You know all of those things you WANT to do for the Christmas season, but never seem to actually do?   Yeah, you’re not alone! Often the holidays slip by so quickly we neglect to do the things we want to do. You know like serving others and doing those cool things with the kids. And yeah, checking off the…
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It was dead in the middle of Operation Random Acts of Christmas Kindness 2013. Our hearts raced as we drove back around the corner, trying not to be seen. The scene was a hit-and-run delivery gone wrong. Our friend’s van unexpectedly backed out of the driveway as we were about to pull in for the drop. We had attempted to plan it…
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My fondest memories as a child are of family Christmas traditions, especially our kids advent calendar! Advent is a bit of a dusty word that has regained popularity in recent years. The tradition has been a part of the Christian church since as early as 480 AD and is focused on the expectant waiting and preparation for the birth of…
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Christmas Scripture Cards are not only a wonderful gift, they are a blessing and encouragement to the people in your life. You remember the ever-so-popular Christmas favorite, A Charlie Brown Christmas? I must admit I’ve struggled to understand why people like to watch this depressing cartoon. There is certainly nothing holly or jolly about Charlie Brown. But there is something…
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Ever since I was a little girl, my dreams have been filled with family Christmas traditions. No matter what time of year it was, we were always counting down the days to some holiday or event. It wasn’t because we expected something grand either. We waited expectantly because we relished the memory of what was special. Have you ever noticed…
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Do you ever feel like the holidays quickly become consumed with commercialism instead of the Christ-centered Christmas you envisioned? I’ve so been there. Not that long ago, I found myself feeling this exact frustration. Every year I’d have the best of intentions. I’d run with open arms into all things pumpkin. My dreams were filled with falling leaves, treasured family…
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“Everybody in the car,” I shouted. “It’s time for our first annual Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!” My heart was giddy with excitement for what was to come. The kids had been neatly tucked into bed for about 10 minutes and I was poised to announce the thrill of the season. I stood in the middle of the living room and…
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There’s something about a family gathered around the tree with a pile of Christmas books for kids that just makes the holidays special. My fondest memories as a mom are wrapped up in the warmth of such moments. Every year when the Christmas book box comes down out of the attic, I can still picture a small child snuggled up…
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I absolutely LOVE giving gifts. I love dreaming up the perfect ideas, shopping for the deals, and even beautifully wrapping them. Yeah, I’m that girl who has lists and even purchases months ahead of Christmas or celebrations. I can’t help myself. It’s just so fun for me. But I know not everyone feels this way, especially when it comes to…
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One thing my mama did really well when I was a kid was celebrations. Even if we had little money, even when it was a hard year, she made sure every holiday and occasion was special. When I became a mom, I wanted to plant that sweet memory in the hearts of my children, too. I wanted them to grow…
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When I taught in the public school, parties were all the rage. Haha. We had one for just about any occasion we could think of. Homeroom moms would come in with cute crafts, fun food, and all kinds of games. Even when we confined it to the last hour of the day, it still consumed many weeks with the planning…
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