We've been learning letter S and
Bloom Where You Are Planted reminded me of the most important word that starts with S-Savior!
One of the joys of Christmas is visiting my parents house. My parents have been collecting nativity scenes for as long as I can remember. In their travels (all over the world) they have collected nativity sets that are beautiful works of art. But most importantly they are beautiful reminders of what this season is all about.
In almost every room of their home you are treated to a unique nativity, the perfect reminder that Jesus really is the reason for the season!
I don't know the story behind every scene, but will share with you what I do know.



The above nativity is made of small pots and was a gift from my mother in law.





Another gift from my mother in law....this one is hand carved.



This one was hand painted by my mom.


The above nativity is made from the ash from Mt. St. Helens. I have it's twin, which was a gift to my grandmother and passed down to me when my grandfather passed away.

Aren't they all amazing?
This week I talked to the boys about why we give gifts this time of year. How Jesus was a gift to our world from our Heavenly Father. We talk about how it's more important to give than to get. Of course that is a hard concept when you are little, but it's also really amazing at how generous children can be! We've spent a lot of time this year as a family preparing gifts for our neighbors and delivering them together, purchasing food for food banks and having our boys actually participate in delivering the food, and also buying toys for Toys for Tots and having the boys pick out the toys. It's not a lot, but it's a start and I hope that these small steps help reinforce in them the real meaning of Christmas.
How do you keep the Christ in Christmas?