This is a new tradition we are starting this year.

Over the years we have spent too much money and too much time late at night, the night before Christmas Eve or Christmas wrapping numerous gifts. It’s not like all of them were toys; items often included lots of things like clothes, socks, underwear or others but I feel like it was getting in the way of what the season is really all about.

Plus the regular ole items (undies, socks, etc.) our children need anyhow could just be purchased throughtout the year and don’t need to wait until Christmas to be given. 

It can get overwhelming buying a lot of gifts. Especially for 4 kids (we are expecting baby #4 at the end of this year or beginning of next year) Plus they really don’t need a lot since it’s not about the gifts and we have more than enough.

So, I first came across this idea from my friend Erin, The Humbled Homemaker and Stacy, from Stacy Makes Cents. I thought, gosh, only 3 gifts, but the past couple years the concept has grown on my husband and I. 

So we decided to take snippets from both of those ladies and create our own. They will get 5 things plus one Santa gift and of course their stockings. Here are some thoughts on Santa and reasons we “include” him. 

Five Gift Christmas:

I won’t take a lot of time to explain all of these because they are self explanatory. These are the categories of what we are going to get our kids this year:

• Something they Want
• Something they Need
• Something to Wear
• Something to Read
• Something Kingdom (faith-based)

Examples could be: Lincoln Wants a specific Lego set, London Needs a small dresser for her room. Something to Wear… Julia needs a new coat and something to Read… Lincoln is going to get a chapter book he’s been asking about. Something Kingdom, which we are using instead of spiritual, meaning faith-based. So maybe a cross necklace for Julia or a boy’s devotional book for Lincoln and a Veggie Tales Nativity for London. (We are still working on getting gifts and deciding exactly what we are getting our them.)

To go along with this new tradition, I made a printable my kids can fill out as they think of things that fall under certain categories. Feel free to use this concept with your kids!

You can get your Christmas Wishlist Printable here. 

What new traditions are you starting this year? How many gifts do you get your children? 

The post Five Gift Christmas {Plus a Free Printable} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Review by Lydia @ FrugalDebtFreeLife.com, Contributing Writer 

On the 5th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A family-friendly book created to help focus on the true meaning of Christmas. This book shares ideas, games and recipes.

12-Day Nativity: Christmas Activities for a Christ-Centered Home is designed to bring your family closer to Christ this Christmas with twelve days of activities, recipes, service projects, and crafts. Each day you’ll focus on the symbolism and meaning behind one of the figures from your Nativity set. Learn about Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and-of course-baby Jesus, and create a holiday tradition you’ll want to repeat year after year.

Features of 12 Day Nativity Book and Nativity Set

• daily games and activities
• service projects for the whole family
• recipes
• dress up activities 
• a beautiful nativity suitable for children 

Now for my review:

There is something magical about Christmas. It’s so easy to get swept up in all the excitement and sparkle. But as a mom I want to teach my children that the reason our family celebrates Christmas is because of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Without Jesus, it’s just a day in December. So I am constantly looking for meaningful ways to bring Christ to the forefront of celebration. 

So I was really excited when on my doorstep landed the book “12-Day Nativity: Christmas Activities for a Christ-Centered Home.”

The book is packed with useful ways to bring the nativity story to life. My children are very young, just four and two, so learning through play is such a huge part of our life. 

I was pleased to open the book and see from the get go it was geared toward play and acts of service, two things my children love. 

We started the 12-Day Nativity by creating our own Bethlehem out of a cardboard box. This opened up discussion about what Bethlehem might have been like, the types of houses people lived in and what they might have eaten. 

We also prepared our home for Jesus and practiced swaddling a baby. Of course, I live in a boy house, so the closest thing to a baby doll was Charlie Brown. 

The book also introduces different characters within the nativity story, like, of course, Mary and Joseph. But we also discuss the shepherds and various animals. 

The book also offers fun games like playing hide and seek with a nativity set lamb.

However, the book isn’t just surface. It’s more than just games and craft ideas. The book goes much deeper than that, providing scripture passages, message to reflect upon and acts of service you can do to bring the light of the Gospel to your community. 

For example, on the first day the 12-Day Nativity suggests setting a place at your table for Jesus. On the last day the book suggests inviting someone without family to spend Christmas Eve in celebration with you. Another suggestion was to make care bags for the homeless. 

What I Liked:

1. The emphasis on playtime activities 
2. Predesigned crafts
3. Song ideas and object lessons 
4. The emphasis on scripture

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

See the 12-Day Nativity here! 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a copy of the 12 Day Nativity book along with a small nativity set to use! Use rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I, Lydia, was given the product(s), to review with my fair and honest opinions. If you would like more info or to have a product reviewed, please contact Rachel.

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: 12 Day Nativity Book} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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The first year, we just opened our business after waiting on God and then last year I let the busyness take over and didn’t make time. And I cannot promise I’ll be able to do all the activities this year but I am going to make an effort, even though today is the first day of the advent activities and I have nothing ready.

Truth in Tinsel Q&A:

What is the best age group for Truth in the Tinsel.?

Honestly, I think it’s for all ages. I started doing stuff like this with my daughter when she was not even 2. And I know of families who have done Truth in the Tinsel with teenagers! There is something about Christmastime that makes everyone open to crafts!

How much do you think it costs for all of the supplies?

What do you do if you miss a day? Is it still something to think about doing if you can’t do all the days?

What is your kids’ favorite day/lesson from Truth in tinsel?

Well, they love Zechariah. It’s a funny little craft that uses bubble wrap!

What’s the best part if doing truth in the tinsel as a parent?

How do you teach your kids that Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas?

The post We’re Going to Try Truth in the Tinsel this Year appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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