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23 Days til Christmas:  Decorating For Christmas

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The Christmas season always brings the urge to do some type of arts & crafts project.  So much so that I usually overdo it and pick too many projects.  When decorating around the house, I always want to add something special that I can’t buy in a store.  I like buying those unpainted ceramic and wooden ornaments.  As annoying as glitter can be – it really brings a Christmas ornament to life like nothing else can.  Hours later, when I notice there’s glitter on my hands, face, hair, rug… you name it – I can only smile and think of my cute little handy work. 

Taking the time to work on a Christmas project with family is probably the best quality time you’ll ever spend.  I can remember gathering my children, nieces and nephews, sisters and brother, and even my mom all together to paint Christmas ornaments.  I wanted each person to contribute something special to my tree that year.  That season left me with the most precious ornaments that I still treasure to this day. 

As you make your plans to decorate your home for Christmas, don’t get so caught up in the beauty that you forget why you’re decorating. Things don’t have to look perfect to create a warm Christmas atmosphere.  A messy child’s ornament can bring years of joy that a store-bought one just can’t.  Also, remember, Christmas is not about a tree or Santa Claus, so make sure you’re celebrating the right thing:  the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Side note:  I encourage you research the history of the Christmas tree, even though it has some pagan traces we’ve managed to convert it to Christianity, now it can symbolize the everlasting life we can have with Christ.  As far as Santa Claus or St. Nicholas – I also encourage you to research this Saint’s history and question our Americanized urge to promote a mythical reindeer-driving man so fervently to our children.

Christmas Everyday Gift Idea #2
If you haven’t already gotten your Christmas cards ready, do it today. Or even better, take the time to hand-make your own cards or embellish bought cards with glitter or ribbons to add your own touch of love. Then, spend time writing a personalized message in each one.  Don’t settle for what’s there.  People don’t really take those pre-written words to heart, but they will pay attention to your kind hand-written words. Include an update regarding your family and and a picture if possible.  End with a sincere question about their life and family.

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