We told them last year, just a few days before Christmas, “Christmas will be different next year. It won’t be presents as usual to add to our already abundant lot. Christmas will be about giving. A turning from questioning, ‘What can we get?’ to,
‘What can we give?'”
How do we teach the children to consider others more than themselves? (Philippians 2:3) We lead them by showing them, and by giving them the opportunity to practice. We hope and pray our kids will walk out their days as though they truly believe “it is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts 20:35)
One of the ideas is to give each other a tangible gift of honor and appreciation under that tree; a thanksgiving journal. The journals are a giving thanks to God and to each other, for each other.
And we’ve added entries throughout the year, and continue still.
We keep the journals in the busiest place in the house; the kitchen.
The cabinets have loads of paper and scissors and die cuts and stickers.
No writing in your own.
Make it creative and make it sincere.
Add pictures and words and stamps and love.
No peaking in your own.
Come Christmas Day we unwrap the thanks
from the heart of each, to the heart of each.
Honor is more than respect of position. Honor is valuing a person for who they are. We’ve been working on these journals throughout the year to be ready to give as homemade, meaningful gifts Christmas Day to show gratitude and honor to one another. Each member of the family has one. We write in each other’s. They are full of notes and thanks and pictures and love. It can take time and sometimes a mess, but what a gift to cherish as each child grows and leaves the nest. They can take these journals filled with notes from each sibling and parent from each year. Mama and dad will have them from the children. I am so excited about us reading them on Christmas Day. May God use them to knit our family’s hearts even closer together.
And here I leave my gratitude and my gift of thanks for all I call family.
I count you as gifts. Thank you…
Husband, for loving me the way you do, and I could write for a lifetime of how I’m grateful for you.
My eldest daughter, for late night talks filled with laughter, for staying true to yourself and challenging me to do the same.
My 2nd eldest daughter, for your determination and self-discipline and the playful silly side that shows.
My only boy, for your tender, empathetic, compassionate heart and teaching me what forgiveness is.
My littlest member, how you help me see life as an adventure to be lived
Mom, for your unconditional love and always figuring out a way to say yes when I need you.
Dad, for trying to show you love me the only way you know how.
Grandpa, for giving generously from what little you have.
Grandma, for showing me what is means to love well — you are dearly missed.
Sister, for demonstrating strength and joy and making life colorful.
Sister’s husband, for faithfully serving our country.
Brother, for making me laugh and giving me a new ways to see life.
Brother’s wife, for your gentle spirit, warm smile and loving my brother unconditionally.
Sister-in-law, for beautiful smile and by your example, helping me embrace the call of motherhood.
Brother-in-law, for not ever getting mad when your brother breaks something.
Sister-in-law, for your contagious laugh and creative mind and tender heart.
Brother-in-law, for always being welcoming.
Papa, for your generous and wisdom and strength.
Nana, for loving fierce — we miss you.
Friends, for all of you that are more like family who are generous with your kindness,
You make me rich.
#911-952