’s crown, using gold pipe cleaners.

And SO, this is the first year, we are doing the Jesse Tree.  We are doing it in conjunction with Ann Voskamp’s book “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift”.   We are almost halfway through and each day my 4-year-old asks “Are we doing the “Desse” Tree today?”   So precious!  It has really enhanced our Advent celebration and I personally am enjoying it very much.Jesse Tree Ornament List

“Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp

As I said, we are using “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp for our daily readings to go along with the ornaments.  Her book includes the scripture passage for each day as well as her thoughts on each passage.  It reminds me of the Jesus Storybook Bible if you are familiar with that.  I love that the book (and really, scripture) shows how the people who were part of Jesus’s direct lineage had messy and FAR from perfect lives, and yet God used them.   Also, the message of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ is weaved throughout the book.

Voskamp’s book is not the only way to implement the Jesse Tree.  However, since it was the book our ornament exchange was based on, I am using it.  And I really like it – it has vivid illustrations, questions, and activities at the end of each chapter, and can be appreciated by both young AND old.    Also, if you’re a person who appreciates aesthetics it is a beautiful hardcover book with a ribbon to keep your place.  Perfect for the coffee table if you like that type of thing.

If you are considering doing the Jesse Tree and using Voskamp’s book, I have a printable to help you know which ornament goes with each day.  I created it for myself and realized it might be helpful to others!  I have the title of each chapter, the scripture reading, and suggestions for ornaments to go along with the chapter.

Here is the printable: Jesse Tree Ornament List

As for creating ornaments, Voskamp has (color) printable ornaments on her website or you can make your own or coordinate an exchange!   OR just go to Pinterest!  😉

**It is obviously a little late in the game to do the Jesse Tree this year.  I wrote this post since we’re loving it and thought it might help others know how to implement it.  I also want to point out, you don’t need the ornaments to do the book.**  

WHATEVER traditions you have, I hope you find rest in the hope of Christ this Christmas!

Share this!

Christmas/Advent Themed Activity Pack

Christmas Printable Worksheets

Christmas Printable Worksheets

I love Christmas!  I love puzzles and codes!  And I really enjoy creating worksheets!

Soooo…. I’ve been working on a Christmas Activity Pack, and I’m excited to finally post it here!  I use Canva software for free, so I’m a bit limited in what I can do, but I do hope that these puzzles will be a fun addition for your kiddos this holiday season.  It is designed for intermediate grades (3rd-6th).

Included in the pack is:

  • ‘Making Christmas Cookies’ Madlib
  • Advent Themed Wordsearch
  • Christmas Scramble
  • Solve the Snowman Riddles
  • ‘CHRISTMAS TREE’

Have fun puzzling, and please share with anyone who might enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Click here ——–> Christmas Activity Pack

Check out my other Christmas posts:
Advent Familiy Read-AloudsJesse Tree OrnamentsIntrovert Holidays

 

 

Share this!

The Introvert’s 10 Point Guide for Surviving (and THRIVING) During the Holidays

It’s that time of year again!  And I love love LOVE this time of year!  Twinkle lights everywhere, Christmas music notes floating through the air, increased generosity and charity towards others, and a sense of wonder and awe for the REASON we celebrate.

However, as an adult, and a MOM, I  also feel the STRESS of the holidays.  More places to be, presents to buy, more things on the to-do list, EXPECTATIONS, and the list goes on…  And if I’m not careful, that STRESS, can extinguish the JOY of the season.

For most people, these “extras” may add a little stress, but for an introvert, who needs time alone or in small groups of people to recharge, it is ESSENTIAL that we put parameters in place in order for us to get through the holidays without going crazy!

And for those of us who are parents to introverted, sensitive children, it is important that WE help guide them in putting parameters in place, so THEY can also enjoy the season!

This post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Without further ado, here is THE Introvert’s 10 Point Guide For Surviving (and Thriving) During the Holidays:

1. SCHEDULE margin.

There are endless activities and opportunities during the few weeks leading up to Christmas.  Don’t book every single day with activities.  Schedule days to just be at home.

2. RETREAT when necessary.

Give yourself permission to retreat at a get together if it gets to be too much.  It’s amazing how a few minutes in quiet can recharge your spirit.  Even if it’s just spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom in silence, LOL.  I’m not speaking from experience, of course! 😉

3. Get enough SLEEP.

As an introvert, I know how important it is to get those GOLDEN moments of silence at the end of the day.  THEY. ARE. PRICELESS.   And sometimes I stay up WAY too late because of this!  Set an alarm on your phone if you need to, to remind you to get to bed at a reasonable hour.  Some people need 9 hours, others can get by with 5 hours.  Do your best to get the sleep YOU need.

4. Sweets in MODERATION.

Okay so maybe this is a good tip for everyone, not just introverts!  Enjoy the treats, but don’t go crazy!  Sugar suppresses the immune system.  But of course, this is the time to enjoy a few extra treats.  So enjoy…. BUT, without going overboard!

5. READ a Christmas novel.

Find a book or devotional you can read to reflect on the meaning of the season. This is one of MY goals for this year.  A good book forces me to relax and NOT be busy.  I’m looking for a new one to read this year, so if you know of any good Christmas novels/books, please leave a comment!  A few books that are compilations of stories that I own and enjoy are The Max Lucado Christmas Collection and A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury.

6. Make memories at HOME.

You don’t need to leave your house to make special memories.  There are so many things you can do right at home!  Read aloud together.  We have a basket of Christmas books in our main living area.

Here are some of our favorites:

Jotham’s Journey (older kids)

The Crippled Lamb

Room for a Little One

I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles

We’re also doing the Jesse Tree this year using this book.  Today, we did Day One, which was “The Stump”.   

Other activities you can do right at home: play games, bake together, watch Christmas movies together.

Here are Marc and the older two playing Ticket to Ride.  It’s been a favorite lately (as long as little brother is asleep!)

7. Find people to bless.

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed with the hoopla of the holidays, it can be life-giving to get outside of ourselves and bless those around us.   It is doesn’t have to be a major hoo-rah, it can be simple as taking a plate of homemade cookies over to a neighbor’s with an encouraging note.  Other ideas could be visiting a nursing home, purchasing a gift for a needy child, handing out McDonald’s gift cards or sandwiches to the homeless.   It is always more blessed to give than to receive.

8. CREATE a culture of “cozy and calm” in your home.

Light (or turn on) the fire, cue up your favorite Christmas Music (our favorites are listed here), and brew yourself a cup of tea…

9. Use Curbside pick up for groceries!

It’s the most wonderful time of year and the CRAZY BUSIEST time of year at stores!  Pay the extra fee for the convenience of curbside pick-up.  We are new to this, and it is amazing.  Some stores, like Wal-Mart, even do it for free!

10. SIMPLIFY

Consider simplifying “all the things”.  You know, areas like gift-giving, Christmas cards, Christmas baking, homemade gift making.  Just because your friend is doing “all the things” and loving it, doesn’t mean it will bring you the same joy.  If it brings you joy then that’s great.  BUT, if it’s causing you stress, consider doing less.

Blessings to you this season!  May it be one that is joy-giving rather than stress-inducing!

Share this!