Gitzen Girl - Latest Comments in http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Lauratina — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:14:00 -0000

Hi Sara!

It's such fun reading what all of your blog peeps have to say in response to your questions related to Christmas! I've not commented since I've already had the honor of receiving one of your wonderful canvas creations. That said, I've been very impressed and moved by the great thought that has gone into some of the traditions that have been adopted by many. The one that consistently appears is the three gift theme.

We never had such a tradition, but we have always been blessed to be able to attend Mass together (my side with Mom, Dad, siblings and their families) on Christmas Eve, then gather as a family in a one-room school house. Mom and Dad renovated it a few years ago, not a small task considering this building has served many purposes, one of which was a hog house! It now serves as our gathering room equipped with a wood-burning stove and fireplace as it's only sources of heat.

Mom brings her keyboard down from the house (she played the organ at Masses for years and years), and we all gather around Dad to listen as he reads the story of Christ's birth. Mom took the time about 20 years ago (my, how the time has flown!!) to type up a program which directs Dad to read certain Bible passages with breaks in between where we all sing a Christmas carole which pertains to the verse(s) just read. It's become quite a sacred tradition, and is one that we all cherish deeply. It didn't start out that way, for we "kids" felt that it was silly and "uncool" the first few years that we did it,but Mom (bless her heart) stuck to her guns (one of her favorite phrases) and because of her strength we now enjoy this most blessed moment together each year.

Just had to share that with you. :)

Say, did you happen to get the voicemail message I left for you? Please let me know if you got it, 'k?

Thanks for listening and for the invitation to share!

Blessings, Sara!
Lauratina

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Lauratina — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:14:00 -0000

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Bz — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:27:00 -0000

We focus on more of the "Little Things" that are important verses the gifts... the little traditions of getting the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and putting lights up, decorating the tree with Christmas music (no TV), reading Christmas stories every night up until Christmas, baking certain special things and making things for others. We have fun doing all of these things together as a family. Thus, I hope we are showing that's it's not about the gifts, but giving.
You have a lovely site that is very inspirational!
knj121287 (at)sbcglobal (dot)net

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

dlyn — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:28:00 -0000

First thing is that I want you to come over and enter my calendar magnet giveaway, plus maybe one of the other ones if you like - I've been missing you lately girl!

Always, always, Christmas Eve we go to the service at church and come home to read the Christmas Story in Luke before the girls went to bed. Now they still want me to read it every year. And during the day on Christmas, I often just pause to thank God for His blessings to me - they are all the gifts I ever need. This year, our younger daughter will not be getting home, because she is in Iraq - but she will be here with the rest of us, in our hearts.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

The Alberts — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:20:00 -0000

We make sure to have lots of nativity scenes around the house with the baby Jesus not in it. When my children ask why, we talk about why we celebrate Christmas and how we look forward to Christmas day so we can place the baby Jesus in the manger.
This year, as the homeroom mother for my daughter's class, we're doing a charity project during the class winter party to remind us how we need to help others.
I think my husband's favorite thing is driving around town Christmas Eve, after church, looking at all the Christmas decorations.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Amy — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:42:00 -0000

oooh...this is a good one..

We def. don't spend an intense amount of money on the kids. We have a small budget, and do our best to fit a few gifts , of their choice, in.

We also choose gifts that will help others. This year we are doing Solesforsouls as well as a calendar sponsorship at our church that will help children from a 'dump city' in Philippines. (there homes are built in the city dump). Buying a calendar will help one child go to school for one year. we try to get the kids as involved with this as possible.

Christmas morning we have a party for Jesus, then celebrate with brunch at Grandma/Papas. It's a special time of eating, celebrating and enjoying, while still in p.j;s!!
I can hardly wait!!!!

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Hudhornet — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:34:00 -0000

We serve Less gifts. Every year we try to pare it down and make it a family time instead of an indulging time.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

jamie — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:15:00 -0000

WE always read the Bible before opening any gifts for Christmas. We all go around the room telling what we are thankful for this holiday season. jamie

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Open your Eyes. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:58:00 -0000

I just love to make home made things from frames, scrapbooks to xmas tree ornaments.

BTW - Just started reading your blog. It's official I love your dog! I would offer to walk him anyday...he looks so playful! x.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

sue — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:37:00 -0000

We spent Christmas Eve at Church reminding us all that Christmas is really about the birth of Christ.
Something else that helped was that my parents did not encourage writing a letter to Santa. We would talk about what we would like but we never asked for things because that isn't what Christmas is about.
My grandchildren celebrate Jesus's birthday with a cake and such.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Steph — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:18:00 -0000

we help others when we can....adopting angels, especially elderly ones with no family around to visit. and by prayer, as a family, thanking Him for the ultimate sacrifice.

One day, when we have our children I want to teaching them the spirit of giving and helping others

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Annette — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:14:00 -0000

Every year I make something "homemade," usually sewn, for each family member. It is something that while I'm working on I can think about each person I'm making the item for and how much they mean to me. I feel the Christmas Spirit during the project. Those gifts mean a lot...both to the receiver but also to this giver. It's one of the happiest parts of my Christmas.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Stephanie — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:09:00 -0000

We are going to follow the 3 gift rule for Dylan. Jesus got 3 gifts and so will you. Also, we like to find various ways to help out in the community whether it's serving food to the homeless, helping those less fortunate find gifts for cheap or making monetary donations. It's our chance to give, not just receive. We also do a family vacation around this time to create special memories.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

The House on Ranchero — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:59:00 -0000

Each night we gather in our family room and light a candle on the Advent wreath. We read a short story from THE ADVENT STORYBOOK by Antonie Schneider about a little bear on his journey to follow the STAR. We turn off the lights, say our family prayers and then comes the best part...each child takes a turn blowing out the candles. It's such a great way to end our day and really focus on Christmas!! Merry Christmas to ALL!!!

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Kristen — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:46:00 -0000

Every year we give out dozens of plates of goodies to our neighbors and friends. That is all well and good, but the kids get a reward of thanks from the families as we hand them the plates. This year, we have added a Secret Santa activity. We have selected 12 different families and each night for the 12 days of Christmas, we wrap a gift and sign it "from Santa." The boys take turns leaving the present, ringing the doorbell and running like blazes not to get caught. It has been a very successful endeavor so far. The kids love it and are getting a taste of giving without receiving. Hopefully, this will become a tradition we do every year.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

AuBien — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

I love this time of year. And I try to find ways to make Christmastime special for my children. We have some planned activities that we participate in every year...and although they are still little, our children are starting to associate those activities with Christmas. We make a Jesse tree each year and read the Bible verses for each day. We read Christmas stories every night in December. And we usually watch one Christmas program each day. We keep Christmas carol CDs in the car and sing along as much as possible. Our children know that this time of year it's just a little over the top...and I think they enjoy it. I am certain they will remember it...and that is special to me.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

bransblahg — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:57:00 -0000

This year is the first year I could really focus on making memories with the boys. Owen kind of got left out....as there's not much he can do yet. ;-) With the other two though we've made decorations and ornaments and talked about Christmas...Santa vs Jesus...what Christmas is really about... and on and on. Dylan always says "do we have Christmas because Jesus died on the cross?" ;-) haha We explain that we get gifts on Jesus' birthday because HE is the ultimate gift giver, so in his honor, we give gifts to eachother. I'm excited about them getting older because now we can really start to focus on making memories at Christmas time. ;-)

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Heidi L. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:40:00 -0000

We have so many special Christmas things that we do, but I think my favorite has to be our book tradition. Each year, I count out 25 of our xmas books and wrap each one individually. Then starting on Dec. 1, the kids take turns each night unwrapping one. This serves as a visual cue to them about how many days are left. Now that my daughter is almost 8, she is now doing most all of the reading for us. She is also having fun predicting which book it will be by the size and shape. I think every night so far she has said, "Oh, that is my favorite one!"

One other fun thing that comes to mind is ringing the bell for salvation army...complete with all four of us in santa hats. When she was younger, Emma was a pretty cute, but high pressure bell ringer. We told her that she would make more money if she belted out some christmas songs while ringing. People would just stop and watch her in action and couldn't help but put a little money in the kettle.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Tippa Glover — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:23:00 -0000

There are many things, but the one I love the most of Christmas services at my church! You cannot miss the meaning of Christmas with this group! Love it!

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Coloradolady — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:06:00 -0000

Well, I had to think a bit on this one.....could not pick what to write about. The main thing I try to do each year is find a family in need, and help that way. When the kids were smaller we would bake cookies, candy and cake and take to the Salvation Army and missions here in town for the homeless. As the kids got older, we stopped doing that, and as I type this out, I wonder why....I think I might pick that one back up.

On a funnier note....when my son got to the age that he did not believe in Santa, I still had a younger daughter who did....my husband kept telling him Santa was too real.

Well, that year, my husband had a deer lease, and I went with him the week before Christmas. I filled "deer droppings" in ziplock bags and on Christmas eve....there were piles of "reindeer Poop" in the yard....as well a hoof prints...but we won't go into that.I am sure my neighbors would have thought I had lost my mind for sure if they had seen me that night!

The next morning wee did not say a word, and let my son discover it on his own.....should have seen his face.....my daughter said.."SEE SANTA WAS HERE!!" He did not respond. That was the last I ever heard that Santa was not real.

*reading all the comments this week has really been fun.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Anna G — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:06:00 -0000

I made an Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan's Purse) shoebox for a girl, age 5-8. (I got to choose the gender and age and it was so much fun buying little things for her). And I liked decorating the shoebox as well. The shoeboxes are going to Letland, Uganda and a couple of other countries. I'd love to see her face when she gets it :D

Besides that, I'm all about Advent. I'm preparing for Christmas, waiting for and expecting Jesus. I do an awesome devotional, and focussing on Advent really helps me to prepare dor Dec. 25. It's really nice. This way it's not just one day, but approximately 3 weeks and it really gets into your brain.

(Fun random fact: in the Netherlands we have First Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day. Weird huh? Same with Easter.)

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Jewelgirl — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:19:00 -0000

We share our good fortune with others. Donating to the coat drive,
holiday toy drive, and food pantry.
We also try to do special things
for our older neighbors if they need
help during the winter/holiday season. The warmth from doing kind
things goes way beyond any gift.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Breath of Fresh Air — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:53:00 -0000

I think the best part is playing games together or going for a walk and talking together. Especially with grandchildren that do not live near.

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Lynn — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Hi there!

What a great idea. I am loving reading all the posts! This is my first time to comment on your blog. I love it!

This year I am doing something completely different with my son. He is 12 and an only child. It is bittersweet to see him growing up so fast but I am loving the young man I see before me. I decided that I want more time with my family. So, each day Trey gets a scroll with a family activity written on it. Then our little family will do that activity together. I love this because it actually makes us slow down and enjoy each other instead of focusing on all the hectic stuff associated with this special time of year. It also reminds us to appreciate each other and to value our time together.

We have baked cookies, gotten hot cocoa and gone Christmas light looking, played board games, watched Christmas movies....you name it. The best part is that it is free! We are creating memories that I hope last a long time.

Thanks for letting me share our family Christmas idea. Merry Christmas Everyone!

:)Lynn

Re: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/canvas-for-christmas-day-3.html

Denise — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:04:00 -0000

We do three gifts too! Three from mommy and daddy (usually Christmas jammies, slippers and a book or stuffed animal) and three from Santa (items on their wish list).

This year, we're also doing three charities: the senior program at the YWCA collects gifts for seniors that have nobody to celebrate the holidays with; Clare House is a food pantry and social service agency run through our local Catholic churches; Brotherhood Tree is and "adopt a family" type program in our community. We've involved the whole family in the shopping process this year, and the two older kids really seem to get it this year. They also "get" the fact that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday. I think this year we'll start a tradition of holding a birthday party for Jesus, like so many commentors do!