Today is Make a Gift Day

When we think about the gifts we plan to give the people in our family for Christmas - or a birthday - we tend to think about a gift we will purchase. While there is certainly nothing wrong with purchasing a gift, think this year about giving a gift you make to those on your list - today is National Make a Gift Day. When my grandsons were younger I made crocheted hats for them for Christmas. One year I decided to make something different and crocheted them each a scarf - it looked like a tongue sticking out a mouth with teeth! I just couldn't crochet a simple scarf!

Christmas & Learning to Be Gracious

Christmas is just a few weeks away, today I am remembering a few years ago when my daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons joined us for dinner Christmas Eve - and of course, to exchange gifts. This particular year, one of the things we gave the grandsons was three $5 bills each. I decided to wrap them in different size boxes and went through the house to find - and in some instances, raid boxes. I ended up with an interesting mix . . . an empty band-aid box, a box which had cold pills in it, and other miscellaneous boxes.

Countdown-to-Christmas - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Joy to the World

I enjoy Christmas "Flash Mobs" . . . I think it would be fun to be part of one, so today I'm happy to share with you a very well done, "flash mob" - this time it by the Air Force Band, starting with a single cellist (my personal favorite musical instrument) on the floor of the National Air and Space Museum's Milestones of Flight gallery. By the end of this four minute performance there are 120 musicians and vocalists playing and singing to the delight and surprise of those who visited the museum!  

While we are all likely able to sing from memory, Joy to the World, Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring (written by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1716 and 1723) is one we may recognize, but not know, so I looked up the words to share with you, along with Joy to the World, which was written by Isaac Watts in 1719 and was based on Psalm 98. Enjoy!

A Family of Her Own for Candy - a Great Gift for Christmas!

Last summer my husband, grandsons, and I went to the Humane Society to get a kitten. I wanted my grandsons to go with us because, first of all, they love all animals, secondly I wanted to be sure whatever cat we got was one which was able to be around my grandsons without being aggressive. We spent some time at the Humane Society and finally settled on a very sweet calico - which we named Candy, because she is sweet (and my middle grandson said she reminded him of candy corn.) 

Christmas "Caroling" with The Piano Guys!

The Piano Guys are one of my favorite musicians - I love cellos, pianos played well are enjoyable, and I love the passion and fun they put into the songs the play. So, at Christmas it makes sense for me to listen to their music - and include them in my Christmas "Caroling".

Today is National Build Joy Day!

So, what is "National Build Joy Day"? Well, according to nationaltoday dot com it is a day to, "give back to your community in whatever way possible and make someone’s day!" This is certainly something we all are able to celebrate and make a part of our every day lives by bringing joy to people’s lives with tiny acts of kindness. 

What might we do to celebrate National Build Joy Day - consider the following ideas from Nationaltoday - 

It is Time for a Candy Cane Hunt!

Yes, it is the time of year for a Candy Cane Hunt! What is a Candy Cane Hunt, you ask? Think Easter Egg Hunt, and substitute Candy Canes, grab your camera, and get ready for some photos, memories, and fun your grandchildren - or children - will never forget!

This Christmas Engage & Equip the Ones You Love with God's Word

 

We will not hide them from their descendants;  we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds, but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:4, 6, 7

Just for Fun - Interesting Christmas Trivia!

Since today is the first day of December, I thought it would be fun to share a bit of Christmas trivia with you! Did you know . . . 

Countdown-to-Christmas - Casting Crowns - I Heard the Bells

I'm very happy to share this Christmas song with you today . . . I Heard the Bells is a beautiful song with a wonderful history and message! Feel free to  "pass it on" and share it with the people you know, too . . . a type of "social-media-caroling"!

Don't Worry: It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren - A Christmas Gift Which Helps You Do What Matters the Most

Do you agree with me when I write about passing on a heritage of confident faith to the children you love, but are not sure where and how to begin? Do you have friends who are grandparents - or parents - who also want to pass on confident faith, but are also not sure where to begin? Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a grandparent/ parent you know which is a good read and one which will help them know how to do what matters the most?

My Christmas Carol for Today - Countdown-to-Christmas - Silent Night by Casting Crowns

When you think about Christmas carols, you likely think about the  classic, Silent Night. According to Wiki, Silent Night was, "composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by  Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, a village on the Salzach river. The young priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had come to Oberndorf the year before. He had already written the lyrics of the song 'Stille Nacht' in 1816 at Mariapfarr, the hometown of his father in the Salzburg Lungau  region,where Joseph had worked as a coadjutor.

A Gift Which Lasts All Year & Beyond . . . Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

 

Are you looking for a gift for your family? One which you do not have to worry about arriving in time for Christmas? One which is more than just another "thing" to open and shortly end up just taking up space? One which will help them connect and build memories? If so, then give the gift of either tickets to or a family membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (or a botanical garden near you.)

This Christmas Give Books Which Make a Difference

Yesterday I wrote about the book - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children! It makes a fantastic Christmas gift for the children you love ages four through fourteen. Today I wanted to share with you about three books in the "Praying Deeper" series of books which will help parents and grandparents pray Scripture for their own walk with God and for the children they love as well - young, grown, and grandchildren!