Simplicity in celebrating. Bigger is not always better when it comes to preparing for the holidays. We anticipate the perfect decorations, the perfect place settings, the perfectly decorated tree, and of course, the lights, all the Christmas lights. Help eliminate decorating-stress by keeping it simple. Let’s take a deep breath and think about celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. As far as I remember in the story of the Christ Child being born, there were no decorations, feasts, or fancy trees decorated. Instead, there was the celebrating of the Christ Child under the stars, in a dark, smelly barn, no fancy clothes to be found, and shepherds being the first guests to arrive.
Decorating with The Jesse Tree
“Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas” is a beautiful daily devotional from December 1 to 25 shares Bible stories of how the family tree for Jesus began. Each day there is an ornament to hang on your version of the tree. To make this simple, below, you will find links to receive FREE ornaments representing each day of the story. Below is a link to Ann Voskamp’s website where you can order the book with colorful illustrations, reflective questions, and family-friendly for all ages. Also, there is a link to the original article written about the Jesse Tree.
Free ornament print outs click here (sign-up for her emails and all downloads are free)
Looking to purchase the book by Ann Voskamp, click here
Here is the SAConnects Article on Jesse Tree
Advent Wreath
Advent Wreath Booklet
If you cannot spend the Christmas season in your traditional way, here is an idea for creating an advent wreath at home and within a respectful budget.
Download The Advent Wreath – A Family Christmas Project Booklet by clicking here
Click here to see the full post on this Family Christmas Project
Zoom Celebrating
It might not be our ideal way of celebrating, but a Zoom gathering may be the best way to get family and friends to gather safely this year. Share stories, read the Birth of Jesus together, express words of gratitude, sing Christmas carols, and embrace the time you have together.
The practice of simplicity is the desire “to uncomplicate and untangle my life so I can focus on what really matters.” (Calhoun, Adele, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.) What matters is the true meaning of Christmas. Uncomplicate and untangle what doesn’t matter. Seek love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23) as gifts for you and your loved ones to share.
