25 Things I Want My Kids to Know About Christmas.

My facebook stream is littered with posts about the Black Friday craziness. There are youtube videos of people fighting over $2 toasters and people punching people and crazy lines and just this overall crazy entitlement to stuff. I don't mind deals, shopping, and having fun. I've gone shopping on Black Friday before and I love the deals. I don't love the pushing, shoving, and waiting forever for my Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks (it's always Starbucks, right?) But, truth is, it's just stuff.

Stuff that we're going to have to put in our homes and deal with and manage and garage sale and complain about and purge and clean and dust and take care of as the days pass.

So it got me thinking - what do I want my kids to really know about Christmas?  And because I started thinking that led to me making a list for my kids. Which I'm sharing with you today.

So here are my 25 Things.

1. In our house, Christmas is about Jesus. That first. The rest follows.
2. The stuff goes away. Relationships do not.
3. Always smile and at least thank the Bell Ringer at the store. Do not look away. Gather change beforehand to give.
4. Take time to slow down and appreciate the little things. #littlethingsmatter

5. Always say "thank you" to those working at the stores. And look them in the eye. And smile.
6. A handwritten note is always worth the effort.
7. Family matters. Take time to learn about family. To invest in family. To love.
8. Better to be less busy than to be crazy busy
9. The number of presents received does not matter.

10. Baking makes a mess. It also makes memories.
11. It's okay if the bottom of the tree is full of ornaments. Someday it will look perfect.
12. Christmas music should only be played after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day. (haha - my own silly rule.)
13. Traditions matter. Establish them. But always allow room for new traditions.
14. Even if life isn't perfect there still can be beautiful and joyful moments.

15. Give to others first. And giving back isn't just a December thing - make it a year long thing.
16. Sometimes the Christmas tree falls over. Fact. Just pick it up and try again.
17. Smile. Smile. Smile. And give others grace.
18. Cultivate and celebrate the spirit of wonder in little kids.
19. If other kids believe in Santa Claus and you don't - don't ruin it for them.
20. Always buy your wrapping paper after Christmas when it's 70% off at Target.

21. You won't get everything you want. Be grateful for what you are blessed to receive.
22. Write a Christmas list. Save your list. Someday you'll enjoy looking back at them.
23. Take time to listen to others and to learn their stories. So really, just slow down.
24. You can say "Merry Christmas" to others even if they just say "Happy Holidays" to you.
25. Be grateful. Be thankful. Love your family. And remember why you celebrate Christmas.

It's not about stuff. When we lose focus then this Christmas season has the potential to become this crazy hectic want to pull our hair out month where we breathe the sigh of relief that it is January. And you know what else? Remember number fourteen - even if life isn't perfect or what you expect or all of that - there can still be good and joy. It's the little things. Look for the joy, the good, the wonder, and all of that first.

What's on your list?

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All photographs used by permission and credited to Hannah Nicole.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

sweet glimpses of joy. #fridayfaves #findjoy

even with the sick days
and littles under the weather
Christmas was still a beautiful celebration
of family
laughter, joy, and sweet moments.
these are just some of my favorite things.
{write yours and link below}

sweet stockings
lined up on 
Christmas morning
with handmade blue notes
written by Brennan 
including one to himself
that started with the introduction
"to a great guy."
love him.

Doctor Who

an absolute

absolute

absolute

favorite of my sweet daughter Chloe.

And that book we got her?

Another favorite. 

puzzle time

with my sisters

on Christmas Day

at my parents

It took us one hour

to complete the 750 piece puzzle.

Blessed to spend time together.

 

the cookie plate

with the token leftover 

and with a bite taken out of it 

cookie

left on Christmas morning.

Love.

lights

on the stairs 

at my parents.

there is something 

magical about them

perhaps it's because they've put lights on the stairs

since I was a child.

Memories.

this

backyard

is always my favorite

so blessed to have grown up 

with this beautiful piece of nature

as my backyard

and blessed that my children get to enjoy it as well.

little boys

sitting on Grandma's couch

after opening presents

content to just sip juice

and spend time together.

sweet feet

does one ever grow tired of them?

Love those little feet.

and these are my favorite things.

This is week 95
of intentional gratitude.
Write your faves, grab the button, and link below.


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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! May your day be filled with moments of joy and a celebration of family. Many blessings to each of you - you've blessed me this year with your kind comment, encouragement, and sweet words. Enjoy today! ~Rachel

6 {real life} Gifts for Children

There are lists everywhere right now about top gifts for kids - they're full of ideas, presents, and hot and must purchase items. This weekend I pondered what kids really need and once again, while the gifts are fabulous and they bring a level of childhood joy, there are other, more simple real life gifts, that kids also need during the holidays. I was reminded of the need to step back, slow down, and to look at life through the eyes of my children - and how often the simple things are the most needed. ~rachel

Here are six gifts for children that we can bless them with in the midst of the busy.

1. Wonder. Sometimes I wish I could regain that wonder of childhood. It's that ability to see the world for what it is without attaching labels, stipulations, and rules onto what one sees. Kids need to be able to wonder about life. They need those moments of staring at lights twinkling in the background and to sit in wonder. Bless them with sweet moments in their days for wonder without us pushing to the next thing, explaining everything to them, and pulling away from the magic found in this time of year. And us adults? We can learn from them - they teach us to sit back and find contentment in the most simple moments.

2. Time. Kids need you. Of course the parties, events, shopping and all of that is fun, but bottom line, they need you to be present and sharing of moments with them. Slow down, slow down, slow down and establish times in the midst of your busy where they are the most important. Don't race through December and miss out on sitting with your children as they rest in wonder. Embrace them. Slow down. Look at the wonder in the world around you. Be content in the not busy times.

3. Tradition. Create traditions for your family. If you don't have any, don't fret, just start today - life isn't about having everything perfect, but is rather about constantly making progress and moving. Traditions create time and moments and ultimately wonder for your children. We have very simply traditions in our home - a count down chain made with construction paper, cutting and saving the tree trunk, baking cookies - now gluten free, exchanging names, and more. Look at what your kids love and work to create beautiful traditions tucked within the busy.

4. Space. Give them space. This is different than you giving them of your time. This is about giving them space within the busy to have those moments of wonder. I've noticed that the more busy our family becomes the more stressed out the kids become - even if the events are wonderful and exciting. Schedule space for your children in this time. Let them create, color, draw, and dream. Don't worry about the mess, but rather encourage them to be still and in the moment.

5. Freedom to give. One of the most beautiful things about children, and that I have observed with my own children, is the unselfish desire to give and create for others. They'll make some craft or go through their room or find change sitting around that they want to give and I tell them maybe not that or let's find something different or let's pull out the craft book and make something specific. Let them give what they create. Maybe the craft isn't perfect, but it's made from their heart. It's like letting them decorate the tree - let them decorate it and don't fix it - there is heart and goodness in what they do. Give them the freedom to give without the perfectionist stipulations that often we place on what they do. Some of my favorite gifts are gifts that they made all on their own without me pressing on my agenda.

6. You. Finally, bless your children with you. One of the best things that I do, and need to remember to do more often, is when I write my schedule with blocks of time for each of my children. Those times are not about what I think we should be doing, but rather these times are set aside for my children to share with me what they want to do and then we'll spend time together doing that. Cooking together, cutting snowflakes, reading - little things that are on their hearts. Best part? You will get a glimpse into their heart and what they value and what is important. Just slow down, listen, and truly work to be present and not only will you bless them, but you will also find yourself greatly blessed.

These are six little real life gifts that can truly bless our families in the midst of the busiest month of the year. Slow down, laugh, enjoy the moments, and look for joy. 

What are some gifts that you can bless your children with?

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Operation Christmas Child #OCCGiving

Yesterday, Grace and I went shopping at Target and Dollar Tree. Now, those of you who know me or follow me on twitter or Instagram will know that me shopping, especially at Target, is not a rare occasion. But, yesterday, the shopping wasn't for me.

It was for Operation Christmas Child, part of Samaritan's Purse, and a little girl who we imagined to be eleven years old, just like my Grace, who lives somewhere else in this world. And we Christmas shopped for her.

It was an amazing experience.

We stood there, side by side, and looked at items - brushes, combs, barrettes, toys, crayons, books, flashlights, candy - and imagined this girl, this girl who we will never see but is already impressed upon our hearts - opening this shoebox filled with the treasures that we picked out on a mild November day in Minnesota.

It was an overwhelming experience of joy and giving and hope and gratitude.

We squished and pushed and rearranged and repackaged and bent and crammed all of those items into a much too small shoebox. And as I stood in my kitchen putting in those headbands, socks, candy, toys, color crayons, bags, and more my eyes filled with tears. This cost me $30. That is it. Thirty dollars that I would spend on so many other things without blinking an eye. Thirty dollars that to me, probably won't make a difference in my life, but for this girl in our hearts - these boxes are life changing.

They often get nothing. These children. All over the world.

And that is why, today, I am beyond proud to share our experience about packing our Operation Christmas Child box. These boxes matter. They are intentional. They are about giving back. And, my friends, you will be blessed in return. My eyes were so full of tears as I explained to my kids just why she'll be excited about this box wrapped in last years roll of Christmas paper will matter. I told them that these are the only presents she will receive and that these items will be treasured.

I put in a picture that Caleb drew her. And a sweet note that said Merry Christmas with a smile.

And tears fell down my cheeks.

This wasn't about me. This was about her. And bringing a bit of joy to someone else's life. Life isn't just about getting - it's about learning to bless. And, I'm so grateful to be able to share this experience with my children and teaching them the joy in giving to others.

Life matters.

This week is the annual collection week for Operation Christmas Child. I am so blessed to be able to share our opportunity with you and am thankful for Blogfrog for facilitating this mass media blitz.

You can make a difference. One shoebox at a time.
Please join Operation Christmas Child this year.
Bring joy.

Visit Operation Christmas Child to find out more.

Join the Operation Christmas Child Facebook Page.
Join on twitter at @OCC_Shoeboxes using hashtag #OCCGiveBack
Join on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/OCCshoeboxes
And finally - watch this video about 100millionth shoebox given. And try to not cry.



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This is a sponsored conversation thanks to Blogfrog. No compensation was given, and all opinions are my own.Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.
Operation Christmas Child and influencer marketing platform BlogFrog have teamed up with 200 bloggers like me to spread the word about this great cause. 

8 Steps to Cleaning up After Christmas

This was written last year, but I thought it worthy to share again. I had written a a post over at The Homeschool Post detailing why I don't clean up the day after Christmas. (You can read it here Christmas Mess.) Well,then after that I followed it up with how I actually attack the Christmas clean-up -- it can be overwhelming, but with a great strategy it can be doable. Don't let the clean up rob you of joy. ~rachel

1} Have a good attitude. Yes. I just wrote have a good attitude and as I tell my kids I mean it.  Here's why. I have found that is incredibly easy to slip into a posture of grumbling as one removes ornaments, or puts away presents, or sweeps up pine needles, and reclaims the kitchen. Yes, it's work. But, honestly, it's work that I must remember to be grateful for -- so many blessings that could be overlooked.

2} Create mini-goals. When I look at the entire clean up process it's easy to get a bit frazzled by the scope of what to do. So I create smaller objectives and goals. Gather the ornaments. Bring in the tote boxes and sort. Take Christmas lights off outside. Wash Christmas dishes. And gradually it will all get done. It helps to have mini-rewards as well. Like, for instance, a latte when the tree is all done. ;)

3} Donate. Sometimes I'll work through this step prior to Christmas, but on years where I miss it {like this year} I'll bring a big box down into our laundry/storage room and fill it with items that we can donate. Games that got played only a couple times, toys that we've outgrown and more. I'll also bring a big black contractor garbage bag down and work to fill it with stuff that is broken or just doesn't fit the "donate" category. And, lol, I have to work to actually schedule my pick-up for that donate stuff -- often it sits in a corner in my garage -- for far too long.

4} Keep one thing out. Last year we kept the top of our Christmas countdown chain hanging high in our dining area. It can be a really small and simple thing -- like the paper chain -- or it can be something more elaborate. My reasoning? Serves as a reminder of Christmas and keeps our family grateful for the gift of Christ's birth.

5} Roll the tree. This really only applies to those of you who purchase real trees -- but feel free to do it with your artificial one.  Once the tree is outside waiting for pickup I'll take the tree and roll it around looking for the ornament that we forgot to pull off. I'm thinking I'm going to make a special box for that one ornament for the next year -- the ornament that almost didn't make it -- or something like that and then it can go on first the following year. Make sure to organize those ornaments now before next year. You'll be grateful next December.

6} Get the kids involved. Make taking everything down as festive as putting it up. I'll assign roles -- one to get ornaments off, one to sort them {we sort by child}, one to help wrap, one to roll garland, etc... It makes the work light and much more fun. It also helps remind them to be grateful for all the blessings that they recently received.

7} Enjoy that moment where the house feels like it's gained an enormous amount of space. Seriously. Have you ever had that?  Once the tree is down your house feels like you've gained another room? It's crazy how much extra space I feel like I have then -- so I truly try to remember it for those times when I feel like we're too crowded.

8} Be thankful. Take a moment and just be thankful. For your family, for the time to spend together, for the freedom to celebrate Christmas, for the year, and for the new year, for health, for the presents that you received, and so forth. Let the process of taking down the Christmas decorations be a lesson of gratitude.

On my schedule today? More of the above. I've taken down about 1/4 of the Christmas decorations. I must say that I love it right now that Minnesota is so warm -- it helps with organizing the Christmas totes in the corner of the garage. Although I do miss snow. Sigh.

**edited to add - this year, 2012, we've had an abundance of snow and the typical cold temps. :)

How about you? What are your Christmas clean up strategies?

miscellany type observations

First, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Our weekend was busy -- full of family, and good {make that great} food, games, driving, rest, and being grateful for our Savior's birth. Of course, over the weekend I made several observations regarding what works, what needs to change, and things that made me laugh.

Here's my post Christmas miscellany.

1} A Higher Dollar Amount Does NOT Guarantee Present Enjoyment. Case in point. The Friday before Christmas I still had some stockings to stuff. Stockings for a family of nine can easily break the bank -- so my hubby suggested I check out the dollar store. While there I picked up a whoopie cushion for Elijah. Which became his favorite gift. Go figure.

2} Watch out where you sit. Now that we have a whoopie cushion in the house one must be very careful if Elijah comes by and says momma stand up quick for me and now sit down. And then laughs. Then when you sit down make sure you sit down very dramatically as to cause the four year old of yours to laugh even harder.

3} Gluten Free Cookies Rock. Especially my chocolate brownies with the mint frosting. I might have had to taste test several of them. Well, make it more than a couple.  Just look at that very full plate of those brownies sitting there. Sigh...

4} Read my post at The Post. I wrote about not cleaning up the Christmas mess. I am going to need to print it out and remind myself of it today -- as I trip over new toys, find homes for new clothes, deal with left-over cookies, and exchange some presents. Such a gift to be blessed with all of that new stuff -- that's what I need to remember. Click this title to hop over there -- Why You Shouldn't Clean up the Christmas Mess.

5} Pictures always Win. My family {brother, sisters, nephew, and my brother's awesome dog - Leo} gathered together in October, took a picture, and had it printed on canvas for my parents. In the process, we managed to snag a couple extra pics of my kids, my sister and her son, and some silly shots of me with my siblings. These pictures? A goldmine of meaningful  presents. The pic below? My family.

6} Case in Point. My father-in-law's response when he opened the present of his grandkids {my kids} in a beautiful framed print. I love that he loves us so so much. And we love him just as much in return. :)

7} The Netbook. Remember that picture with me holding the little Acer Netbook? Well, that was my parents -- which they let me borrow when I went to Relevant and then let me use for a bit {a long bit -- our desktop is now a paperweight desktop}. Yesterday, at their house, they blessed our family with a new netbook {I don't have a picture yet} - this is a HUGE blessing. I use it for writing posts, for homeschooling, and now my parents have theirs back. ;)

8} Favorite Picture from 2011. My friend, Sam, from Sam's Noggin, and I are hosting a link-up where you can pick your favorite picture from 2011. I know, I know, one picture? How on earth do you choose? So get your thinking caps on and decide which picture you'd pick {and I'd let it slide if you did more than one} and come on back to link up. I've included the linky code if you want to grab it and write your post today -- it will go live tomorrow morning. :)

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9} Games. Books. And Rest. That's what's on my plan for the rest the day. We've got some really fun new games -- including the deluxe edition of Apples to Apples {we love that game} -- that I want to play with my family. Yesterday, at my parents we played Dicecapades -- equally fun and crazy.  Playing with my family is certainly a favorite thing! And eating those cookies...

10} Social Media. I took two days off. No tweets, facebooks, blogging, email checking or anything. It was strange to have everything so "silent" and yet it was so incredibly needed. Make sure to intentionally do this in your life. So today, I'm trying to ease back into the online world -- slowly -- and that's okay. You want to make sure to capture the real moments, the wonder in life, and often that means intentionally stepping back.

How about you? How was your Christmas?
Any new fun family games that you must share with me?

linking up with my sweet friend, Carissa.