Slowing down this Christmas... How our family creates a meaningful Christmas

Christmas has always been a special time for us, though in the past, the season often seemed rushed and meaningless...

I struggled with guilt for not accomplishing enough on the 'to-do' list. Every other obligation seemed to rise above the things that were most important to me... I was deeply bothered by the commercialism, selfishness, covetousness, and lack of meaning surrounding this season.

homemade beeswax candles make a simple and beautiful table center piece

But last Christmas my husband and I made the decision to be intentional about what we do and how we spend our time. My focus turned to creating memories with the children instead of feeding their natural tendencies toward selfishness and covetousness.

jelly jar beeswax candle, bakers twine, pine cone, and an old pewter platter

So, every week I try to do at least one thing with the children to make memories and traditions. This time usually involves a crafting or baking project. But it is always something special, always something out of the normal, and always done as a family.

little hands exploring a homemade Christmas ornament

Some things we are doing and enjoying this Christmas season are

 hot chocolate from scratch, with homemade whipped cream and peppermint sticks

making cinnamon dough ornaments

decorating the Christmas tree

reading of the first Advent from the bible

baking cookies and listening to traditional Christmas music

driving around looking at Christmas lights

eating way too many cinnamon rolls

making wooden clothespin ornaments

dried oranges and cinnamon dough ornaments adorn our simple little Christmas tree

I hope you are able to slow down this Christmas season, take the time to be more intentional, and make this season meaningful.

ps look for a post soon with a recipe for cinnamon dough ornaments.