December is non-stop. There are always things to do, parties to attend, gifts to buy, and events to organize.
I love all those things – it’s part of what makes Christmas memorable and fun.
But this Christmas, I just have one thing on my to-do list.
Slow down so Christmas can be meaningful for my whole family. I want to be fully present so that I can enjoy the season and celebrate it’s true meaning.
So, I’ll enjoy lots of hot chocolate with the twins.
Here’s my recipe! A friend recently introduced me to peppermint marshmallows, and oh me oh my, you have to try them! They transform your cup into a peppermint mocha!
I’ll share some really yummy goodies with my friends and neighbors.
Last week was our church’s annual Christmas Cookie Outreach Event. We filled dozens of gift baskets with chocolate-covered pretzels, cookies, and hot chocolate mixes to hand out to our community, local business, and neighbors. I took a basket to my hair salon to enjoy!
I’ll spend time with my kids walking through the Nativity Story.
For the past two years, I’ve used Truth in the Tinsel to teach my kids about Jesus’ birth. Year 1, we made our own ornaments. Year 2, we used Amanda’s wonderful printable ornaments to simply the process.
This year, I added the advent board. I found some spice bags at my grocery store and (sort of painstakingly) painted numbers on them. Each day, I fill the bag with the Advent Scripture passage we’re studying and a piece of candy. While I read the passage, the boys enjoy inhale their candy and color their ornament.
We’ll be doing other activities this December, but these are my top priorities. The season goes by so fast, and I don’t to miss it.
For this reason, I won’t be posting much this December. But I have some fun things planned for the New Year! So don’t go too far! I’ll still be posting some fun stuff on Facebook as well as instagram! Hope you’ll join me there!
Merry Christmas!
How are you making Christmas meaningful in your house this year? Share your ideas in the comments! I’d love to hear.
I love the message of simplicity and slowing down! It is very easy to get overwhelmed this time of the year, but I definitely feel that if I focus on a few good things, it is more beneficial for me and my family. Thanks for the reminder! -and what a cool nativity scene!
Thanks Jesslayn – my nativity scene is my favorite Christmas decoration. I bought it when we lived in Southeast Asia from a craftsman who probably didn’t even know what he was creating. Every time I get it out at the beginning of December I think of his family and pray he will come face to face with Christ if he hasn’t already.
This year we are keeping Christmas meaningful by taking the focus off of gifts. Instead putting the focus on sharing ” 1john 4:14″! Less I wants, and more I will go make disciples. More TITT, serving others, and quality time together. Less sales, stores, and coupons.
I love that idea Jessica. It can’t be done without intentional effort. Each year it becomes harder but the investment in our kids is so worth it!
Every time I see you post a photo of hot chocolate I think, “she needs to share her recipes.” Glad you did! 🙂