Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Week 1 Activities

Here are some photos of the fun we had last week. 

I made a Nativity Advent Calendar for the kids.  And made a couple extra for some of our friends.  It was so much fun to make and I am thankful to my Mom and Grandma for their help in teaching me (the unteachable) to tie french knots.  Seriously, I was not a quick learner!  And for their help in getting the project done in time!

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Although we won't be doing the whole Santa thing, I do think it's fun to have the traditional Santa photo.  I think I got a successful photo.  What do you think?  This will be in a frame along with the other yearly Santa photos on display.  It nearly matches last year.  Two screaming children.  The only difference is that Dad is in the photo this year, because he is much nicer than me and didn't have the heart to make Zac actually sit on Santa's lap.

Just a note... We won't be telling our kids to believe in Santa.  We want them to place their trust in Jesus and not a make believe man that we would later have to tell them the truth about.  Our decision is to not lie about it, rather explain that Santa is fun, but not real.  Such as, unicorns and dragons.  I don't think we will have much explaining/teaching to do this year and in years to come will teach them not to ruin the fun for other kids.

A friend said it simply.  She had done the whole Santa thing and realized that her kids were making a huge deal about a man that wasn't real and not about Jesus who is real.  They believed in Santa completely, and she realized they didn't really understand Jesus, and didn't place their trust in Him who is real.  She explained to them that Christmas is about Jesus and Santa is for fun.  Both of her kids have, by the grace of God, become believers in Jesus and know the truth about Christmas!  I pray for the same results with my sweet kiddos!  Trust in Jesus!

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Checking out the window displays at Trolley Square!IMG_4353

The ladies in my small group made an advent specifically for our husbands! What a great idea, right?! Christmas isn't just about the kids! The cards are full of compliments, scriptures, activities, and ways to serve him.IMG_20121203_211651

2 comments:

Tonee said...

Wow, I am soooo glad to find another soul who thinks the same way I do about Santa. I feel like a lone fish out in the big wide sea when I tell people that we "don't do Santa." I am surprised more people don't see it the way we do. I have even told myself that Santa is just for fun, make-believe, represents the spirit of Christmas - - - but I CANNOT bring myself to like the Santa part of Christmas, or more appropriately as my hubby puts it I am "anti-Santa." But we do have a big Satna picture on our wall (pic that Brennan grew up with and loves), I had to compromise on that. But it still seems so contrary to what I am trying to teach my kids about the true meaning of Christmas.

Tonee said...

Oh, and that advent calendar is soooo darling for kids!!!!