I started 2 new traditions this December for our family – a December Daily journal and Advent activities. Instead of a piece of candy inside the wrapped box, I included an activity to do. The activities have been a hit with the kids and they get excited about taking turns opening the day’s box. It was important to Jeff and I that some of the activities were others centered this holiday season.
The advent boxes…
Our favorite activities so far:
Zoolights
First Assembly Christmas Pageant
Take poinsettias to Nursing Home
Send care packages to soldiers serving in Afghanistan (my favorite)
I was an Air Force brat and attended 5 high schools in 4 years. Being a child or a spouse takes tremendous sacrifice and creates many burdens. That knowledge creates an extra burden for a soldier to carry while serving their country.
I contacted several people whose spouses were serving in the military. I heard back from 2 military wives and got a list of their favorite things. The kids got busy after opening their advent box.
They went shopping for their soldier’s favorites things…
The kids read about both of the soldiers and saw many pictures. The internet is so cool as having a more personal connection, they asked lots of questions. It just became real to them when they saw pictures of their wives and children that were going to be missing them for Christmas.
They wrote their letters…
They assembled the boxes…
They shipped their packages…
Let me encourage you to do something for another person this holiday season. This brought me joy. This brought my children joy. And I’m certain it will bring joy to 2 soldiers and 3 nursing home residents.
Blessings, Jenny
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Comments
elise
this is so sweet. Paul is going to really appreciate it and I do too. thank you.
Jenny
So excited to hear how Paul enjoys his Christmas package. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. Genuinely thankful to all of you.
Lisa Muniz
What great ideas. Your children will remember doing these activities forever. What a great tradition to start!
Jenny
I’ll be the first to say that I have had some strange ideas in the past to try that failed, but this has been an awesome idea and has just been such a joy filled experience.
angieinpink
oh my goodness! i love your blog so much. those packages to the soliders are so cute! darling family/darling mother.
Jenny
Thanks, Angie! I’m glad you enjoyed this- something you could start easily with your giving heart. Join in on the fun.
Nancy Wyatt
These are all amazing activities and to help others such a great lesson. Good momma!! And I love that you are sending Josh a care package!! So cool! Love how much he and karen love each other! hugs from Conroe, TX
Jenny
Thanks, Nancy. Yes, both of these soldiers are husbands to 2 ladies that I read their blogs. Beautiful people who are sacrificing a lot so I think it’s the least my family can do.