GodFamilyCrafts

A few days ago I asked for comments from my readers of ways they deal with stress and overload, particularly in dealing with home and children.  In the side bar to the right you will see a comment from “Lisa” who offers this solution:

…when I am at my wit’s end with the kids, what I really need is fun time with them…so I put away the books and we do something fun together. It always works!!

Thanks for the reminder, Lisa.  We don’t always need a break from our kids — sometimes we need a break WITH our kids.  Below, you will find a few of the ideas I sometimes rely on. These enable me to have fun with my kids and build up my friendship with them.

• Rake a pile of leave and jump in them
• Play in the rain
• Push the livingroom chairs and couch together and read books or play pirate ship
• Play a card game - something they choose, but a favorite of everyone’s is both educational and fun - Five State Rummy
• Clear the livingroom floor and dance!
• Climb trees
• Play in the snow
• Write secret messages with lemon juice and heat to reveal message (Use Q-tip for the “pen”)
• Play frisbee, wiffle ball, or some other backyard game
• And my favorite (and *sometimes* ok with my kids)  –Do Crafts!

I’d love to do another edition of my blog on FUN restorative things to do with out kids.  Let me know your ideas!

Thanks all,

Ann

Is it too early to think about Christmas gifts? No!  Many Catholic families like to have most of their Christmas gifts ready for giving before the first week of Advent.  Then the season of Advent can truly be focused on preparing our hearts for our Saviour’s birth. Personally, I have never been very successful in getting all my gifts ready early,  but the intention is there.

One goal I strive for, though, is to give gifts that are either handmade, re-gifted, or from a thrift shop, (yard sale, rummage sale) or free.

Here are some ideas to get you started if you want to avoid “Made in China”, high credit card bills, or would just like to de-commercialize this Holy Season.

• Used books abound, in every area of interest.  Often libraries have a rack set aside near the entrance or check out desk with books for sale. Remember: “A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
• Clothing or jewelry from the thrift or consignment shop can indeed be very nice. One of the clues to successful shopping in a thrift shop is to go, not just once, but from time to time.
• I have found that Bookmarks are always appreciated. They can be personalized, are easy to store and useful.  Using Microsoft Word, a picture of Active Daughter, and a pleasant greeting, we print several at a time.  She signs the back and we laminate them. (This can be done at a copy shop, too)
• Homemade food is always appreciated.
• Do you have a house plant lover on your list?  A month or two before Christmas, start some new plants from cuttings.

Those are just a few ideas.  I’m sure you have others!

When money is spent, it can be on such necessary and useful expenditures as:

• A supermarket gift certificate.
• Check or cash for heating fuel
• A gift card to the local pharmacy, particularly for those without prescription coverage.
• A box or basket of regular food - not the fancy gourmet foods - but cans of soup, tuna, tomato sauce. Boxes of spaghetti, a cake mix, you know…regular food.

What is THE most important aspect of Christmas gift giving — to give with A Joyful Heart. We can do this by avoiding the stress and excessive expense of overbuying and endless searching for the perfect gift.  Make the gift a gift of your love, your time and  your life instead.

Peace

Ann