Growing up, we always hung a stocking for Jesus at Christmas time. One year, I tried to get my siblings to write their good deeds on a slip of paper and put them in the stocking as a gift for Jesus, but you know how siblings can be... After about a week or so, I gave up because I was the only one doing it, but it's time to start a similar tradition with my own family (because my kids listen to me better than my siblings did). I've been waiting until my kids were a little bit older and now that Princess is 5 and Little Man is 3, they're able to understand things a little better so it's time.
Which is why, when I received the book "The Sparkle Box" to review, I was thrilled. Here's a synopsis of the book from the website:
Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's
thinking about what to put on his Christmas list, anticipating holiday
parties and puzzling over one very mysterious gift – a sparkly box
sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. Written by Jill Hardie and brought to life by the rich illustrations of Christine Kornacki, The Sparkle Box is
a heartfelt Christmas story that celebrates the beauty and excitement
of the Christmas season, while gently bringing the true meaning of
Christmas into focus through a story that features a powerful Christmas
tradition. Children and adults of all ages will be captivated by The Sparkle Box and
forever changed when they discover the Sparkle Box is a gift that
honors Jesus on his birthday. Readers moved to adopt this faith-centered
Christmas tradition in their homes can put a Sparkle Box, included with
the book, under their own Christmas tree.
This book explains the whole concept really well for young kids and Princess is already excited to get started on our own Sparkle Box. I loved that the book came with a sparkle box in the back to put together and use. We haven't started filling it up yet, but I think December 1st would be a good time to start to kick off the Christmas season :) I've been putting together a list of Random Acts of Kindness I can do with the kids.
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| The Sparkle Box assembled. |
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| It really sparkles! |
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Each year we donate a new toy to the local charity groups who run a Christmas Shop for families in need - they get vouchers to come and "Purchase" toys for the kids and the parents & then they are gift wrapped ready for Christmas morning. I have volunteered in the shop previously but with a toddler for a few years I will just donate.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas Shop sounds like such a neat idea!
DeleteWe really like to go as a family to visit the residents at nursing homes.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy doing that too as a family :)
DeleteTake a pie to a person's home you know is alone and eat it with them while visiting.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! Everybody loves pie and it's even better when you eat it with someone else :)
DeleteHave the kids help rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.
ReplyDeleteGood idea and as a bonus, it helps the kids burn energy :)
DeleteThank you :)
ReplyDelete