Can you believe Christmas is only a few weeks away? We hope you and your family are looking forward to a wonderful season! In lieu of my regular message, I would like to share this article from Focus on the Family. It communicates a great message that ministered to my heart and I hope it does to yours as well. I am praying your Christmas is blessed and full of God’s comfort, joy and peace!
Simplify Your Holiday Season By Judy Gyde
Many parents secretly dread December. The extra pressures of juggling children, work, and Christmas preparations can be stressful. They want to do everything right — the food, the presents, the decorations — and recapture the family intimacy they once knew. If the Christmas season usually leaves you feeling frazzled and empty, you can make this year different. Here are some ways you can simplify your holiday season.
Planning for the Holiday Season
By planning the time carefully, it’s possible to focus on the warmth and beauty of the season. To help you see where you can simplify, make three lists: what needs to be done, what events you wish to attend, and what gifts you plan to buy.
Next, consider everything on your lists. Which items take time or money but could be eliminated? Are you being too generous with too many people? Excessive generosity may not be possible on a tight budget, and simple gifts can be just as meaningful. To save time and money, watch for items on sale and consider buying several gifts during one shopping trip.
Ask your children what is most and least important to them regarding the holidays. You may be surprised by their answers. Consider skipping the things that don’t matter to them, and retire old traditions that have lost their appeal.
All parents want their children to have a great Christmas, but the love and time spent together are what will be most remembered. If this holiday is more simple this year than it has been in the past, that is okay. Celebrating together is what matters most at the end of the day.
Simplify with Support
Although it’s fun to gather with relatives to celebrate the holidays, sometimes the distance and cost make it impossible. But your family doesn’t have to celebrate alone. Invite other single-parent families to join you for dessert, for a sledding adventure or to see Christmas light displays.
Friends can offer emotional support and practical help. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and neighbors for small favors. Most people are happy to help if they are able.
As people bless you, think of ways your family can bless others. Even discuss with your kids the possibility of donating to charity, and let them help choose which items to give.
As you simplify the holiday season and connect with other families, you and your children will be better able to focus on the magnificent gift of Christmas.
Final Thoughts on Simplifying Your Holiday Season
Stress tends to surround the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As you plan for the holidays, remember why we celebrate. The Son of God was born on Christmas day. On New Year’s day, we celebrate what the Lord has done and will do. Ultimately memories with your kids will mean the most as you think about holiday celebrations. Simplify your holiday season and set your sights on the Father.
Many Blessings,
Alicia “Allie” Varela
Director of Children’s Ministry
This month’s resource is a brand new advent devotional for families! It is an incredible resource to help kids use their imaginations and curiosity as they dive into the scriptures for this very special time of the year! Your family can download a PDF of the devotional at Family Faith Builders website. If you would prefer a print copy, it is available for purchase on Amazon!
When I was in Nashville in September, I had the privilege of meeting Vanessa and her passion for helping families with faith formation at home is contagious. I have purchased this devotional for my family and I have a couple copies to give away! Stop at the TWCCKids check in table at either campus if you would like a copy.
Here’s what’s coming up in TWCCKids Ministry
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH: CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DAY
On Sunday, December 17th, TWCCKids will be having our crowd favorite Christmas Spirit Day! This will not be a combined service; service will be happening as normal. Bring your kids to their TWCCKids classroom dressed to show their Christmas Spirit! This could be their Christmas pajamas, a christmas shirt, Christmas socks, whatever they have that shows how much they love Christmas! We will have special crafts, special treats and a special lesson for each classroom! Your kids will not want to miss this fun Sunday!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24TH: CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICES
TWCCKids will be closed on Christmas Eve for a special family service. This will not be a combined service; service will be happening at our regular times. There will be service bags available at the Central campus and Family Tables will be available in the Upper Room at the Olive Campus.
Additionally, in our TWCCKids Children’s Ministry classrooms, we will be practicing special songs to sing during this Christmas Eve service. If you would like to practice the songs at home with your kids, CLICK HERE FOR THE SONGS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: END OF THE YEAR WORSHIP SERVICE
TWCCKids will be closed on the final Sunday of 2023 for a special end of the year service. We are not sure what this service will look like yet as it is still being planned but we truly believe it will be a very special time for all of our TWCC families to end the year honoring and worshiping God together!
What we're teaching
SERIES OVERVIEW:
Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this four-week series, kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.
