Ep. 8 It's Christmas! Balancing Tradition and Meaning

Merry Christmas, Moms. It is officially the busiest season of the year, but what a GREAT reason to be busy: celebrating Jesus. I love that no matter what-pandemic, political climate, where you live, or what havoc 2020 may have wreaked on your life-we celebrate the fact that Jesus humbled Himself and endured this broken world for our sakes and for our salvation.

Christmas will never change because Jesus will never change.

In this episode our guest Julie, mom to four biological children and foster mom to countless more, shared with us her joyful traditions to help keep the focus on the meaning of the season. It's super easy to get caught up in the hoopla, and before you know it, it's December 26th and you're wondering why you're so exhausted and missed Jesus completely. 

Here are some of the fun, meaningful, and kid-friendly activities that we discussed on the episode:

1.) Advent calendar: we love handmade items, but there are plenty of store bought advent calendars to assist in the count down to Christmas. Better yet, check out any local businesses in your area who may sell them. 

2.) The Jesse Tree: a good friend of ours started this tradition and we love it! It's a party and a place to go home with 25 unique ornaments. Every day you read a correlating Scripture with your kiddos and they hang that unique ornament on the tree. 

3.) Baking and taking: we like to bake up some goodies, attach a verse to the package and take them to our neighbors to spread Christmas cheer and the love of Jesus.

4.) Christmas caroling: we do this with our church, but you can organize a group with friends and family. Grab someone who plays guitar or sing a capella, and go bless a neighborhood full of people. By choosing Christmas carols that highlight Jesus, it's just one more way to be lights in the dark!

5.) Happy Birthday Jesus party: Yes, this is an actual birthday party for Jesus, complete with birthday cake, games, party favors, and a small (and inexpensive) gift exchange with the kids. 

6.) Give, give, give: Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, and Samaritan's Purse all have major opportunities for giving. More locally, there are probably families in your neighborhood or church who may have some needs this year, so ask God to show you were you can give with your kids this season. 

These are just a few of the many ways to celebrate the glorious season of Jesus' birth. Let us know if you have any fun or meaningful traditions that are special to your family.

Merry Christmas,

Rachel and Stacy