some traditions.

sleep under the tree.  on christmas eve, the kids get new pj’s to wear and we watch a christmas movie with popcorn and hot chocolate.  and the now 4 of us sleep under the christmas tree.  just kidding.  i sleep on the couch.  the guys sleep under the tree.  H literally wants to sleep under the tree.

movies.  movies were a big part of chad’s traditions growing up. here are a few we have incorporated into our list of movies that keep the true meaning of Christmas:  disney’s the little one.  little drummer boy.  red boots for christmas.  max luccado’s crippled lamb.  hermie and friends, a fruitcake christmas.  muppets christmas carol.  the very first noel. veggietales, the star of christmas.  a few good ones for the grown ups: the christmas choir.  the christmas shoes.  it’s a wonderful life.   

advent calendar.  we have a felt nativity advent calendar.  the boys take one character from the christmas story a day and add it to the nativity scene.  by christmas day you have the whole nativity scene, animals and stars included.  with each character there is also a verse building on the story of christmas.  

shepherd’s pouch.  this idea is from a book on traditions by noel piper.  under our tree are two little drawstring pouches.  throughout the month of december the boys have the opportunity to do special jobs to earn money.  things other than what is expected each day.  the money they earn is put in the pouch.  on christmas eve we put our pouches by the manger scene, signifying that this a gift for Jesus.  how the shepherds came with wonder and worship for the Baby King.  the next morning the boys wake up and the money has been put under the tree with the other gifts, and their pouch has some small toys.  we discuss how God blesses those who love and trust him.  “although these particular tokens are tangible and physical, our children know from our lifestyle and teaching throughout the year that God blesses in many ways.  in fact, many people who are most blessed have very little visible wealth.  the blessing of God is his presence with us, which gives us constant cause for praise.” -noel piper.  we then decide as a family who we should give the money to.  last year it was given to the orphanage.  

{M playing with the pouch}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! christmas day morning we have birthday cake for Jesus! :)  usually i just make a simple cake from a box.  this year though I found a recipe on pinterest for birthday cake pancakes!!! Doesn’t that sound so good?! 

read.  on christmas day, before we open gifts, we read the christmas story.  chad has typed up about 15 or so cards with parts of the story on each one.  we pass out the cards and whoever is joining us that day, reads the cards in order.  love this, gets everyone involved.  then we sing songs before opening gifts.  chad has made a carol booklet that we put on the tree each year and pull out when we sing.  

gifts.  in an effort to keep things in focus we do three gifts.  something fun.  something useful.  and something family {a gift that brings us together, such as a game}.  here is another way that friends do this: head {a book}, heart {a fun gift}, and body {need}. 

advent wreath.  we light a candle each sunday throughout advent and read a little story. sing together.  and sometimes we do a craft.  

{do you see that super cute countdown advent box thing?  my mom made that.  put fun little things for H to pull out.  and mailed it all the way over here!}