Thursday, December 17

DIY Meaningful Christmas

(the following is an article I wrote, which appeared in Today's Christian Woman magazine in 2006 and last month in Just Between Us magazine. I blogged it last year, so if it sounds familiar ... thanks for being a regular guest here! Don't forget to comment and tell me which ones you're doing this year! And scroll on down for posts on Christmas decorating & gifting ideas!)

Merry and Meaningful
12 ways to make the most of your holidays.

As you enter this year's festive season, consider incorporating new traditions and time for personal reflection into your celebration. Here are 12 fresh ideas just in time for the holidays:

1. Thinking of Thankfulness

Find a beautiful blank journal, or create one with handmade papers. Then write the year's blessings in it. This can be a private exercise or a family tradition. If you choose to make it a family activity, have each member write briefly and allow time to read past entries. Or, you may prefer a year-end journal to be completed after the holidays. Either way, it's sure to become a treasured keepsake.

2. Joy to Your World

Share the Christmas message with everyone who visits your home. Cut gold or silver shimmer fabric into squares. Place several wrapped candies and a copy of a holiday verse such as Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, or Matthew 1:21 inside. Then tie the squares up with sparkly ribbon. Keep a basket of these favors by your front door to bestow on your package-delivery person or children selling door-to-door. [see my previous post on Christmas Favors.]

3. Guiding Lights

I never tire of seeing fine homes gleaming with colorful Christmas lights. The usual line of cars tells me I'm not the only one who enjoys the splendor! This year when you tour a glittery neighborhood, choose one decorated house and one undecorated house, say a prayer for the people who live there, and continue to pray for them every day thereafter until Christmas.

4. Do Unto Others

Bring a little Christmas cheer to a "twin family" in need by providing them with a few presents. A twin family is one with the same makeup as yours (single; married with no children; single mother with two children; etc.). Call your church or local social services department for contacts and shopping guidance. (NOTE: My kids are now really grasping this concept and it's such a blessing to see them want to give to another family!)

5. A Tisket, a Tasket …

Instead of exchanging gifts with your girlfriends or coworkers, arrange a party to package gift baskets for a local women's shelter or a pregnancy care center. First contact the director about specific needs and quantities. Then create a list of items and ask friends to sign up for what they'll provide. When you gather, gift-wrap cardboard boxes or dress up inexpensive wicker baskets, then fill them with your donations. Relax over tea and holiday treats before making your delivery. (NOTE: Last week my Girls' Night Out group did this one - we crafted gifts for the clients of our local crisis pregnancy center.We each brought an appetizer or dessert, a few dollars towards supplies, and crafted away on these scripture, beaded, ribbon bookmarks.)

6. The Gift of You

Often the presents we shop so intently for are quickly forgotten. For a more memorable gift, why not try doing something? Think about what you might do for your spouse, friend, or parent that would have a longer-lasting, more positive impact on your relationship. Would your spouse appreciate a date night? Do your parents long for more quality time with you? Don't be afraid to ask—it doesn't have to be a surprise.

7. Gothic Gingerbread

Try your hand at a gingerbread church. You can work alone or with friends or family members. Pour some apple cider, start the Christmas music, and get to work. Choose a different country each year and create its most famous cathedral or simplest country church in miniature. Travel books can provide ideas. Then, pray for that nation throughout the month of December.

8. Happy Birthday, Jesus

Offer Jesus a symbolic gift in honor of his birthday. Give him an area of your life you desire to change—an emotion, an activity, or a relationship—and physically wrap a box to represent it. Do this individually or as a family. Create a family present to display every year by painting an unfinished wooden box and tying it with a silk ribbon.

9. Serve the Servants

December is an extra busy month for church staffers who work extended hours due to holiday programs and an influx of visitors. Deliver a hot meal to one or more of these families to help lighten their load.

10. Simple Pleasures

Set aside an annual night to relish simple, old-fashioned joys. Pop some corn and snuggle with a book of sentimental short stories of Christmases past. If you have kids, plan a night of games and pizzas. Saunter through the snow-covered woods, leaving a trail of snow angels behind. Or, if you live in a warmer climate, grab a blanket, head outside, and search for the star in the East. Whatever you do, take reprieve from worries and reflect on Christ's humble birth.

11. Guest of Honor

Set a place of honor for Jesus at your Christmas dinner table as a reminder of his presence. (photo credit JBU)

12. Forgiveness Eve

The end of a year is a wonderful opportunity to engage in earnest reflection. Take time to forgive anyone who's wronged you during the year and for whom you still harbor resentment or bitterness. Begin the new year with a refreshed heart!

18 comments:

karen@fitnessjourney said...

This is really lovely and hits home with me this year more than ever. My oldest brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October and given 2-9 months to live. This year Christmas is all about celebrating his life and making what may be his last holiday season as joyful as possible.

arkie said...

This is a wonderful post! Lots of very good ideas!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Really beautiful ideas Joan! Love them all (especially like the idea of praying for two houses- neat!

Anonymous said...

Is there a tutorial for the ribbon bookmarks?? I'd love to make some. Thanks! : )

Kirstin

Southern Gal said...

I love all of these, but especially numbers 7 and 8. I'll try these next year.

Southern Gal said...

I blogged about the beautiful giveaway items I won. Hope you get many more people coming by here for your 'inspiring ideas'.

Merry Christmas.

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Karen, Your brother is blessed to have you as his sister! I pray God makes this time precious and draws you all closer to Him.

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Kirstin - I hope to get to the bookmarks after the new year! Thanks for asking!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Dear Jeanne,

I love all of these ideas but #5 (arrange a party to package gift baskets) stands out as a something my small group of special friends could do together.

Enjoy visiting your blog!
Sending Merry Christmas wishes to you!
Kindly, ldh

Christina said...

I'm afraid I'm reading this a little late to implement very many of these ideas, but I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately; it's worth it. Thank you (as always) for the lovely ideas.

Karen & Gerard Zemek said...

These are very neat ideas! I especially like number 4 because we are married with no children and our parents have all died. It would be really nice to find another couple in our situation to buy for. I love buying gifts.

No. 5--the gift basket idea is fun too! Our ladies at church have done this in the past for people in the church around Thanksgiving time who could use a lift.

Visiting from SITS. Merry Christmas. (Tweeted This)

Dionna said...

I love the idea of having a group of friends put together a gift basket for a pregnancy center! I am part of an awesome AP group, so pregnancy/birth is always on our hearts. I will suggest this for our next big gathering!
(Visiting from SITS, Merry Christmas!)

Unknown said...

really lovely...and I am going to take on the last idea of starting the new year right...forgiveness eve...what a wonderful idea.
Merry Christmas

Tracy said...

This is a lovely blog that you have. I'm glad I just stumbled upon it! Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas.

Fabulous Terrah said...

Awwe, your list was completely lovely.

Gillknix said...

Love your ideas. Will try as many as I can. Thank you.

Gillknix said...

Love your ideas. Will try as many as I can.

Anonymous said...

I love this site.wonderful,caring ideas,very inspirational,although written years ago,more than relevant today with the state of our economy,nice ideas that honor the Lord.i want to incorporate some this year.May God bless you and yours. Thank you.

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