Stories Survived to be Shared

I did it! I wrote twelve stories for the Twelve Days of Christmas, complete with pictures and sent them to my children in a decorated binder to read each night. This was part of focusing on a Christ centered Christmas. When I missed the "Best Christmas Ever" story deadline to the local newspaper, I decided to write them anyway.








The stories included religious, memorable, funny and from mine and Allan's youth. I asked the children as they read them, to think about their own experiences and have their parents tell about some of theirs. A great deal of missed opportunities are passed by when we want to share, but don't. This was my chance to do it and leave a legacy for my grand children to enjoy year after year.

They were introduced to some of my best and worst, longest and shortest, funnest and most boring Christmases. This was only the beginning. There is more.

When we begin to write about our youth or past, the flood gates open and many things we had forgotten come to mind. Take the time to write about some of your great events and share them with your family. Questions they didn't think to ask will be answered. Someday they will be glad you did and so will you.

Drilling Down on December

My accountant taught me how to drill down to decifer finances. I'm drilling down on what festivities to attend during the month. A Sounds of the Season choir performance, first time ever seeing the Forgotten Carols and a Christmas breakfast, lunch and four dinner events are all done.

Still on the list are a seeing a live nativity, It's a Wonderful Life or some other play, a Trees of Diversity display, a river cruise, two weddings and a Christmas Carole Sing-Along. No wonder I sleep like crap and fly off the handle over little or nothing.

Then there is the book, 'A Christ Centered Christmas,' I picked up. It made me feel guilty that I was devoting too much time to fluff. Jesus is the reason for the season. 3am every morning like clockwork, I spend thirty minutes reading the Four Gospels, about his birth and the great gifts He gives us 24/7.

Don't forget the twelve velvet Christmas stockings I bought two years ago to fill and give to the needy. They're still empty and waiting for employment.

At work I secretly filled up the 'Food Bank' trash can, because it was empty. Now more has been added to it. Yeah! Next are treats for the gang and gifts for others.

GIVING, Giving, giving
Every day you are living.
You'll never have a misgiving
When you are generously giving.

Handicrafts for the Holidays

Surprisingly we had the kids making crafts on Thanksgiving. These turkey pumpkins with fancy paper tails kept the young men busy. Afterwards turkey shaped table favors made from Oreos, corn candy and sprinkles were cute as could be. Too bad we forgot to take a photo. I'm sure the Oreo website has a sample.

The highlight of a holiday is also playing board games. Apples to Apples Junior is our current favorite. I hate to throw the turkey pumpkins out. Maybe I'll make penguins out of them dressed in Christmas colors.

Get ideas for Christmas crafts from the internet, magazines and friends. You will be glad you did.