Christmas time

For some time now (years actually) it has been weighing heavy on my mind that Christmas is so commercialized. For many the most important part is the receiving of gifts. That's not how I want my kids to feel. I want to them to know and understand what the true meaning of Christmas is. Sarah does and has for some time. The younger 3 however aren't there yet. I tell them the story and emphasize the parts of Christmas I want them to see. However the commercialism of Christmas comes from every where. When we are out and about the first thing people say is "What do you want Santa to bring you?" or something similar. Christmas has become a celebration of showing off your wealth by the amount of Christmas gifts you are able to buy. Some how or another society has lost the importance of Christmas. I do understand the reasoning behind giving gifts at Christmas. However gift giving has taken over the lead roll and Jesus has been given a supporting part. I am guilty of this myself I will not deny it. Even with my kids I say things like 'if you are not good Santa won't bring you any toys'. Which in a way is supporting the idea that gifts are the important part of Christmas. 

I feel that if you base how your Christmas was on how much and what you got you are doing it all wrong. Gifts are a mere supporting roll. The true lead roll in Christmas is Jesus!! It's His birthday!! Christmas is about celebrating a precious and wonderful birth with those you love. Christmas is about sharing that love that Christ has shown us.

Ok so now that I have given you all a 'piece of mind' haha I will share a craft that I did with the kids!!

CRAFT TIME!!!!

What you need:

construstion paper

scissors

something star shaped or the ability to draw a nice star

salt

flour

water

First take the construction paper and trace or a star shape. Then cut it out. Have the kids decorate them anyway they want. Place the stars on something like parchment paper or we used baking sheets. The flour salt mixture can be done 2 ways in one big batch or a small one for each kid. I chose to let each kid make their own mixture. Take equal parts flour and salt we used 1tsp. Then add tiny bits of water until you get the consistency of gravy (it'll drip but not to watery). Then let the kids cover the stars with it. We used some old paint brushes. You could use popsicle sticks or spoons just whatever you have that'll get it on there. I do advise to not let them make it to thick. 

When it's dry it'll resemble sparkly snow. While we were making our stars we talked about the meaning of stars at Christmas time. This craft was loads of fun! The mixture is everyday kitchen stuff so it's ok when the kids try to eat it. hahaha