Christmas Day is fast approaching. Maybe a little too fast for some in the hurry rush-rush of the season. Did you know that the traditions in the family are very important? Things that we do, that carry on from generation to generation. What kinds of things will your family do this season as you prepare for the day you open gifts, whether it be Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Need some ideas? And while they perhaps aren't really new ideas, although they may be to some, I have a few should you see any of interest. Just look ahead.....Take a tour in your neighborhood to see Christmas lights.
In years past, our family had mostly lived in the country. And so we would go to surrounding neighborhoods to look at the creative Christmas lights that people put outside on their houses. We live in town now and haven't really done this as much. However, when we are out after dark (Ok so we do our grocery shopping late in the afternoons so that by the time we are ready to come home, it is dark) we get to see the beautiful ways that the homes are decorated by some. One I saw recently was really pretty-a fairly large snowman that was displayed in someone's yard. Best of all this activity is free. Save for the gas it might cost. But hey, not all light displays are free.Other activities that have to do with seeing the lights, may cost a little bit of money. Our zoo that is located about 15 miles south of us, opens for the season and offers stunning Christmas light displays throughout Christmas. True this can be a little expensive for people, at least in our area, but if you get a chance to go to a zoo that brings out the beauty of the season this way, it really is well worth it. And you might get to see an animal or two that are not afraid to come out if the weather is less than warm.
Closer to home, we do have another alternative which my husband I will be doing come Christmas night. A local camping grounds have their own light display for which we can drive through. We have done this before and they add new displays every year. It too is beautiful and the price is more reasonable for us, at only a few dollars per carload! And one good advantage that I love in going there to see the lights, is that all the money collected for the season goes directly to help another campground that specializes in campers that have physical challenges. Now, how worthwhile is that.? It is great to see such beautiful displays, and also know that your admission goes to support such a meaningful cause.
Have a toy hunt for the kids.
I don't have a lot of memories from Christmas's when I was growing up. However, I do have a few.
One year my parents had a toy hunt for us. They had started us off with a note giving us a clue to where the next clue was, and that led to the next and the next until finally, we got to the gift they had hidden for us. I do remember my gift very well. It was a little aqua colored refrigerator that I could play with my dolls with And it really opened up. Getting to hunt for it was half the fun as my brother and I anticipated what might be waiting for us to find. I have absolutely no recall on what he got that day, as frankly, I didn't care at the time. ( I know, that wasn't very nice, but you know I was just a kid. I am thinking probably 8 years old) However, we had a wonderful time in that hunt for our toy.Soup kitchen for those that are homeless
Don't forget that there are many families that have been down on their luck what with maybe losing their jobs, and homes. Many have to rely on shelters especially during these cold winter months, and soup kitchens for food. The Bible says in Acts 20:35 that it is more blessed to give than receive. And that is so true. Volunteering in a soup kitchen or shelter is surely a very worthy cause to show we care for people that have less then we do. Or perhaps inviting an elderly person that has no family or place to go for Christmas dinner, could be another way to share in our own blessings that God has given us. There are other ways to give. Our time, our money, our help to someone. All we have to do is look for them. Because they are out there. And they are needed. To give is what God wants us to do even in the hustle bustle time of our own Christmas activities. Because as we know, He gave the best and most needed Gift we as needy people could ever have. And that was Jesus Christ. So find some way of giving, because to give is to then be blessed after all!Scripture for the day: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that, I have shown mercy so that in me the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life. Now to the King eternal immortal and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever, Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Season so far. Come back tomorrow for more ideas you might enjoy with your family during this time. May God bless you today and every day
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