Day 13-24 days to a more Christ centered Christmas

I am trying something different this year.Today we are starting the 12 days of of Christmas to Christ.See link for idea.
Day 13-
On each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas, the idea is for our family to take a closer look at each of the gifts from the song.

On the first day of Christmas:
A partridge in a pear tree: The partridge could represent Jesus, who said He would shelter his chicks under his wings, similar to what a mother partridge does (see Luke 13:34).We talked about Jesus’s qualities and how we can know him better.

My daughter and I also made these cute ornaments to give to our neighbors.
You need light bulbs,glitter,modge podge and ribbon.I printed up a poem I found on the Internet but I do not know who to give the credit to.Cute right?I want to make some more!

Here we are delivering them!

Day 14-
On the second day of Christmas:
2 turtle doves-These have been thought to represent the Old and New Testaments, but they could also represent the Bible and the Book of Mormon.All scripture works together to testify of Christ. Have each family member find a scripture about Christ.

And so on........ for the remaining 12 days of Christmas to Christ

A few more traditions:

• Progressive dinner at family members homes.
• Music program where we sing, dance, or do skits...possibilities are endless! 
• Grandma's lemon meringue pie even though she is no longer with us.
• Christmas Eve Jammies and slippers.

Merry Christmas! 

See you next year!

Day 9,10,11 and 12 day to a more Christ centered Christmas

Day 9
We need a Savior and lesson
Book of Mormon challenge
Mosiah 3-9
Day 10
Read D&C 88:104
I followed the lesson plan symbols of Christmas.In the lesson she holds up a piece of paper with a door drawn on it and say there is a secret visitor.We don't know when they will be here.Of course all the kids said Santa!My husband guessed Jesus.It is surprising how similar they are.See above link for characteristics.

Book of Mormon challenge:

Mosiah 10-19

Day 11-

We read our Bible Christmas Lego book that we got last year!

Book of Mormon 30 day challenge 

Mosiah 20-28

Day 12-

We had our church Christmas dinner and program.My husband and I sang a duet,Believe,from the Polar Express movie.Love singing with him!

My hubby also sang in a Barber shop quartet.Do you see my little boy hiding behind his Dad?lol

Book of Mormon challenge 

Mosiah 29-Alma 4

Read last years more Christ centered  Christmas

Day 9

Day 10 and 11

Day 12 and 13

Day 5,6,7 and 8-25 days to a more Christ centered Christmas

Day 5
Read Luke 1:32-35
Watch Muppet Christmas Carol
Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
2Nephi 10-21

Day 6
Read Jeremiah 33:14-16
Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
2Nephi 22-29

Day 7-
Isaiah 40:1-4
Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
2Nephi 30-Jacob 5

Day 8
Role play Luke 2

Giving baby kisses!

Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
Jacob 6-Mosiah 2

Read last years December 2013
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 and 8

Leaving your footprints-Who will you follow?Who will follow you?

I am still taking my advice from the ocean.I turned to one of my favorite poems. I love the poem Footprints in the sand.In our hardest times the Lord and Savior carries us.Isn't it interesting if we look at this poem that this person in the dream assumes that when there is only one set of foot prints the Lord has left us.It is easy to feel alone if we do not know he is there.He has left his footprints for us to follow in his path.He has provided the way and all we have to do is follow him.It does not mean it will be easy.We need to let him carry us and not think that we can do it on our own or that no one understands.

Likewise, as we leave footprints or part of ourselves in the hearts of our family;we leave a memory and legacy behind for them to follow.We are all on a journey.The imprint itself is representative of your impact and influence on others lives Footprints represent the impression or life lessons we leave behind us.

2-Sometimes in the waves of change we find our true direction. 

   
Or just grab a body board and catch a wave with your Dad!:-)



The challenge is to ask any or all of these questions and if you need make some adjustments if needed and ask who are you following?

So where are you in your journey?

Are you looking back at all the difficulties you have been having?

Do you know what you want out of life?

What does your family and friends think about what you should do?Listen to them.In fact if there is someone you admire their way of being;walk a little in their footsteps.This may be someone who has dealt with a similar situation.

Do you need to escape the realities of life if you could?

Are you discontent with anything in your life that may be preventing you from moving on?Is there someone we have affected and need to own up to our responsibility in it?

Is there anything confusing you presently that may affect your future?

Are you searching for more peace in your life?

Day 2,3 and 4-25 days to a more Christ centered Christmas(Share the gift)

Day 2-
Read Isaiah 9:2-7
We hid Jesus again with a clue:
Wake up!Christ is coming!
Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
1 Nephi 12-17

Day 3-
Read John 3:16
Watch

Last year we wrote gifts we wanted to give the Savior.Today we opened and read them to see how we did!Tomorrow we will write new ones.

Book of Mormon 30 day challenge 

1Nephi 18-2 Nephi 1

Day 4-
Read Micah5:2-5
Book of Mormon 30 day challenge
2Nephi 2-9

See last years December 2013 ideas:
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Intentions for December -Remember to serve others

I was struck by a to do list that someone shared on Facebook. In the list she wrote:
Buy BE presents
Buy DONATE food
Wrap gifts someone in a hug
Send gifts PEACE
Make cookies LOVE
See BE the lights

This is really what the holidays are about GIVING of ourselves and FAMILY.We only have one more of the "ber" months. Let us REMEMBER those in need and not too busy with buying that we miss opportunities to serve.We like to get most if not all our shopping done before Thanksgiving. It is not always easy but we have so much more time for each other! What will your to do list look like now?Maybe

Buy presents for a child in need
Donate money to cancer children
Write a letter to someone
Don't get too wrapped up in hustle and bustle
Make cookies for a neighbor

1.Get outside daily
2.Exercise once a week.This sadly has been on my list for a while, but unless you want to count chasing my kids around,then sadly I have failed.:-(
3.Take a day each week to have nothing going on and just be with my family.
4.Write list of all activities  we want to do for December 
5.Choose a few service projects to do with my family.
6.Get rid of visible clutter
7.Keep my kitchen counters clear!