I hate snow, why can’t we live in Hawaii?
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1 Thessalonians 5:18
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New Year’s resolutions – do you make them?
New Years is just a few days away. Have you been thinking about making a New Year’s resolution? I have to admit, while I don’t usually say them out loud, I do make them. Usually they’re things like: losing a few pounds, spending more time in God’s Word, or wanting to spend more time with the family. But, the reality is I rarely see them through to the end of the year. No matter how hard I try, I typically fail in some area. But, here’s the good news – it doesn’t matter. What’s the lesson for kids? Not sure, but remind them what the Bible says about our word – “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” In other words, your word is important. This kind of integrity can lead others to Christ.
Proactive Christmas vacation for the kids
The time after Christmas can be depressing. We get all geared up for the holiday, then “boom” it’s done and then we wait for the ball to drop so we can start the new year. For kids this can be a time of frustration – almost like the holiday sugar hang-over. They many not even know what’s causing it. Gift envy can create jealousy, frustration and all-out conflict with brothers and sisters. What do we do? Be proactive about the Christmas vacation. Give your kids things to do like help take down the Christmas tree and put away the decorations. Give them daily chores to do before playtime. And, schedule some time together as a family just having fun. Togetherness during the holidays will be something they remember for a lifetime.
God bless us everyone
It’s Christmas. This day is FINALLY here. It’s a day everyone’s been waiting for. The kids finally get to open their presents. The family will finally be altogether. While that’s great for most families, it’s also a very difficult day for others. It’s the first holiday without a loved one. It’s a time when family ISN’T together because of a major misunderstanding. Christmas highlights the good and the bad in people. Which, to me, is amazing because that’s why Jesus was born – to bring the good to earth to die for the bad. Wherever you find yourself this year, the blessing of happiness or the frustration of disappointment, remember Jesus came to die for you and for me. That’s reason to celebrate whether you’re together or alone.
What’s so good about Christmas?
The most wonderful time of the year can be the worst time of year for some. For families that are struggling with loss through death, divorce, or some other disfunction it can be lonely, stressful, and sad. If you’re a blended family you may not have the kids this year, especially if you live apart. If you think it’s hard on you, think about the kids. These are tough days, for sure. But remember, through God’s Word he tells us that verse you’re probably tired of hearing – “all things work together for good to those who love God.” While it may be hard, try to cherish the time you DO have and make new traditions that the kids will remember. If you don’t struggle with this pray for those who do and are. They need us.
Don’t look at me. DON’T!
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Cookies. Candy. Cutting down the Christmas tree. Decorating. And, Christmas programs. Some of our kids love them. Others hate them. Others don’t mind them but want to be ignored. Many times the reaction to uncomfortableness of these programs end up being more entertaining than the actual program itself. How should we handle this? If it’s an embarrassing situation, don’t do what I did – post it to Facebook or Instagram. That can hurt some kids. Secondly, talk about it. If they’re afraid point to Scripture instructing us NOT to fear. And, thirdly, let them practice in front of the family. Sometimes that’s all they need to be okay in front of people.
My daughter is so nervous. I’m nervous for her!
That dreaded Christmas program. Your daughter has a major part. She agreed to do it, but with just days before the performance she does NOT want to do it. She’s scared to death, and you don’t blame her. Have you ever thought that maybe she’s scared because YOU are. LOL Seriously, I’ve seen it happen. On the other hand there are some parents who want their very shy kids to have the leading roll to get them out of their comfort zones. That can be a disaster. While that may be something we may enjoy, our kids might not. Let them decide – encourage them. Help them. Where do I draw the line? School programs. Yes, they HAVE to do those group events.
My kids are asking for so much!
Can you blame them? They see ad after ad on their favorite TV shows, free online games on their mobile devices, and their friends are talking about what their families have. When our kids are friends with families where the kids run the home, it’s easy to learn selfishness and greed. But as parents we can make a difference. Yes, kids will complain about us placing limits on Christmas gifts and helping them understand their selfishness and greed, and suggest ways they could show selflessness and generosity. One year my middle daughter asked if she could forgo getting presents and use the money to buy gifts for the poor. We agreed – but we bought her gifts anyway. It brought us great joy see her pick gifts for someone in need.
An empty nest? What am I gonna do?
It’s nearly Christmas and you realize that next year you’re last child will be off at college and there won’t be anyone around. Decorating the Christmas tree will just be you and your husband – or maybe just you. Being without your last born has you totally freaked out. My wife and I have one left at home. She’s already talking about moving into her own apartment. While it’s a joy to know she’s independent, it’s sad knowing that this season of life is coming to an end and that I’m officially OLD. The good new is, now we’re in a situation where our kids actually become friends and we have more time to do all those things we’ve been wanting to do. The hard part is we miss them.
Are your kids going nuts about Christmas?
My kids? What about me? If you’re anything like me, you get more excited about Christmas than the kids do. Now that my youngest is 17, that’s definitely the case. I’m ALWAYS the first one up – usually around 6. Why? I’m not sure. I think it’s a combination of nostalgia, anticipation and excitement about a day where we can not only provide gifts to those we love, but honor the ONE who loves us most. I know your kids are probably talking about presents, presents and more presents. Help your kids think about something other than materialism. Keeping the Word opened during this time is key to that – reading the Christmas story. Maybe having them act it out. Will they like it? Maybe not, but it’s planting spiritual seeds.
Tempers, oh no – it broke
While Christmas brings a lot of joy, it can also bring a lot of frustration – especially when there’s that one thing all the kids fight over. Maybe it’s to put on a special Christmas ornament. One Mom wrote to me saying a special Christmas ornament was broken because one of their kids got angry at a brother, threw a pillow and hit the Christmas tree. If it’s an heirloom, it can ruin your festive spirit not just this year, but years to come. Remember, it’s not something you can take with you. Use it as to teach your kids that our actions have consequences. Sin has consequences. As believers, yes, it’s already been forgiven – but God can use our sin to draw us closer to Him.