2008 December — We are THAT Family

It’s Time to Share Your Tree

7:01 am Bykristen

I love Christmas. And I love decorating.

Put them together?

Oh, yes.

We are trying to keep the focus on Christ this year. After all, we wouldn’t have the day without Him. It’s a struggle though.

But I like to weave The Savior throughout all of our traditions and even decorations.

I asked my kids, “Why do we light up our tree?” They waited… “Because Jesus is the light of the season. And the Wisemen followed a light…and”

Call me corny, but I try.

We have a couple of family traditions: We read the Christmas story from The Bible (something my hubby did as a child) and we open a gift on Christmas Eve (something I did as a child). We also give each of our kids a special new ornament every year.

What are some traditions your family shares?

My tree:

To see more great trees, visit Kelly’s!

Filed UnderHolidays, Uncategorized 117 Comments

{HomeSpun Christmas Gifts from Kids}

7:00 am Bykristen

My kids are getting into the Christmas spirit. They are at an age where they understand it’s not just about the getting.

They are finding that the giving is good too.

Idea #1 Personalized Recipe Towel (written and drawn by kids)

I found the most fabulous idea for one of their Grandma’s who loves cooking (and she’s without internet, so I’m free to share).

And since my kids love to eat her delicious recipes, I thought this was perfect:

A kitchen towel with one of her recipes (from my kid’s perspective)!

I found this idea at Wonder Time. You can read their version (with instructions) here.

After my kids wrote their hilarious version of Nanny’s Gravy and Cinnamon Bread, I scanned their artwork and printed it onto iron-on transfer from a craft store.

I have to say my first attempt was an utter DIY failure. I couldn’t find a print shop to make the transfers (per the Wonder Time instructions) , so I decided to make my own transfers. I went thru an entire package before reading the instructions because I’m smart like that. But after another visit to the store, I had better luck.

The transfers worked like a charm (just don’t forget to reverse the image before printing).

I bought flour sack cloths in the kitchen towel section of Wal Mart. These are just large cotton white hand towels (5 towels for $4.50). They worked really well.

I put two recipes on each kitchen towel.

I used Stitch Witchery and ironed festive ribbon around the bottom of the towel.

And I can’t wait to se my mother-in-law’s face when she reads them!