Let me introduce you to my friend, Courtney. Courtney DeFeo is a popular blogger and creator of ABC Scripture Cards featured on “The View.” She is a graduate of Auburn University and has worked in marketing for Chick-fil-A. Courtney and her husband, Ron, are the parents of two children. To connect with Courtney, visit CourtneyDeFeo.com.
This fall, I’ve invited a few friends to share what God is teaching them. I hope their words are an encouragement to you as you continue to awaken to the joy and delight that comes with being a child of God.
Here are 5 ways to survive the holidays with your family this year:
1. Make a Give List
We typically start with “what are we getting?” Let’s start this year with “what are we giving?” Have a family brainstorm and involve those kids. They are very creative. List the people that deserve thanks (garbage men, grandparents to strangers). Next, list how you could creatively light up their hearts with love.
2. Create a Holiday Playlist
Music makes every family smile. Pick your favorite holiday tunes and make a playlist or CD for every time you run that next errand or mall run. Take turns performing the songs – don’t forget the dance moves.
3. Help One Another
There seems to be A LOT of goodness around the holidays. Activities, parties, ideas and presents to by. Try to keep the mood happy in your home by either saying “no” to some of those – or encouraging your family to act as a team. How can we work together to wrap while watching a favorite movie? Can we deliver gifts while sipping hot chocolate?
4. Make a “Best Of” Holiday Book
Let your kids interview their grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and parents – find out their BEST memories during the holidays. Don’t forget the worst and funniest gifts you got. Read out during dinner gatherings.
5. Head Gear and Jingle Bells
Every “to do” and holiday task seems happier when my kids are wearing reindeer ears or there is a jingle bell nearby. It really is a magical time of year. Let them experience the joy of GIVING vs GETTING so it becomes who they are – not just what they do.
Jingle all the way! The joy you share in your community might be the best gift you distribute all year long.
This week we are giving away 3 copies of In This House, We Will Giggle by Courtney DeFeo.
In This House, We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life offers parents a practical approach to instilling virtues in their children through laughter, rather than lecture. Designed to cover an entire year, each of the 12 chapters highlights one key virtue in developing a child’s character, along with insights to help infuse the virtue into everyday life.
In This House, We Will Giggle teaches children to experience the goodness of God, the joy of following Jesus and the difference children can make in the lives of others.
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The three winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
What is your family’s favorite Christmas tradition?
