Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

December 25th Advent - Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:14:00.001-08:00

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Christmas morning is finally here! Today light the white candle of your Advent wreath that symbolizes the purity of Christ. Let it burn throughout the day, as long as you are home of course!

When you ask the children, "Where's baby Jesus?" they can reply, "He's here!" while placing the baby in the manger of their nativity scene. Before opening any of your own gifts, open the present for Jesus and remind each other of your promised gifts to the Lord.

Enjoy this day and give thanks to the Lord for giving us the Christ child. Talk about how your gifts are expressions of love for one another and for the greatest gift of all - Christ Jesus!

Advent Wreath- Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T06:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve - Christ's Coming

After Sunset, Light all four candles, representing Hope, Peace, Joy and Love,

and light the white candle in the center, which represents the coming of the light of Christ.

Pray and then read Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 2:1-20.

Keep the candles lit safely throughout the evening.

December 24th Advent

2011-12-24T07:13:00.001-08:00

Luke 2:11 ...a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord.

Everyone loves a birthday party. What better way to celebrate Christmas than to host a birthday party for Jesus? Ask your children to come up with some ideas to make this a wonderful celebration. Here are a few to get you started:

Decorate a room like you would for any other birthday party.

Play games like Pin The Tail on Mary's Donkey (Picture of Mary riding a donkey),

Christmas Characters Charade (wise men, shepherds, baby Jesus),

A-N-G-E-L Bingo,

Read the Christmas story in Luke and have family members act it out.

Make a birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of our Savior. Children always associate a birthday party with a cake. Making a cake together will help them associate that today we celebrate Jesus' birthday. Your family will love the tradition of turning of all the lights, lighting the candles (one for each 1000 years) and seeing the glow as you sing "Happy Birthday dear Jesus."

December 23rd Advent

2011-12-23T04:52:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:30, 32 For my eyes have seen your salvation,... the light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

Typically The Christmas story ends with the visit of the wise men from the East. But the story of Christ continues throughout the New Testament. Read Luke 2:21-40 to learn of others who had long awaited the coming of Christ. Simeon and Anna had spent most of their life praying for the Christ child.

Talk with your family about times you have waited for someone or something very special. Maybe this Christmas you are anxiously waiting to see a relative you have not seen in a long time. Or maybe you have friends and relatives that are far away that you long to see.

Activity: Make a prayer chain for those far away from you this holiday season.

String a long colorful ribbon across a mantel or door. Hang pictures on the ribbons of loved ones who cannot be with you this Christmas. You can also hang Christmas cards that you receive from friends and relatives.

Family members can take turns choosing a card or a picture to pray for loved ones. Even small children love praying for others. The pictures of cards can be put on posters after Christmas and hung in your children's rooms to remind them to continue praying.

December 22nd Advent

2011-12-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

Song of Songs 2:12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.

Most Christmas decorations have meaning behind them. For instance, legend has it that poor people could not afford to decorate their trees. On Christmas Eve, spiders, in celebration of the Christ Child, spun beautiful webs on the trees. In the morning, when the sun shone they glittered like silver, thus the beginning of tinsel.

According to an old Mexican legend, a small boy and his sister had nothing to offer the Christ child on his birthday. On Christmas Eve, the two children picked some weeds on the way to the church and decided to place them at the manger scene. As they prayed at the altar, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals. How excited they were to see the manger surrounded by star-like flowers!

Greenery symbolizes God's everlasting love shown through the birth of Christ. Holly's pointy edges symbolize the thorns that Christ wore as a crown, and its berries the drops of blood that He shed.

Lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. The tree points heavenward and reminds us of the cross that Jesus died on.

All these symbols remind us of the reason Jesus was born on Christmas Day. Share with your children the origins and meanings of decorations that point to Christ.

Click HERE for this kid friendly craft making poinsettia napkin rings with felt.

December 21st Advent

2011-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Perhaps by now you have completed most of your Christmas shopping. Don't forget a birthday present for Jesus! Your family can give Christ a gift from the heart by thinking of ways to help others. In the above verse, Jesus represents the King who said that if we do a good deed for someone it is the same as doing it for Him. Ask family members to think of one way they can give the King a gift by showing love to someone else.

Activity: Pass out small pieces of paper to every family member. Have each person write or draw a picture of something that they can give Jesus. Perhaps Dad needs to help his elderly parents more around their home. Maybe big brother wants to promise Jesus that he will stop teasing his little sister so much. Or sister wants to remember to feed her dog more consistently. Perhaps Mom would like to give Jesus a gift by being more patient during homework time.

Put the slips of paper in a small box and wrap it up with pretty paper. Put a tag on it that reads TO: JESUS and place it under your tree or by your nativity scene.

Disclaimer

2011-12-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

These advent entries are not entirely my own ideas. I have just collected and compiled ideas over the years from different books and magazines and wanted to finally put them all in one place and share them with you!

December 20th Advent

2011-12-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

What would Christmas be without cookies and other goodies? One of the most favorite family traditions of the season is to bake and decorate cookies. Traditionally, these small colorful treats were hung on Christmas trees as decorations. Needless to say, they didn't last long.

Pull out your favorite recipes, lots of sugar, butter and icing. Share with your children the joy of making cookies with your mother or grandmother. Enjoy the fun and make memories for your own family.

Cookies make great Christmas gifts that children can give to the elderly in your neighborhood. By bringing cheer to others they glorify the Christ child.

Activity:

Allow children to pick out the shapes and colors they want to make their cookies. Don't worry about all the flour and mess, that's part of the fun! As you cut out cookie shapes, tell your children the story of the birth of Christ. Here are a few examples of how to tell this wonderful story while making cookies:

Angels - Brought the good news of Christ's birth

Star - Wise men follow Jesus

Candy Cane - Shepherds watched over their sheep

Gingerbread Man - Decorate as Mary and Joseph, shepherds or wise men

Bells - Ring out the message

Free Kindle Christmas Book

2011-12-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to get a Free Kindle edition of The Everything Family Christmas Book.

December 19th Advent

2011-12-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Christmas is a season of memories and reflection. Mothers especially love to recall the giggles and wide eyed expressions of their little ones on Christmas morning.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have felt pleased at all the fuss made over her special child. She knew with all her heart that her child was the Son of God, but rejoiced in knowing that so many other people had heard the same message from God's angels. What memories Mary would have all her life of this special time. Your family can share their own memories this Christmas.

Activity: Decorate a shoe box or use an old jewelry box to make a treasure chest. Have your family go through pictures of Christmases past or special times that your family has experienced. Include pictures of friends and family dear to your hearts. Place these inside the treasure chest.

Cut out heart shaped pieces of paper. Ask family members to write one or two things they treasure most about your family. Younger children can draw pictures. Tuck these inside the box.

This week as Christmas approaches, reach inside and share your treasures with one another.

4th Sunday of Advent - Advent Wreath

2011-12-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

• December 19th - 4th Sunday of Advent

Light all four candles which represent

Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Pray and Read Isaiah 9:6-7.

Extinguish Candles.

December 18th Advent

2011-12-18T19:48:00.001-08:00

Luke 1:19 I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

The Christmas story is a story of good news and one that children love to hear over and over again. Prepare some hot cocoa as you listen to your family tell in their own words what God has done.

A parent can start the story by saying, "In a little town..." and let the children and other family members take turns finishing the story. Talk about the Bible and how it has lots of wonderful stories that tell us of God's love. Maybe your children have a favorite one they would like to share.

Take turns filling in the blanks of the story of Jesus' birth.

In a little town called ______________ a ____________ was born. His name was _________. His mother's name was ___________ and his father's name was _________. There were _________ in the fields watching their _______. A host of ______________appeared and said "_______ to God in the highest and _______ to all men." Jesus was a special child, sent by God to _________ the world. We celebrate his birthday on __________ Day!

December 17th Advent

2011-12-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2:11 Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and myrrh.

Did you ever stop to think that the gifts that the wise men brought Christ were strange for a child? Parents can ask their children what types of gifts they would have brought to Jesus. Talk about what Mary and Joseph could have done with the wise men's gifts.

The gold represents the fact that Jesus was a King. Mary and Joseph were poor and the gold would have been a great gift. How sweet the perfume and incense must have smelled. Jesus' parents must have been very thankful for such costly gifts.

Activity: Orange Pomander Balls

Make these to remind you of the incense that the wise men brought Jesus.

Material: 1 medium orange

Whole cloves

Powdered nutmeg or cinnamon

Round toothpicks

Instructions: Use a toothpick to poke shallow holes into the peel of the orange. Poke the pointed end of a clove into each hole. Cover it with as many cloves as you want. Leave space between the holes for the orange to shrink while drying. Once the orange is covered with cloves, roll it in a mixture of nutmeg and cinnamon. Place the oranges in a bowl or tie with a ribbon and hang. The room will fill with the wonderful scent of Christmas.

December 16th Advent

2011-12-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2:2 We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.

There has often been confusion over these three men who came to visit Jesus. Were they Kings? Magi? Did they visit Jesus on the night he was born or when he was a toddler? What about the strange gifts they brought? Such questions make for good family discussions.

To think that there were not actually 3 men, but many that traveled together to deliver the 3 gifts. Do you know the meaning of the gifts that were brought?

You will find it very interesting! The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Gold was given as a symbol of Kingship on earth,

Frankincense was a perfumed resin, burned in honor of God.

Myrrh was a scented gum used to prepare the body for burial. The gifts had symbolic meanings.
Gold honored Jesus as a King,

Frankincense honored Jesus as God,

and Myrrh was a sign that Jesus was a man and would die.

Read Matthew 2:1-12 to learn about the story of the "wise men" who traveled from the east to worship the king of the Jews. We do know that they watched the night skies and a new star appeared when Christ was born. This star led them to Jesus. Finding the Christ child was like finding a treasure.

Activity: Play this hunt and seek game to remember the wise men who sought the baby King.

Everyone loves a treasure hunt. Cut out some stars and write a series of clues on them. Give your family a starting point such as the coat closet. Post a star on the door that will lead to a second star clue and that will lead them to a third and so forth. Here are some suggestions:

This is a cold spot (inside the refrigerator)

This always reflect you (a mirror)

This is music to your ears (a cd player)

The last clue...the greatest treasure of all (the Nativity scene)

December 15th Advent

2011-12-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

Acts 20:35 Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

During this season we become more aware of those in need. Not everyone lives in a warm home with three meals a day to eat. During this busy season, take time to share what you have with others. Find ways your family can serve those less fortunate than you. Here are a few suggestions:

• Donate toys to Toys for Tots.

• Collect toys for Salvation Army or choose an angel from their angel tree, and host a child or even a family.

• Work in a soup kitchen (even young children can grow from such experiences.)

• Bake some cookies or bread for an elderly person.

• Give an anonymous gift of money or gift card to someone you know who is struggling financially.

Come up with your own ideas to share the love of Christ this season! Pray for The Lord to lead you to an individual or family who you can help.

Activity: Make a "helping hands" tree to motivate your family to give to others this season. Trace each family member's hand on green paper and cut them out or use green fingerpaint to make handprints of everyone in your family. On each handprint, using a sharpie (and if you're using the fingerpaint option, wait until the paint dries), write something you family can do to help someone else, either individually or as a family.

On a poster board, pencil a sketch of a large triangle pointing upward like a tree. Glue the hands so they point outward and form tree branches. Fill in the middle with more hand "branches"

Hang the poster where you can see it each day. As your family does the thing they wrote on their hands, draw a color circle on the hand. When you are finished, you will have a decorated Christmas tree and the satisfaction of knowing you shared the love of Christ by helping others.

December 14th Advent

2011-12-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Advent #1

Isaiah 9:6 A child has been born for us.

And so Mary had a baby, just as the angel had said. Baby Jesus cried. Baby Jesus ate. Baby Jesus wet, just like any other baby. He couldn't even hold up his head, so Mary and Joseph held him close. They kept baby Jesus warm in the stable. At night, they rocked baby Jesus to sleep.

A lullaby is a quiet song that is sung just before going to sleep. Sing a lullaby that you know. Learn or listen to these beautiful lullabies and songs about baby Jesus!

ADVENT #2

Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen...

During the Christmas season we sing very special songs about the birth of Jesus. What is your favorite? Mine is "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" that reminds us of the little town where Jesus was born.

Activity: If your family plays musical instruments, bring them out and play Christmas music together. Your children may enjoy discovering how everyday items become musical instruments. Place some rice in a jar for percussion, use a paper towel tube to blow through like a horn. Enjoy singing songs that glorify God and remind us of the Christ child.

Maybe choose a few songs that you all know, and God Christmas Caroling for your friends, neighbors or perhaps even a nursing home or VA hospital.

For some fun variations, family members can take turns humming Christmas carols while other members try to guess its title. Write new words to popular Christmas tunes. You could even play musical chairs to Christmas music!

Free Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Kindle Download

2011-12-13T03:45:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to get to the Amazon download page for your free Kindle copy of the Gooseberry Patch's Christmas with Family & Friends Cookbook.

December 13th Advent

2011-12-13T03:12:00.000-08:00

ADVENT #1

Luke 2:17-18 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Talk about a time when your family received good news. How did you feel? What did you do? Did you share your good news with others? Have you ever received good news that was too amazing to believe?

The shepherds had the best news to tell people - "Christ had been born in Bethlehem!" Do you think everyone believed their story? Would that have mattered to the shepherds?

Christmas time is a wonderful time to tell others about Christ.

Activity: Play 'Spread the News' to celebrate the wonderful message of Jesus' birth.

Have your family sit in a circle and whisper a message about the birth of Jesus in the ear of the person next to them. That person passes the message onto the next person and so forth. See if the message stays the same as it goes around the circle.

Play again until all family members have a chance to start a "good news" message.

ADVENT #2

Matthew 2:1 Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem.

Mary wrapped up her baby in some cloths. She laid him on a bed of hay in a manger, which was a feeding dish for the animals. Then Mary rested. She and Joseph were very tired, but they still thanked God. They thanked God for the safe trip. They thanked God for the stable in which they could sleep. But most of all, they thanked God for baby Jesus, asleep in the manger.

Activity: Wrap a stuffed animal or doll in a towel If you pull the towel snug, it is called "swaddling." Babies like to be swaddled when they sleep, because it feels cozy. Use your doll or stuffed animal to practice the safe way to hold a baby.

December 12th Advent

2011-12-12T04:11:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Imagine the excitement the shepherds felt when the entire sky lit up with angels. First the shepherds felt scared, but the angel told them wonderful news - Christ has been born! The shepherds immediately jumped up and went to find the baby Jesus. What a happy occasion. The long awaited King had finally arrived!

Parents can ask their children how they would have felt or reacted. Place the shepherd figures in your nativity scene.

Craft/Activity: Make a glowing puppet to act on the good news that the angels told the shepherds. Draw the outline of an angel on a small white paper bag. If you want, draw just the body and glue wings on the bag. Place the bag over a flashlight and fasten the bottom with a rubber band. Turn on the light and tell the angel's message.

3rd Sunday of Advent - December 11th

2011-12-11T06:09:00.001-08:00

• December 11th - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Light two purple candles to represent Hope and Peace,

and one pink candle to represent Joy.

Pray and then read Isaiah 35:10.

Extinguish candles.

December 11th Advent

2011-12-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:7 There was no room for them in the inn.

After the long trip, Mary and Joseph finally arrived in Bethlehem. The town was crowded, but they needed a place to sleep. Joseph knocked on the first hotel door, 'Do you have room?" Joseph asked. The man said, "No room." Joseph knocked on the next hotel door. "Do you have room?" Joseph asked. The man said, "No room." Joseph knocked on the next hotel door. What do you think the man said?

Game: “Quit Stalling”
You will act out the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem. Two people play the parts of Mary and Joseph (or just play the part of Joseph, if you don't have enough people.) They carry bundles and travel around the room to get to Bethlehem. The other persons play the inhabitants of Bethlehem. (These folks each choose a piece of paper with either an “X” or an “O” on it.)

RULES: Have just one “X” per group. Don’t tell anyone if you have the X or an O! Have the persons spread out around the room. Mary and Joseph go from person to person asking for a place to stay. Everyone with an “O” tells them “There’s no room in the inn!” Finally they find the person with the “X” on the paper. That person tells them that they may stay in the stable. Mary and Joseph are happy! Play again with other people acting out the parts of Mary and Joseph.

ADVENT #2

Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night."

Read the story of the shepherds in their field in Luke 2:8-20. Families can discuss sheep and how much they need care. As the Bible says, "the shepherds were watching over their sheep." Ask children why shepherds would need to stay out in the fields at night (watch for thieves, wolves, bears etc.)

Shepherds use staffs to guide and protect their sheep. Candy canes remind us of the shepherds that saw the baby Jesus. Hold it upside down and it looks like a "J" for Jesus. The red stripes reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ's shed blood, and the white symbolizes His holiness and purity.

Activity: Print the following message, cut it out and tie it to a red & white striped candy cane.

Spread the good news of Jesus birth to friends and even strangers (with a parent of course), by handing out these candy canes.

December 10th Advent

2011-12-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

ADVENT#1

Luke 2:6 She (Mary) was soon going to have a baby.

Mary was getting ready to have her baby soon. But first Mary and her husband, Joseph, had to take a long trip. They didn't have a car. They couldn't ride in a bus. They couldn't fly in a plane, so Joseph walked and walked and walked. Mary rode on a donkey: bumpety, bumpety, bumpety. It was a very long trip to the town of Bethlehem.

Activity: Using your fingers, trace a donkey trip on someone's back. Make the donkey jump over a rock, leap across a brook, and stop suddenly. Then ask someone to trace a donkey trip on your back. Whenever it tickles, say "hee-haw!"

ADVENT #2

Luke 2:12 You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

You may not have your Christmas tree up yet, but now is a good time to set up a nativity scene. Nativity sets come in all shapes and sizes and materials. The best kinds are the ones that children can play with. m Emphasize the waiting for Jesus' arrival, by leaving the manger empty. Each day parents can ask their children, "Where's baby Jesus?" They can reply, "He's coming soon!"

Celebrate the coming of Jesus setting up your Nativity scene.

Nativity scenes are as much a part of Christmas as a tree or decorations. Place it in a central location in your home so that your family can focus on it each day. Place Mary and Joseph and some animals in the scene. Add the remaining pieces such as the shepherds and wise men throughout the month.

CRAFT: Printable Nativity Scenes

Print on card stock for extra durability.

http://www.makingfriends.com/biblecrafts/nativity_scene.htm

http://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/free-printable-christmas-nativity.html

(this one has 2 different images of Mary & Jesus to choose from...one of them separate or one with her holding Him)

December 9th Advent

2011-12-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

ADVENT #1

Psalm 40:3 You gave me a new song, a song of praise to you.

Bells make a happy sound. When the doorbell rings, a package has arrived. When the timer rings, the cookies are baked. When the phone rings, someone wants to talk with you. Church bells remind us that Christmas is coming. Listen carefully: When will you hear a bell ring today?

Activity: Tie big jingle bells onto your shoes. As you walk around, the jingling will remind you that Christmas is coming! (Avoid small bells as these could become a choking hazard.)

ADVENT #2

Luke 2:7 "She...placed him in a manger"

Finally Mary and Joseph had a dry place to stay. But there were no beds, no clean sheets or blankets to keep them warm, only straw. Cows and donkeys and probably sheep shared the stable with them. Not much of a place for a baby to be born, was it? But God provided His son with the most humblest of places to be born into, to relate to the rest of the world.

Do you have a favorite pillow or blanket? Families can talk about their favorite things to sleep with, maybe a stuffed animal or favorite pajamas. Then talk about how when Jesus was born that Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloth, strips of material, to keep him warm and dry.

Craft: Decorate a Pillow Case

Decorate a pillow case to celebrate the birth of Christ. Remember that He had no place to lay His head.

Using paint pens that you can pick up at a craft aisle or store, draw a picture of a manger on plain pillow cases to tell the story of Jesus' birth.

Activity: Nothing makes a family giggle more than an old fashioned pillow fight before bed. Be sure you're in a safe area away from breakable items and have a friendly pillow fight with the kids. When everything settles down, say a prayer thanking God for a place to sleep and for bringing Jesus into this world.

Free Online Christmas Recipe Books

2011-12-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Check out these free online Recipe Books,
just in time for Christmas baking, parties and delicious meals! Just click below and enjoy!

Taste of Home Best Holiday Recipes

Use the arrows at the top of the online recipe book to page through it.

and

Pillsbury Holiday Recipes

Use the arrows at the top of the online recipe book to page through it.

December 8th Advent

2011-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 8:30-31 "I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in the whole world and delighting in mankind."

During this season we remember that God sent His Son because He loves everyone in the world. This is the time of year when we usually think of others outside our family and friends.

Spend some time today talking about other people in other parts of the world. Share some events in the news and pray for those overseas.

Check out a book from the library on how people in other countries celebrate Christmas.

Do you know someone who lives in another country? Send them a card or letter.

Craft: Make a Paper Chain

Make a chain of paper dolls to remind us that Jesus loves all the children of the world.

Fold a piece of white paper accordion style. Draw a simple human figure on the top fold, making sure that the hands and feet touch the edges. Now cut out the figure, leaving the feet and hands connected.

Color the figures to look like children from around the world. You can glue material scraps and yarn for clothing and hair.

ADVENT #2

Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

It's smart to be patient. Mary waited for her baby to be born. She waited and waited and waited. Mary was patient. She counted the months: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. Mary waited nine months to have a baby.

What is something that you look forward to? Perhaps a birthday, Christmas or a vacation? How do you feel during that period of waiting? Do you do anything special to help make the waiting time go faster, such as marking the day on a calendar and counting down or making plans for the big day?

Count nine months on a calendar. That is how long Mary waited to have baby Jesus. Mary was patient, because she knew her baby would come. You are counting the days until Christmas with this Advent. Are you patient because you know it will come? Pray for God to help you be patient.

December 7th Advent

2011-12-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

ADVENT #1

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born..."

Christmas and the Advent season mark a time of hope, preparation and longing. It is a hope that God, however faraway He may seem, brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world.

Unscramble the words below to find out other names the prophets called the Christ child.

DEFLWNORU RCONSUELO

YTHMIG DGO

GEVLSATNREI TEHFRA

CENPIR FO EAECP

ADVENT#2

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me.

Mary was excited that she was going to have a baby. There would be no one like her baby in the whole world! There is no one like you in the whole world, either. God knows the color of your eyes, God knows the color of your hair. God even knows how much hair is on your head! God created you as his own special child.

Craft: Make your own Gift Wrap

Using butcher paper, white shelf paper, printer paper or the inside of a brown paper bag,

turn it into Gift Wrap by personalizing it.

Pour red or green fingerpaint into a pie pan. With fingers spread apart, push your hand into the paint. Then press your hand firmly onto the paper. Repeat, let it dry and wrap up a present!

December 6th Advent

2011-12-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is kind and patient.

Advent #1

Mary wanted to tell her relatives that she was expecting a baby. Relatives are members of your family. Sometimes, they live in your house. At other times, relatives live far away. Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth. Do you travel to visit relatives? What relatives come to visit you?

Christmas is called the season of love, so we like to be near people we love. Can you see someone right now whom you love? Without saying a single word, show that person "I love you."

Suggestions: Give them a hug or cut out a heart and write I love you on it and give it to them

Advent #2

"...there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

Has your family ever taken a long trip?

Parents can help children recall how they felt at the end of a long vacation or journey. Were they tired, hungry or cold? Mary and Joseph experienced all these things. Mary probably felt especially scared since she was about to give birth to a baby.

Have you ever had difficulty finding a hotel that wasn't full? That's what happened to this couple. Since so many people had traveled to Bethlehem for the census, there was no room in the inn. How tired and lonely and scared they must have felt.

Game: We're going on a journey...

What a long journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem. Play a game to think about long journeys.

One family member starts the game by saying,

"We're going on a journey and we will bring ________."

Fill in the blank with something that starts with the letter a, such as an apple.

The next person repeats, "We're going on a journey and we will bring an apple and _______."

Fill in the blank with something that starts with the letter b. Each member must repeat the list of objects adding on something new with the next letter of the alphabet. Continue until you complete the entire alphabet.

For added fun, try listing things that Mary and Joseph might have taken on their journey to Bethlehem.

December 5th Advent

2011-12-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

Advent #1

Long ago, people trimmed off extra branches from their Christmas tree. Instead of throwing away the leftover branches, they wove them into wreaths. People sometimes added ribbons to make the wreaths even prettier. Then they hung the decorated wreaths on the front door.

What hangs on your front door? Where have you seen a wreath?

Make a circle wreath with your arms. Where is the end of your circle? That was a silly question, because a circle doesn't have an end! A circle is like God's love for us; it never ends.

Craft : Make a Wreath

1) Cut branches off of an evergreen tree outside and weave them together to make a wreath.

Add berries or pinecones to keep itn natural.

2) For have the children make this wreath!
Supplies Needed:

Green Construction Paper

Red Construction Paper

Red Fingerpaint

Scissors

Glue

• Trace your child's handprint on green construction paper.

• Cut out the handprint, making 8-10 hands for the wreath.

• Glue handprints together, making a wreath shape.

• Make a red bow from the red construction paper and glue to the bottom of the wreath.

• Dip child's index finger tip into the red paint and press onto wreath in various places.

This adds "holly berries" to the wreath. Hang it up and enjoy!

Advent #2

"But you, Bethlehem,...out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel..."

Micah 5:2

It's a wonderful thing to think about the fact that God came as a man to this world. Spend time discussing what this means and why God would do such a thing. Family members can share how God shows His love to us every day and that He is still with us.

It would have been a long trip for Mary and Joseph to travel between Nazareth and Bethlehem. Older children can look up the distance on a World Atlas and figure out the difference between walking and driving a car.

Mary and Joseph didn't have modern transportation. They probably rode a donkey to Bethlehem.

Craft :

Make this adorable Donkey tree ornament!

Click HERE for instructions.

Click HERE or HERE for a Coloring Page of Mary & Joseph on their journey.

Click HERE for a Maze of their journey.
Click HERE for a Word Search.

2nd Sunday of Advent - December 4th, 2011

2011-12-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

December 4th - 2nd Sunday of Advent

Light two purple candles, to symbolize Hope and Peace.

Pray and then

Read Mark 1:4,

extinguish candle

December 4th Advent

2011-12-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

Advent #1

Psalm 47:6 Praise God with songs.

After the angel told Mary she would have a baby, Mary sang a pretty song. The songs we sing only at Christmas are called carols. Long ago, carol meant "to sing and dance." Some Christmas music is such fun that you might want to dance, like people did with the first Christmas carols.

Sing and dance to "Jingle Bells" or another Christmas carol.

Advent #2

Luke 1:30

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God."

Read the Bible story of Mary from Luke 1:26-56. How exciting it must have been for Mary to find out that she would become the mother of Jesus. Families can discuss how scared Mary must have been when the angel first appeared to her.

Parents can explain how angels are special messengers sent by God to help us. This was the most important message an angel could have ever told someone. Children might want to write a message about the coming of Jesus.

Mary was just a teenage girl. Discuss with your older children how important of a job God gave her.

Craft: Make an angel bell
to remember the special messenger that spoke to Mary.

You will need: Styrofoam cup

Magic Markers

Jingle Bell

Ribbon

White Paper

Turn the cup upside down. Carefully draw an angel face on one side of the cup. Thread a piece of ribbon on the jingle bell. Punch a small hole in the bottom of the cup. Poke the ribbon through the hole and tie a large knot.

Loop another piece of ribbon and glue it to the back side of the cup (for hanging.) Cut out angel wings and glue a wing to each side of the cup.

For an easier method, Click here for a printable angel and wings, glue to your cup with the jinglebell!

This pdf includes an entire printable nativity if you like. Otherwise just print the page with the angel and wings on it.

Ring the bell and tell the world that Jesus is coming!

December 3rd Advent

2011-12-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Long ago, an angel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus. Angels are God's messengers. God sends angels to keep us safe. At Christmas, some people put angel decorations outside on their lawn. On Christmas trees, an angel is sometimes perched at the very top of the tree. Some people wear angel jewelry, which reminds us that angels are always with us. If an angel visited you, what would you talk about?

Draw a picture of an angel. Give this picture to someone you love. God sends angels to keep that person safe, too.

Psalm 91:11 God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.

Advent #2

Luke 1:68 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

The Bible tells the story of two special families, the family of John the Baptist and the family of Jesus. John was the cousin of Jesus and born a few months before him. God chose John to announce that Jesus would soon come and save the world.

Before John was born, his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were very old and they had never been blessed with children. Zechariah was a Jewish priest and one day when he was in the temple, an angel came and told him that he would have a son named John.

Read about this amazing story in Luke 1:11-25.

Because Zechariah didn't believe the angel, he was struck dumb and could not speak until the baby was born.

Think about how hard it must have been for Zechariah not to speak! Play this game to help you remember his great message.

Take turns pretending family members are Zechariah. That person cannot speak for three minutes. Set a timer. Other family members can ask questions or even tickle "Zechariah," to try to make him or her laugh or talk. When the timer goes off, the silent family member can yell "Praise the Lord!"

You can finish the story of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and baby John by reading Luke 1:57-80. Talk about how wonderful it must have been for these two old people to have such a special son.

The Nutcracker

2011-12-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

There's certainly nothing Biblical about the story,

but it's still quite a magical tale and is captivating to watch. The costumes are lovely, the Snowflake Fairies dance as effortlessly as a real snowflake falls

and my children laugh every single time when they see Mother Ginger lifts her dress and the children run out!

The musical compositions alone are worth watching it for. Our favorite is the 1993 version in which Maccauley Caulkin plays the Nutcracker.

We have a stack of Christmas movies that we wait all year long to watch, on those occasions when the whole family is together. This weekend, it will be the Nutcracker. I thought we could have a Nutcracker Party to make it a little more special!

The Snacks

Just throw on your prettiest table cloth and when you decide to pause the movie for Intermission, you can announce that just as the Prince and Clara were greeted with treats in the Land of Sweets, the kids will have their own sweet treats too.

Fairy Floss - Cotton Candy premade & packaged, sold in a bag in the store. (keep the baby wipes handy!)

Gumdrops

Little Debbie Fancy Cakes - like giant petit fours!

Plain sugar cookies with icings and sprinkles they can use to frost their own

and to drink,

Nutcracker Tea

The Crafts

We'll do these after the movie.

1) Pringles Can Nutcracker

This cute idea came from Crafts.Kaboose.com

Materials needed:

Empty Pringles Potato Chip Can

Felt

Craft fur or cotton for hair

Tacky craft glue or low temp hot glue

Rubber bands to help hold things in place

Yarn, ribbons, braids, trims, feathers, buttons, etc

Construction paper or card stock to extend the hat beyond the top of the can (or cereal boxes do well)

Step 1 - Cover the Can

Cover the can with bands of felt for the shoes/boots, pants, jacket, face and hat.

Step 2 - Add Details

Make a line down the center of the legs with yarn or a thin strip of felt.

Arms and hands can be made of rolled tubes of felt. If you are adding trim on the jacket, put the trim on before adding the arms.

Felt, craft fur, fiberfill or cotton can be used for the hair.

Cut a rectangle out of skin tone felt for the nutcracker's mouth.

Braid, ribbons or strips of felt can be used to decorate the nutcracker, along with buttons, feathers, beads, etc. Look at pictures of nutcrackers for ideas as to where you can put trim.

2) Paint Your Own Nutcracker

We found unpainted wooden nutcrackers at Michael's last year and the kids can paint them however they like (I'm sure at least one will end up with our favorite sports team colors!)

3) Nutcracker Puppets

Materials needed: popsicle type craft sticks (Dollar Tree), Elmers glue, Crayons

and Click HERE to view and print these adorable Nutcracker character puppets.

Color, cut out and glue to the sticks and put on a show!

and just for fun, check out this beautifully elegant Nutcracker party! WOW! http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/11/darling-pink-nutcracker-suite-ballet-party/

December 2nd Advent

2011-12-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

Advent Idea #1 - Cookie Cutter Decorations

During winter, many trees lose their leaves. In a forest, all the branches are bare, except for evergreens. These trees always look alive. So even in winter, evergreens make pretty Christmas trees. Pinecones hang from some evergreens.

What hangs on your Christmas tree?

On a piece of paper, trace around a cookie cutter. Color and cut out the shape and hang it on your tree. You could even tie some pretty ribbon around the cookie cutter itself and hang it from your tree!

Advent Idea #2 - Family Trees

Psalm 132:11 The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne"

Jesus was born a king! Usually a descendant of a king stays on the throne. The Bible says that Jesus was born to the house of King David, showing that Christ would come from a line of kings. The first chapter of Matthew lists Jesus' genealogy proving he was born a king.

This time of year draws families closer together. Parents can share stories about their grandparents, aunts and uncles and other ancestors. Dig out old pictures of people in your families. Let children ask questions about your family heritage.

Click HERE to Print out and fill in this one page family tree to keep.

Jesus was called the King of kings! Do you have a king in your family? Is there anyone famous on your family tree?

There IS someone special on your tree - YOU!

The Trinity Snowman

2011-12-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

I've never seen this comparison before, between a snowman and The Trinity, but it's adorable!

Click for the coloring page and check out the other wonderful printables at Spell Outloud Homeschool Printables.

December 1st Advent

2011-12-01T01:18:00.000-08:00

God has made each of us unique, one of a kind. This is how he creates the snowflakes, each with their own design.

You can use this activity to teach children that Jesus was born to die for our sins and to remind children that Jesus can wash away our sins and make us white as snow.

Isaiah 1:18 'Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow'

Make a Paper Snowflake -

You will need Paper and Scissors

Fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally. Fold it in half again.

Fold the paper (shaped like a triangle) into thirds - one side to the front; the other side to the back.

Trim the piece at the end of your triangle. Cut squiggles, circles or other patterns into your triangle.

Unfold and see your unique snowflake! Make lots of snowflakes, using different sizes and colors of paper. Decorate your home or your child's bedroom!

Click HERE for a printable Snowflake Maze with Scripture.

Click HERE for a printable Snow theme Word Search.

Click HERE for a Snowflake Dot to Dot.
Click HERE for paper Snowflake patterns

A Child's Nativity

2011-11-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

What better way to teach the true meaning of Christmas than with a hands on, child friendly Nativity set!
Let them act out Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, the Angel's appearance to the shepherds and the gift of God's son to us all.

Our favorites are:

Playmobil Nativity Set - this is a great set with nice detail in the plastic pieces. Not meant for under 3 probably, with all of the little pieces that can get lost, not to mention choking hazards.

Fisher Price Little People Nativity - Our 2nd favorite, we bought this one from Family Christian Stores online. They currently have it priced at $23.99 plus shipping. It appears that is their sale price until Friday, 12/2.

Christmas Music

2011-11-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Many radio stations are playing Christmas music, from now until Dec 25th.

Here are a few that you can listen to online.

http://www.ksbj.org/

http://www.iheart.com/#/live/357/?autoplay=true

http://www.kdfc.com/

http://www.tinselandtunes.com/

Click HERE for a free Christmas mp3 download every day until Christmas, from Amazon

and also,
Check out these free Christmas mp3 downloads from Amazon:

Click HERE

ELF ON THE SHELF

2011-11-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Elf on the Shelf in book stores near you?

He's a mischievous and vintage looking elf who comes with a cute story about his purpose. He will watch over the children and report their behavior back to Santa each night and then return to your home. This will cost you about $30.

Our penny saver option?
Do a search for 'vintage elf' on Ebay. We found ours for $4.95 total w/shipping. I then typed up a letter on Christmas stationery, to serve as an official explanation and adoption paper, rolled it up into a scroll tied with red ribbon. I set it on the porch with the elf in the box on Thanksgiving night.

The children found their box the next morning and were utterly thrilled to have a magic elf in our home! We named our Elf 'George'. George was a curious little guy, being silly and having fun late at night. The kids loved rushing down stairs to find him each day and to see what George had been up to!

But our elf was special, because he didn't focus on Santa and the presents my children could get. George knew the real meaning of Christmas and shared it with my children in an exciting way.

Some days he left the kids treats, like Nativity coloring books, sun catchers to paint of Baby Jesus (found at Dollar Tree) and a homemade cd of Christmas songs about The King of Kings.

Through George's notes, he taught the kids to think of others and spread the good news of Jesus' birth. George left a note for them to color a page for a different person each day. The older woman who lives alone across the street was so happy to have pictures to put on her refrigerator. George left them bread mix and instructed them to bake the bread for a needy or lonely person.

He left them card stock and stickers, to make Christmas cards for children in the hospital and the elderly in the nursing home, a Walmart gift card with $10 on it, to go buy 2 presents for the Toys for Tots bin... the possibilities are endless!

So you see, you can take a secular Christmas tradition like this and use it to share God's love and the birth of His Son, in a fun, new way!

Here are some of the photos of 'George', after having been caught in the act (he of course freezes in place.) I hope this inspires you and you have fun making these memories with your children too!

George, reading a story to his friends, on the real meaning of Christmas.

George attending Elf School.

George making snow angels in our flour.

George put together our Playmobil Nativity.

Fishing for Swedish Fish!

George doesn't like it when we turn the heat on in the house.

He took the van out for a BK snack!

Cookie Sheet Advent Calendar

2011-11-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

You'll love this magnetic version of an Advent Calendar, brought to you by Webkinz.

Adorable!

Click HERE for the materials needed and instructions on making your own.

Advent Coloring Book

2011-11-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to view and print an adorable Advent Coloring Book beginning with today, day one, the day we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus.

1st Sunday of Advent - November 27th

2011-11-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent and will be the first day of your candle lighting and scripture reading.

Read the prior post on the Advent Wreath celebrations to hold each Sunday before Christmas, to count down to Jesus' birth.

Have a blessed Sunday and I hope you will enjoy these traditions. What a lovely way to teach our children about God's gift to us!

*November 27th - 1st Sunday of Advent

The Prophesy Candle - The Candle of Hope,
the expectation of the coming of Jesus

Light one purple candle, to symbolize Hope.

Read Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:30-35,

Say a prayer together and then extinguish candle.

The Advent Wreath - Make Your Own!

2011-11-22T06:44:00.001-08:00

The Advent Wreath

Jesus...said, "I am the light of the world." John 8:12

Bring the hope of Christmas and Advent into your home by decorating with evergreens and holly that symbolize the ongoing life and joy that the birth of Christ brings to the world.

Purple and blue, the colors of royalty are sometimes used to welcome kings. Look around your house for items with these colors. Maybe you have a purple table cloth or blue plates. Talk about how these colors remind us that Jesus was a king.

How to make your own Advent Wreath:

Once a week before Christmas, traditionally on Sundays,

light a candle to remind you of the coming of Christ.

• Make a circle wreath to celebrate God's everlasting love.

Trim branches from evergreen trees or pick up holly from your local nursery. You can use plastic decorations or pretty cloth as well to make a wreath to sit on a table.

• Around the circumference of the wreath evenly space four tall candles - three purple and one pink.
• A larger white candle, symbolizing the purity of Jesus, stands in the center.

Here is another simple option.

Make your Advent Wreath base from felt, cut out construction paper or card stock to fit around an LED candle (they sell these at Dollar Tree fyi.)

Make a center "candle", not shown in the picture.

*November 27th - 1st Sunday of Advent

The Prophesy Candle - The Candle of Hope,
the expectation of the coming of Jesus

Light one purple candle, to symbolize Hope.

Read Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:30-35,

Say a prayer together and then extinguish candle.

Getting Ready for December Advent Crafts

2011-11-22T06:42:00.001-08:00

DAILY ADVENT:

The Advent is the countdown to our Savior's birth. We will begin our Advent Calendar here on December 1st. Come back each day for the Advent. Some will involve a craft, some will not. There will be at least 2 ideas on each date. You can decide which one you like best or even do them both!

This is the time to stock up on odds and ends, to prepare for craft making in December. By planning ahead, your Advent activities will run much more smoothly.

Here is a list of the items you'll need to have on hand:

• Various colors of construction paper
• Styrofoam cups

• White shelf paper or white wrapping paper
• White pillowcase (1 per child)

• Red & Green fingerpaint
• Fabric paint pens

• Jingle Bells
• White paper bags

• Toilet paper tubes
• White Posterboard

• Candy canes
• Toothpicks

• Christmas stickers
• Cake mix & frosting

• Whole cloves
• Paper plates

• Candles: 3 tall purple, 1 tall pink & 1 large
• Oranges (I'll let you know when this
Advent is coming up)

• White feathers

The Jesse Tree

2011-11-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

(NIV)

Looking for a Christ centered way of counting down the days until Christmas? Make a Jesse Tree!

This lovely tradition takes you daily through the Old Testament up to Jesus' birth and teaches along the way. Jesse, the father of King David, is the first in the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Son of God, so this tree is aptly named.

How to make your own Jesse Tree:

The Tree:

-Use a branch from a tree or

-Cut out a construction paper Christmas tree shape or

-Use a miniature tabletop sized Christmas tree

The Ornaments:

-Craft your own from felt or foam sheets, adding embellishments such as glitter, sequins or stickers

-Print out this sheet of already made ornament images provided by Carolyn Pikoulas.

http://www.eriercd.org/pdf/jessetree_4up.pdf

There are even complete kits for sale if you so choose.

Each Day:

1) Read the scripture devotional - Use these wonderful Advent reflections

http://www.eriercd.org/pdf/reflections.pdf

(I am not Catholic, but these reflections are universally Christian)

or these are in greater detail

http://www.jesse-trees.com/parent/parent-devotions.html

2) Add the Ornament to the tree, discussing the correlation.

Enjoy sharing the Biblical truths with your children through these daily stories!

The Season of ADVENT

2011-11-18T01:17:00.000-08:00

What exactly is Advent?

The dictionary states

1) The arrival of a notable person, thing or event. and

2) The first season of the church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

Advent will begin next Sunday, November 27th.

The main focus of this season is to celebrate the anticipation of God's coming Son and the excitement of His arrival, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

CRI has a very good write up and explanation of the season of Advent, Advent Wreaths, the Colors of Advent and Advent Calendars http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html.

Here are some fun ways to celebrate Advent!

• Advent Calendars

We use Advent Calendars in our home to help build the excitement of the upcoming celebration of the birth of Christ.

There are still the traditional paper lift a flap type of Advent Calendars, but there are so many options for this tradition.

We have one Advent Calendar that is made from a 30 drawer storage box.

Each drawer front is painted (or you can use wrapping paper or Christmas card scraps) and each day holds a treat. Sometimes that treat is a piece of candy, or pack of bubble gum, or tic tacs, and other times it just holds a piece of paper with an activity (Christmas Caroling, ice skating, to the movies etc...)

Ours is similar to this one. You can find these in most hardware stores.

We have done a toy Advent Calendar as well. Last year it was the Lego City Advent Calendar, but I was amazed to see how many other types there are out there! Lego City, Lego Star Wars, Polly Pocket, Littlest Pet Shop, Playmobil and more. Some are retired sets and these can cost quite a bit. Some are produced each year, such as the Lego Advents.

Here are some Printable & Make your Own Advent Calendars:

Jan Brett Advent Calendar

Family Fun Sweet Treat Advent Calendar

Paper Chain Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar Handsewn Pockets

• Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is displayed and candles lit in many Christian churches, but you can easily make your own and bring this tradition into your own home.

This weekend there will be a post to get you started on making your own Advent Wreath and each Sunday leading up to Christmas, I will post the steps to take and scripture to read before lighting your candle.

This will give you a week to get your supplies together before next Sunday, Nov. 27th.

• Advent Calendar Activities COMING SOON!

Starting November 27th, the first day of our Advent season, there will be a post here with Advent Activities.

Come back every day for a new Advent entry and ways to make it meaningful and memorable for you and your children!

The cutest Thanksgiving commercial!

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Publix Supermarkets used to sell these cute salt & pepper shakers, years ago. I still have mine and remember their adorable commercials & had to share with you!

Pinecone Turkey

2011-11-16T04:02:00.000-08:00

It's fun to use God's nature in our art and craft projects. Take a nice autumn hike in the woods and let the kids scavenge around for some pinecones to make this simple craft.

You'll need:

Pinecones

Elmer's Glue

Googly eyes

Construction Paper

Pipe Cleaners

1) Laying the pinecone on its side, insert the feathers into the back. Cut construction paper pieces into the shape of feathers and glue into the pinecone.

Bend a pipe cleaner into a loop and glue into the pinecone.

2) Glue on the eyes and beak.

Decorate your windowsills, table or use them as place cards for your Thanksgiving table. Just slip the name card in front of the 'feathers', into the pinecone.

Coloring Pages

2011-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

You can print out these coloring pages to make an activity packet for the kids on Thanksgiving Day.

The Thankful Tree

2011-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Give Thanks in all circumstances, because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Making a Thankful Tree is a wonderful way to recognize all of the blessings The Lord has given you and your family. The simplest of things are often taken for granted and this craft will help your children appreciate those seldom recognized blessings in our lives...a favorite toy, a pet, a friend, a cozy blanket, a story book, love and hugs. God is good, all the time!

What you will need:

•Construction Paper (red, yellow, brown, green, orange)

•putty or tape (for applying to wall)

•a Marker

You can use this template from Enchanted Learning for your leaves or make your own:

1) Cut out a tree trunk, the size of your choosing, with or without branches. Tape or Putty to a wall in your home that the children will be able to see up closely easily every day.

2) Cut out leaves, one for each child per day until Thanksgiving. You can either apply all of the blank leaves at once or apply one per child each day.

3) Each day, each child will think of something that they are thankful for and you or your child will write it on the leaf. Put the leaf above the tree trunk (for branch-less) or on a branch.

4) Each day when the leaf or leaves are put on the tree, say a prayer to thank God for that blessing.

Printable Thanksgiving Placemats

2011-11-10T03:29:00.000-08:00

Print out a few of these for the children, to keep them busy at the Thanksgiving dinner table! Too cute and what a great idea!

Click HERE for the pdf and check out the other Thanksgiving activities they have as well.

Handprint the Fall Foliage!

2011-11-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

What you'll need:

• Posterboard (white or yellow)

• Fingerpaint (yellow, red, orange, brown, green)

• Paintbrush (optional)

1) To make the tree trunk, you can have your child dip his arm (elbow up) and hand in the brown paint, then apply to the posterboard as the tree trunk, or you can draw an outline of a tree trunk and let the kids use the brush to paint it in themselves.

2) Put a different color paint on its own paper plate. The kids can dip their hand in the color of their choice and start applying their handprint 'leaves' around the tree branches.

This makes a lovely and colorful fall tree when done and you can hang it up on the fridge, on a door or wherever they can get a good view of it every day!

Talk with your child about the colors that God gives the leaves and how the seasons are all part of His perfect plan!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. NIV

Helpful hints: We painted on the front porch and kept a bowl of water handy, for rinsing hands in between colors. For the perfect paint smock, the kids wore adult sized t-shirts. They are like the t-shirts you get for donating blood and perfect to get messy! They're even big enough so the kids can wipe their hands on them and it's no problem.