“This is the season for caring. This is the season for sharing. That’s why we’ve come to you tonight to make your Christmas bright.” This melodious line from the Smurf’s Christmas Special randomly popped into my head as I sat down to write this post. Each December, I watch the Christmas shows my family taped off of TV for me in the 80s – T’was the Night Before Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and several more (old commercials are a special treat too)! Watching these old cartoons is the kick off to my holiday season. The familiar … [Read more...]
Christmas Fun: Christmas Clues!
Every Christmas and birthday, I ask the same question, “What do I buy Eric?!” He is notoriously difficult to shop for (though he profusely denies these allegations). Simply put, he does not want or need much at this point in his life. “Honey, what do you want for Christmas?” He responds, “Can you give me a can of sleep?” or “Time, I need some time for Christmas.” Lest you think it is all me, I can assure you my mom, aunt, and sister-in-law struggle to shop for him as well. And, by the time I give them some gift ideas, I am left with nothing! He should know, no matter what he opens on … [Read more...]
A Gift-Giving Victory!
Valentine’s Day is one of those special days which can cause both great joy and great horror – especially if you feel pressure to make it unforgettable. In Friday’s post, I will make a recommendation for how you can take the pressure out of Valentine’s Day; but, in the meantime, let us assume you plan to shower your honey with the traditional bells and whistles this year. T-minus four days until Valentine’s Day. What does that mean to you? Maybe it means: Oh no! I still have not shopped for my boyfriend or girlfriend! This is going to be great. I will nail this Valentine’s Day! … [Read more...]
The Blessing of Giving through a Child’s Eyes
Though I do not know from personal experience, I have heard multiple people say that parenting is the hardest job you will ever do. There are some misguided souls out there who still refer to stay-at-home moms as women who do not work. (That is a laugh and a half.) For whatever reason, God in His sovereignty has not given Eric and me children yet; but, what He has given me are mommy friends who allow me the gift of looking into their lives – the good, the bad, and the frazzled – and seeing what parenting really looks like. In my early twenties, babies were so cute and cuddly. I wanted a … [Read more...]
Connecting with Children Around the World! (Operation Christmas Child)
Is it not a little early to be talking about Christmas? Not if you are planning to bless a special little boy or girl with a Christmas gift through Operation Christmas Child! If you have never supported this amazing cause, I would challenge you and your sweetie to jump in this year and get involved! Not only is it a fun way to connect and give, but it will bring such joy to a child this Christmas. Many churches serve as drop off points, so check with your church or churches in your area to see where you can drop off your boxes once they are completed! For step-by-step instructions on how … [Read more...]