Anyway, just sharing a very small thing (it seems like I should do so much more) and would love to hear what ideas you have.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Christmas giving tradiitons
Speaking of Christmas, what is a Christmas tradition you do that helps remind your children that Christmas isn't just about getting gifts? We try to give a gift out of each child's "Christmas budget" to someone in need. One year we gave to missionaries; for the past few years we've given Christmas Care packs through the Voice of the Martyrs. They are packs that go to children living in areas of persecution, packs that are filled with practical items like warm clothing, toiletries, school supplies, vitamins, treats, a toy, and Christian books. This year they are giving to children in Vietnam. Here's the link: https://www1.vombooks.com/qry/qe_store.taf?_function=detail&_peid=1694&_id=A373551896&_code=C&_nc=71d3d07557f942b315a72e557ae1b192
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We do the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and the kids really enjoy shopping for the gifts to fill the boxes. Another thing we do is collect nativity pieces. Rather than having a Christmas village type set-up we have quite an extensive nativity scene. My mother-in-law bought us some Fontanini pieces the first year we were married and we have added a few pieces each year. As the kids get older it's fun to see them get excited about getting it out and setting it up every year. It's a nice way to start the Christmas season and keeps the True meaning of Christmas right in front of us every day.
What a nice collection to have, Shelley. The best part about the Fontanini pieces is that they don't break. We have a few to use with the wood stable that Uncle Chuck Stahl made for Mother. Later she gave it to us for the children to enjoy. Now the grandchildren enjoy it.
I did the Operation Christmas Child shoebox for the first time this year. Eric and Retta went to Atlanta to the main distribution center for the shoeboxes and spent a day inspecting and packaging the boxes. Bloomington also has an annual "Brotherhood Tree" and I usually have some items to put under the tree. It is good to be reminded, with all the planning and shopping to do, to remember the hurting and needy. Thanks, Mary.
We've packed Operation Christmas Child boxes for 5 years now. As mom said, we went to Atlanta this year and prepared the boxes for shipment to Pakastan and India. Seeing the small items in those small boxes and realizing that for some kids this might be the one and only gift they get...it was a humbling thought of all of the excess we have here.
Cool. We know a guy in the Philippines who works with the shoebox distribution so maybe someday we can all go work on that end of the process too!
I just thought we might "encourage one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24) by sharing these things. In a separate post, it would also be fun to hear about any other special family traditions everyone has!
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