GIFT 1- THE GIFT OF SERVICE Dennis made the mangers last year, so we added the bag with straw and name cards , along with the book to start their family service projects.
GIFT 2- THE GIFT OF MUSIC I made a Christmas CD with some our favorites!!
GIFT 3- GIFT OF LOVE They made Red Velvet Cookies to give to neighbors.
GIFT 4- THE GIFT OF FRIENDS They wrote letters to their closest friend.
GIFT 5- THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
GIFT 6- THE GIFT OF SACRIFICE- We gave them money in the envelopes, they in turn took that money and used it to help someone in need. I loved hearing all their stories afterwards.
GIFT 7- GIFT OF MEMORIES ( a favorite!! I pulled out about 12 family photos from Christmases past, then Den and I recorded our voices sharing our memories from those years)
GIFT 8- THE GIFT OF WORK (OPPS! that one landed on a Sunday!?)
GIFT 9- THE GIFT OF FOOD
GIFT 10- GIFT OF TIME (TELISA made amazing family calendars again this year!!)
GIFT 11- GIFT OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (She also made darling ABC Gospel books for the children)
GIFT 12- GIFT OF FAMILYFor Christmas this year we changed things up a bit. Instead of giving regular Christmas presents, Den and I decided to do the 12 Gifts of Christmas. I tried to focus this gifts of the importance of the season and hopefully give a cherished memory to our family in lieu of the traditional kind of gifts. After each gift was completed, the kids could put a magnet that I attached to the envelope, on the Christmas Tree magnet board. The idea was born from my friend, Carol Lambert, who has done it with her family for years. Boy, it was a lot of work!! But it turned into quite a spiritual journey for me. I hope my family enjoyed the journey, as well.
On Christmas Eve, we discovered our stockings were completely jammed with letters of Gratitude and Appreciation from nearly every family member!!! It meant the world to us! Best Christmas present ever!
