Intentional Christmas by Clair Boone, mom of two

Are we late…again?” My 4 year-old asks as I bundle him and his 2 year-old brother into the car and head out with a sigh of relief that no indeed, we’re not late.
He has good reason to ask since it seems like we flit through life with such breakneck speed that we miss life along the way.  We’re always dashing out the door or hurrying to be on time; he’s realized that life can seem like one big race that nobody gets prizes for, even the early birds.
 

"Be intentional about sharing
the story of Jesus’ birth
at Christmas"

With my propensity to dash around, I have realized that if I’m not intentional about slowing down and simplifying life to celebrate Jesus this Christmas, I won’t be modeling what I value for my children. So I’ve opted for a few simple strategies:

Simplify Decorating
Instead of adding lots of decorations around the house, opt for a few simple ones. After all, what goes up must come down! Use items from outdoors like broken twigs and pinecones to make simple centerpieces.

Intend to Create Traditions
Traditions begin as you choose an activity to enjoy as a family. Maybe it’s caroling around your neighborhood, visiting a Christmas display or watching a Christmas movie and munching caramel popcorn; start one thing as a family that your kids will remember.

Celebrate the season with friends and family
Invite another family over for a simple dinner. Notice those who might be lonely and need a friend during this season. Keep hospitality simple so you can enjoy the company of your friends.

The True Story of Christmas
Be intentional about sharing the story of Jesus’ birth at Christmas with your children. Find space in your busy schedule to read sections of the story from Luke 2 out loud as a family.

 

Dear God, thank you for gift of your son who we celebrate at Christmas. Help me to slow down and teach the value of a simple Christmas to my children.

Clair Boone is Mom to Isaac (4) and Chase (2). She lives just outside Chicago with her husband, Tim, and loves helping other moms save money through her blog, www.mummydeals.org. See her blog for 7 make-ahead cookie recipes that you can freeze: http://mummydeals.org/how-to-freeze-cookies