Cowboys Roam the Packages
A Christmas ritual my sister, Sky, and I enjoyed for many years involved our tiny toy cowboys and their trusty steeds. Yes, I was a nut for horses as a kid, and had two favorite horses at the local stable, Sunset and Frosty. My enthusiasm for horses extended to having a prized collection of plastic and rubber cowboys and horses.
Before Christmas my parents put wrapped gifts on our dining table, where they would be handy to give to visitors and to put under the tree on Christmas eve. Sky and I imagined each year that the packages were mountains and valleys, and we created landscapes with the gifts where the cowboys roamed. Sometimes there were pretend shootouts as bank robbers or cattle rustlers were caught. The horses raced up and down the hillsides and rested in the valleys, which were a gorgeous landscape of Christmas wrap, peopled with snowmen and holy men and Santas.
Our dad’s role with the hills of gifts was to find his, lift up high, and guess what was in the gaily wrapped package. His guesses were amazingly spot on, even when the size of the box attemped to fool him. Our gift landscape had a brief and much enjoyed life each year in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
So if your children or grandkids have a bored moment in the days before Christmas, let them get out favorite small toys and build themselves a world. Small race cars and trucks can become a race track, Lego construction workers could create buildings, and the wise men could set out on their holy journey. Let their imaginations reign supreme.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Favorite Christmas Activity
Christmas Ornament or Decoration and Cookie Exchange
This Christmas, I’ve decided to try a friend’s suggestion. I’m going to host a decoration and cookie exchange. I’ll report back after the event, but here are the general guidelines.
Decoration Exchange
We all have beautiful decorations that we’ve bought and tired of, or things someone else gave us that just don’t quite fit our style. I hate looking at such items year after year, wondering why I still have them when I don’t use them. Someone else might really like them—and decorate with them; the trick is getting my unused decorations in the right hands.
The idea is to have all attendees bring such unneeded, unused items to a decoration exchange. This differs from a new ornament exchange, in which everyone purchases a new ornament for $10 or less and you play some sort of game to divvy up the ornaments among participants. No, in a decoration exchange, each person brings ornaments and decorations they no longer use, places an approximate value on an item ($1.00, $5.00, $10.00), and puts it on display on card tables topped with solid-color tablecloths. Other party-goers, who’ve been credited for the value of the items they’ve brought, get to “shop,” choosing items that fit with their décor, complete their collections, etc.
Cookie Exchange
At the same time, I’m going to incorporate a cookie exchange. Everyone will bring several dozen cookies—and several copies of the recipe—packaged into dozens of half-dozens. The hostess (me!) displays all the cookies, with samples available for tasting. Again, “shoppers” peruse the available cookies, taking home as many dozen as they brought. For example, if you bring 3 dozen decorated sugar cookies and 3 dozen lemon bars, you may take home 6 dozen of any kind.
The payoff: Each attendee gets a wonderful variety of treats but had to bake or decorate only one or two batches of cookies.
The following 10 Easy Tips for a Great Cookie Exchange came from About.com:
1. Ask each guest to bring either a dozen or half dozen cookies for each attendee, plus a dozen for the party.
2. Supply plastic storage bags or paper plates and foil just in case guests forget to bring a container for transporting their cookies home. Remind guests to store each cookie variety in separate containers until serving. Mixed cookie varieties lose their flavor and texture.
3. Request that participants bring copies of their recipe to share with others. That will avoid the necessity of mailing out copies at a later date after everyone inevitably requests them at the party!
4. Prepare a large table for everyone to set out their cookies. Spread a festive cloth on the table. Place one large basket, tray or plate on the table for each guest to place their contributions.
5. Place an extra platter on the table for the cookies that will be enjoyed during the party.
6. Play Christmas music throughout the gathering.
7. Even if you haven't finished your holiday decorating by the date of the party, be sure the party room has some festive decorations.
8. A cookie exchange can be held any time of the day, but mornings are a great time during the holiday season. By hosting it in the morning, your guests will have the remainder of the day for other holiday activities such as shopping, wrapping, their own decorating, or other parties.
9. Plan to serve refreshments that can be prepared in advance and merely reheated at the party. You shouldn't be cooking during this party. It's more important to keep the cookie exchange flowing. For a morning party, overnight egg casseroles work very well.
10. Serve at least one holiday beverage such as egg nog or hot mulled cider along with coffee, tea, juices and, of course, milk!
Favorite Christmas Activity/Memory from Growing Up
During my elementary school years, my immediate family lived in Georgia. The extended family still resided in Texas, which meant we packed up every Christmas and headed west. Certainly couldn’t expect Grandmother, all dad’s siblings and their families to come all the way to the east coast now, could we?
To that end, we had to be creative in our packing. For a couple of years running, mom and dad lugged our oversized gifts to and from Odessa. They decided that had to stop; it just didn’t make sense to fill up the already crowded car with gifts, transport them to Texas to open on Christmas, and then bring right back home again.
The next year, Dad took me to the side to show me a picture—straight from the Sears catalog—of the new dishwasher he had bought my mom for Christmas. Obviously, he couldn’t pop a bow on top and carry it with us on our trip. Instead, he cut out the picture and taped it to a square piece of Styrofoam®. My mom also got dad a big gift that year, too.
As she pre-packed, she lamented the challenge of taking the gift. Sneaky girl that I was (am?), I suggested she cut out a picture, tape it to a piece of Styrofoam®, and wrap that up instead.
The look on mom and dad’s faces as they opened their gifts at the same time—also cleverly orchestrated by yours truly: Priceless.
This Christmas, I’ve decided to try a friend’s suggestion. I’m going to host a decoration and cookie exchange. I’ll report back after the event, but here are the general guidelines.
Decoration Exchange
We all have beautiful decorations that we’ve bought and tired of, or things someone else gave us that just don’t quite fit our style. I hate looking at such items year after year, wondering why I still have them when I don’t use them. Someone else might really like them—and decorate with them; the trick is getting my unused decorations in the right hands.
The idea is to have all attendees bring such unneeded, unused items to a decoration exchange. This differs from a new ornament exchange, in which everyone purchases a new ornament for $10 or less and you play some sort of game to divvy up the ornaments among participants. No, in a decoration exchange, each person brings ornaments and decorations they no longer use, places an approximate value on an item ($1.00, $5.00, $10.00), and puts it on display on card tables topped with solid-color tablecloths. Other party-goers, who’ve been credited for the value of the items they’ve brought, get to “shop,” choosing items that fit with their décor, complete their collections, etc.
Cookie Exchange
At the same time, I’m going to incorporate a cookie exchange. Everyone will bring several dozen cookies—and several copies of the recipe—packaged into dozens of half-dozens. The hostess (me!) displays all the cookies, with samples available for tasting. Again, “shoppers” peruse the available cookies, taking home as many dozen as they brought. For example, if you bring 3 dozen decorated sugar cookies and 3 dozen lemon bars, you may take home 6 dozen of any kind.
The payoff: Each attendee gets a wonderful variety of treats but had to bake or decorate only one or two batches of cookies.
The following 10 Easy Tips for a Great Cookie Exchange came from About.com:
1. Ask each guest to bring either a dozen or half dozen cookies for each attendee, plus a dozen for the party.
2. Supply plastic storage bags or paper plates and foil just in case guests forget to bring a container for transporting their cookies home. Remind guests to store each cookie variety in separate containers until serving. Mixed cookie varieties lose their flavor and texture.
3. Request that participants bring copies of their recipe to share with others. That will avoid the necessity of mailing out copies at a later date after everyone inevitably requests them at the party!
4. Prepare a large table for everyone to set out their cookies. Spread a festive cloth on the table. Place one large basket, tray or plate on the table for each guest to place their contributions.
5. Place an extra platter on the table for the cookies that will be enjoyed during the party.
6. Play Christmas music throughout the gathering.
7. Even if you haven't finished your holiday decorating by the date of the party, be sure the party room has some festive decorations.
8. A cookie exchange can be held any time of the day, but mornings are a great time during the holiday season. By hosting it in the morning, your guests will have the remainder of the day for other holiday activities such as shopping, wrapping, their own decorating, or other parties.
9. Plan to serve refreshments that can be prepared in advance and merely reheated at the party. You shouldn't be cooking during this party. It's more important to keep the cookie exchange flowing. For a morning party, overnight egg casseroles work very well.
10. Serve at least one holiday beverage such as egg nog or hot mulled cider along with coffee, tea, juices and, of course, milk!
Favorite Christmas Activity/Memory from Growing Up
During my elementary school years, my immediate family lived in Georgia. The extended family still resided in Texas, which meant we packed up every Christmas and headed west. Certainly couldn’t expect Grandmother, all dad’s siblings and their families to come all the way to the east coast now, could we?
To that end, we had to be creative in our packing. For a couple of years running, mom and dad lugged our oversized gifts to and from Odessa. They decided that had to stop; it just didn’t make sense to fill up the already crowded car with gifts, transport them to Texas to open on Christmas, and then bring right back home again.
The next year, Dad took me to the side to show me a picture—straight from the Sears catalog—of the new dishwasher he had bought my mom for Christmas. Obviously, he couldn’t pop a bow on top and carry it with us on our trip. Instead, he cut out the picture and taped it to a square piece of Styrofoam®. My mom also got dad a big gift that year, too.
As she pre-packed, she lamented the challenge of taking the gift. Sneaky girl that I was (am?), I suggested she cut out a picture, tape it to a piece of Styrofoam®, and wrap that up instead.
The look on mom and dad’s faces as they opened their gifts at the same time—also cleverly orchestrated by yours truly: Priceless.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Middle-of-the-Road Activies for Kids
Today, I want to share ways to entertain children who are between five and 10 years. First, remember a five-year-old is light years away from a 10-year-old in both development and interests. If you have children at home who are different ages, then you know the challenge to provide activities that keep both occupied. My daughters are six years apart (hey, I'm one of six A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts authors - hmm, is there significance in the number?). There were times my kids went different directions in their play. But, many times I had to find middle-of-the road activities to keep both happy so I could be involved with them together.
I share the developmental norms and suggest age-appropriate resources for 0 - 5 year old kids in The Birth to Five Book. You could use this information anytime of the year or pull out the book for holiday gift-giving ideas.
Three of my favorite, kid-tested activities are below. Maybe you already do them, but, if not, give 'em a try. They may help calm the Christmastime chaos in your home:
- Playdough. This squashy stuff offers tactile and olfactory benefits. Its calming power is akin to doing art therapy. If your older child is ready, he can follow pictures or word directions to make playdough from a recipe.
- Bubbles. Bubbles teach kids how to blow out, which is great for children who may have speech and some facial issues because blowing strengthens oral motor skills. Bubbles can also be just plain mindless fun. Simple recipes are on the internet.
- Books. Take a field trip to your public library and check out several children's Christmas books. Then cozy up on the sofa with your children and read aloud. Even children who are nine will enjoy hearing your familiar voice, using her imagination, and receiving undivided time from you. I'm a big proponent of books and the benefits of reading aloud!
by Brenda Nixon
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sledding on the Golf Course - Trish Berg
This week, the Word Quilters (authors of SOCF) are going to share a fun activity from their childhood. What fun to think back on those years when Christmas was everything December was about.
My Grandma Knoedler lived about an hour away from where I grew up, and we got to see her a few times a month. We loved going to her house all the time, but in the wintertime, it was awesome!
Grandma Knoedler lived on the very edge of a golf course, and in her back yard was a steep hill leading to the course. She had a stockpile of sleds and saucers of all kinds, and baskets of hats, gloves and scarves.
We loved going sledding at Grandma's house. We would gather the mismatched hats and gloves, and head out to the hill in her back yard for starters. She would sometimes join us, and that was a BLAST. There were 2 trees at the bottom of her hill, so we had to become quite good at steering these sleds to avoid the collision. Maybe that's where I first learned to drive, I don't know. But we could all steer those sleds like NASCAR drivers around the bends.
Once we were warmed up, we would walk the entire golf course and look for hills that were even steeper. It was like walking in the wilderness, all white snow covering tons of hills and valleys. We felt like explorers.
When we were cold and tired, we would head back to Grandma's house for hot cocoa and popcorn. She always made hot cocoa with milk, not water, and it tasted sooooo good.
We would warm up a bit, and then head out again.
Boy, I wish I had some of that energy and stamina back these days.
Kids love sledding. If you live in a part of the country where you get snow near Christmas time, I encourage you to find a local golf course, get permission (if needed) and go sledding with your kiddos.
Your kids want to spend time with you. They want you to sit in the saucer and speed down the hill right beside them. Those will be the memories they will keep for a lifetime.
Christmas is not about spending money. It's not about finding the perfect gift, game or toy. There is nothing wrong with gift giving, but don't forget that the best things about Christmas sometimes come wrapped up in nothing but your time.
Spend time with your kids. Have fun with them. Get creative, and put the checkbook away.
Cash in on your children's future by spending time with them today.
This winter...this Christmas.....Go sledding with your children.
(And keep the hot cocoa handy as well...)
My Grandma Knoedler lived about an hour away from where I grew up, and we got to see her a few times a month. We loved going to her house all the time, but in the wintertime, it was awesome!
Grandma Knoedler lived on the very edge of a golf course, and in her back yard was a steep hill leading to the course. She had a stockpile of sleds and saucers of all kinds, and baskets of hats, gloves and scarves.
We loved going sledding at Grandma's house. We would gather the mismatched hats and gloves, and head out to the hill in her back yard for starters. She would sometimes join us, and that was a BLAST. There were 2 trees at the bottom of her hill, so we had to become quite good at steering these sleds to avoid the collision. Maybe that's where I first learned to drive, I don't know. But we could all steer those sleds like NASCAR drivers around the bends.
Once we were warmed up, we would walk the entire golf course and look for hills that were even steeper. It was like walking in the wilderness, all white snow covering tons of hills and valleys. We felt like explorers.
When we were cold and tired, we would head back to Grandma's house for hot cocoa and popcorn. She always made hot cocoa with milk, not water, and it tasted sooooo good.
We would warm up a bit, and then head out again.
Boy, I wish I had some of that energy and stamina back these days.
Kids love sledding. If you live in a part of the country where you get snow near Christmas time, I encourage you to find a local golf course, get permission (if needed) and go sledding with your kiddos.
Your kids want to spend time with you. They want you to sit in the saucer and speed down the hill right beside them. Those will be the memories they will keep for a lifetime.
Christmas is not about spending money. It's not about finding the perfect gift, game or toy. There is nothing wrong with gift giving, but don't forget that the best things about Christmas sometimes come wrapped up in nothing but your time.
Spend time with your kids. Have fun with them. Get creative, and put the checkbook away.
Cash in on your children's future by spending time with them today.
This winter...this Christmas.....Go sledding with your children.
(And keep the hot cocoa handy as well...)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
. . .Starring Don
Our youngest son is developmentally handicapped. My fondest memory of him at Christmas was the first year he was in a Christmas play at church. Don has never been one to shy away from a challenge. I believe that's why he has made so much progress over the years.Don was seven or eight the year he decided he could have a part in the Christmas program. He was finally able to speak well enough that people could understand a good part of what he had to say. When the children's director called for auditions for speaking and singing roles, Don was front and center and ready to perform.
That afternoon at Sunday dinner, his sister, Cheryl, announced that Don had a speaking part in the Christmas program. My older boys reacted with, "No way!" and "Way to go!" and of course the high fives. I thought for sure Cheryl had it wrong but I didn't want to erase the beaming smile on Don's face by voicing my doubts.
Sure enough, after talking with Mrs. Gray, she assured me that Don would have a part in the program. She felt his gumption ought to be rewarded.
The evening of the program, the children were gathered on stage and each was performing with the excellence that everyone had come to expect from one of Mrs. Gray's productions. Then the microphone was passed to Don. I held my breath. He turned to the audience, beamed that big smile and declared, "We're done!"
Two simple words but that was Don's night to shine like the star of Bethlehem to ignite the hope that one day this child of God would be able to hold his own with those around him and become all that God wanted him to be.
Pass the tissues and tell me about your favorite memory of your child's Christmas program.
(To see Don today go to Our Special Child)
Friday, October 10, 2008
See The Nutcracker Ballet With Family
When my children were younger, our family would head out to watch a local production of the Nutcracker Ballet.
Seeing a live production is an anticipated event, and each time we see it we enjoy the new twists that each choreographer and company applies.
Many of the scenes center around a huge Christmas tree, and a family gathered round, and local productions have places on stage for lots of children, so you may spot someone you know up there.
There are dances for all different tastes, with exciting sword fights between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, and their allies, and humorous dances by Russian, Chinese and Spanish dancers. The Sugar Plum Fairy has a lovely starring role.
My family always got swept up in the drama, love, sweat and creativity of each staging.
Now, the brilliant production starring and choreographed by Mikhail Baryshnikov, is available on DVD. This is the best selling ballet video of all time, with Gelsey Kirkland playing Clara, the young girl at the center of the drama.
If you want to try something new that will spark up your holiday, get tickets to a local production of the Nutcracker Ballet, and consider buying the DVD to watch at leisure.
Be careful, because like me, this might lead to a colorful collection of wooden Nutcrackers to display in your home!
Do any of you have favorite Christmas shows or events you care to share with us here?
That would be great.
Seeing a live production is an anticipated event, and each time we see it we enjoy the new twists that each choreographer and company applies.
Many of the scenes center around a huge Christmas tree, and a family gathered round, and local productions have places on stage for lots of children, so you may spot someone you know up there.
There are dances for all different tastes, with exciting sword fights between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, and their allies, and humorous dances by Russian, Chinese and Spanish dancers. The Sugar Plum Fairy has a lovely starring role.
My family always got swept up in the drama, love, sweat and creativity of each staging.
Now, the brilliant production starring and choreographed by Mikhail Baryshnikov, is available on DVD. This is the best selling ballet video of all time, with Gelsey Kirkland playing Clara, the young girl at the center of the drama.
If you want to try something new that will spark up your holiday, get tickets to a local production of the Nutcracker Ballet, and consider buying the DVD to watch at leisure.
Be careful, because like me, this might lead to a colorful collection of wooden Nutcrackers to display in your home!
Do any of you have favorite Christmas shows or events you care to share with us here?
That would be great.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Christmas program or pageant
The Wilsons star in story of Jesus’ birth
It may seem as though everyone you ever met and every group you ever attended wants to get together during the month of December. Today’s busy families have to be selective about how much to take on. One of our family favorites has been Sights and Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos, Texas. Visit http://www.sights-n-sounds.org/ for more information.
I remember watching Christmas programs after the birth of my son Charlie, slightly envious of the Baby Jesus. Actually, I suppose my jealousy was more directed toward the mom whose child got to play Jesus in the live nativity scenes or the church Christmas play. You see, Charlie—who was born in June—was too big to play a newborn by the time the holiday season rolled around. I know, I’m silly, petty, and basically ridiculous.
God must’ve chuckled as He read my heart. Four years later, I had my own infant—Molly. And she did, indeed, get to play the Baby Jesus in a live nativity scene at Sights and Sounds. Little did I know the request for her was a package deal; my husband and I were automatically cast as Joseph and Mary. Charlie played a sheep which, at four years of age, he loved! The whole experience was fun for awhile, until the hay stirred up Bret’s allergies and Molly started wailing. Nothing I tried comforted either of them!
Sometimes such experiences are just better in our heads—than actually living them out. But I did get my wish, my 15 minutes of “fame,” and the chance to have a baby of mine “star” in the Christmas story. And, for that, I will always fondly remember Sights and Sounds.
This festival—which brings out most of the town of San Marcos, as well as neighboring communities—marries the best of the spiritual and secular Christmas, with lots of great food and entertainment.
It may seem as though everyone you ever met and every group you ever attended wants to get together during the month of December. Today’s busy families have to be selective about how much to take on. One of our family favorites has been Sights and Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos, Texas. Visit http://www.sights-n-sounds.org/ for more information.
I remember watching Christmas programs after the birth of my son Charlie, slightly envious of the Baby Jesus. Actually, I suppose my jealousy was more directed toward the mom whose child got to play Jesus in the live nativity scenes or the church Christmas play. You see, Charlie—who was born in June—was too big to play a newborn by the time the holiday season rolled around. I know, I’m silly, petty, and basically ridiculous.
God must’ve chuckled as He read my heart. Four years later, I had my own infant—Molly. And she did, indeed, get to play the Baby Jesus in a live nativity scene at Sights and Sounds. Little did I know the request for her was a package deal; my husband and I were automatically cast as Joseph and Mary. Charlie played a sheep which, at four years of age, he loved! The whole experience was fun for awhile, until the hay stirred up Bret’s allergies and Molly started wailing. Nothing I tried comforted either of them!
Sometimes such experiences are just better in our heads—than actually living them out. But I did get my wish, my 15 minutes of “fame,” and the chance to have a baby of mine “star” in the Christmas story. And, for that, I will always fondly remember Sights and Sounds.
This festival—which brings out most of the town of San Marcos, as well as neighboring communities—marries the best of the spiritual and secular Christmas, with lots of great food and entertainment.
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