A Christ-Centered Christmas

Written by HomeLife Staff

This article is courtesy of HomeLife.

Here are a few ways we can keep our lives “centered” on Christ this season:

 Give. December isn’t a time to slow down on giving of yourself; it’s a time to increase it. And this doesn’t mean that gift for the office white elephant party or that little something for the friend you hardly know. Volunteer your time to help those in need.

Turn off the TV. Declare December the First Annual Family TV-Free Zone. It’s a peaceful way you can keep the consumer-driven message at a comfortable distance while you’re home. Focus on Christ and spending time with the family you love.

Create unique gifts for the people dearest to you instead of rushing up and down toy store aisles or letting the mall kiosk be your guide. Sure, it will take more time and perhaps more thought, but isn’t that a big part of what makes giving special? It’s more sentimental, saves money, and makes people feel special inside — something that perfect sweater cannot do.

Consider taking a special trip together instead of spending a bunch of money on presents for your immediate family. You’ll be investing in memories instead of trinkets. Share your laughter, words, wisdom, and company with your spouse and children instead of store clerks.

Experience the Wonder of Christmas
You don’t have to spend big bucks to help your children experience the wonder of the season and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

Here are a few ideas:
• Take your child along to choose your Christmas tree. If possible, go to a Christmas tree farm and cut it down yourself.
• Designate a small tree for the kids and allow them to decorate it any way they choose.
• Give your child the gift of giving. Help him or her buy Christmas gifts for another child through a program such as Angel Tree.
• Instead of the traditional gift opening ceremony, leave three to four clues at various locations that lead to the gift; the gift is suddenly less important than the journey to find it.
• Hook a wagon to the riding lawn mower and tell the kids you’re taking them on a sleigh ride.
• Go caroling at a nursing home.
• Make holiday treats and then deliver them to the neighbors.
• If you have a white Christmas, make snow angels.
• Pull out the couch bed, bundle up together, and watch your favorite Christmas movie.
• Make hot chocolate from scratch. Then throw on your mittens and drink it outside.
• Light the way for the Christ Child. Borrow sand from the sandbox, about 20 paper lunch bags, and 20 votive candles to make luminaries to line your sidewalk, driveway, or outside stairs.
• Tell the Christmas story together. As you or an older child reads from the second chapter of Luke, allow a younger child or children to turn the pages of a picture book that illustrates the events of Jesus’ birth.
• String popcorn with your child while you watch one of your favorite Christmas classics.
• Roast marshmallows over the fire.
• Plant an evergreen that your family can decorate year after year.

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