Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s when we celebrate Jesus’ birth! Peace on earth, God’s good will toward mankind! It’s the Greatest Story Ever Told, and we are the recipients of it – God’s grace and mercy and salvation!
But this time of year can also get a little crazy for parents, am I right? Sometimes in the midst of all the activities, shopping, toy-induced tantrums, financial pressure, obligations, and family dynamics to navigate, we can lose track of the joy of it all.
I understand! When my kids were little, it seemed like there was so much going on that I always felt behind, and I wondered if I was doing everything right. Am I the only one who compared our life to idyllic Christmas movies? Bad idea!
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tips to give parents the WIN during this busy time of year:
Win #1 – Make Christmas Fun & Memorable
If you’re like me, you want to do special things for Christmas and make wonderful memories with your family. I just can’t always think of what to do. Well, I always do better if I have a plan. How about you? Here are 10 Tips for a Meaningful Christmas to help us out!
Win #2 – Have Fun Shopping
Now, I’m not a really great shopper, and when I added little kids into the mix, I could really get my panties in a bunch! Let’s face it – most of the time it’s way easier to leave the kids at home. But that’s not always an option, and besides, our kids need to learn how to behave in public, even at the store. I‘ve learned that with a little advance planning and a better attitude, shopping can even turn into a great memory! Here are 5 tips to help make kid-included shopping trips more fun and peaceful for everyone: Tips For Shopping With Children.
Win #3 – Rock That Road Trip!
Travelling at holiday time can be fraught with peril, and even more so with kids along. If you’re taking a plane, a train, or an automobile over the river and though the woods this year, here are several helpful hints to make the trip more fun and less hassle: Taking Trips with Kids.
Win #4 – Solve the Santa Question
This can be a hot-button topic for some families — should we tell our kids that Santa isn’t real, or just go along with it and follow the traditions we maybe grew up with? Over the years a lot of young Christian parents have asked me about it, and I don’t mind sharing how we handled it at our house. Read Why My Kids Never Believed in Santa and see what you think.
Win #5 – Enjoy a Little History
And speaking of Santa, did you know there was a real guy who inspired the Santa legend? I think it’s a good idea to tell our children this cool part of history, and help them answer the question Who Was St. Nicholas?
I wish you and your family a wonderful, joyful, memory-filled holiday season! May the true meaning of Christmas – God’s love through Jesus – become even more real to you this year than ever before. And if you know any parents who could use some wins, pass this along to them!
Karen Jensen Salisbury has been in ministry for almost 30 years, and a writer for almost 40. She and her first husband, Brent, traveled as itinerant ministers, and also pioneered two churches in the Northwest.
In 1997, upon Brent's unexpected death, she became Senior Pastor of their church in Boise, Idaho. She raised their sons, Josh and Ryan, through their teenage years into young men on fire for God.
Karen was an instructor at Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from 2005 to 2014. In March of 2014 she married businessman Bob Salisbury, and they live in Minneapolis. Now in addition to writing books, Karen travels across the U.S. and overseas, sharing what she has learned about the faithfulness of God through good times and bad.
Her teachings and writings have influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Her humor, her never-give-up attitude, her love for God and her strong stand on His Word will bless and inspire you.