It was probably for the best.
I don't know if I ever told you, but we downplayed Santa in our home because my husband Tim was kind of traumatized as a kid when he found out the truth about the big guy in red. He felt betrayed and manipulated, and it caused some trust issues/faith issues that took a while to work out. As a result, he asked if we could have a "Santa-lite" home, and we did.
One result was we found ways to integrate more Advent rituals into our home instead.
I don't know if I ever told you, but we downplayed Santa in our home because my husband Tim was kind of traumatized as a kid when he found out the truth about the big guy in red. He felt betrayed and manipulated, and it caused some trust issues/faith issues that took a while to work out. As a result, he asked if we could have a "Santa-lite" home, and we did.
One result was we found ways to integrate more Advent rituals into our home instead.
Last year, with a little one in the house again, I came across something that I knew would be a fun tradition to start with Andrew, and a GREAT FIT for our family.
It's called The Shepherd's Treasure and is the sweetest way to prepare our hearts and home for celebrating Jesus's birth.
It's called The Shepherd's Treasure and is the sweetest way to prepare our hearts and home for celebrating Jesus's birth.
The book shares the story of a young Shepherd looking for Baby Jesus, and is super encouraging and uplifting. It helps kids know just how special they are.
Each day in December, the Shepherd moves somewhere new in your home looking for the baby, culminating with his finding Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning.
The kids have fun searching for the Shepherd each day, and anticipation builds for Jesus's birthday.
Hiding places can be simple (ME!) or elaborate (Pinterest). There is even a calendar full of creative ideas available on the website if, unlike me, you want to take it up a notch.
You can also order (optional) Advent Cards with Bible verses on them that provide ideas of things your family can do together each day to share God's love with someone else.
Each day in December, the Shepherd moves somewhere new in your home looking for the baby, culminating with his finding Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning.
The kids have fun searching for the Shepherd each day, and anticipation builds for Jesus's birthday.
Hiding places can be simple (ME!) or elaborate (Pinterest). There is even a calendar full of creative ideas available on the website if, unlike me, you want to take it up a notch.
You can also order (optional) Advent Cards with Bible verses on them that provide ideas of things your family can do together each day to share God's love with someone else.
The Shepherd's Treasure is a sweet and meaningful tradition for a family wanting to find a way to focus on Jesus as the very best gift of all!
I contacted the creators of The Shepherd's Treasure and they have agreed to give one An Inch of Gray Reader The Shepherd's Treasure (book and plush figures). It comes in a great keepsake box so it is easy to store year to year. If you don't have little ones at home, considering entering anyway and giving The Shepherd's Treasure as a gift.
Entries in the Continental U.S. only, please.
Easy ways to enter using this entry form :
1)Visit The Shepherd's Treasure Facebook page (mandatory)
2)Leave an email address for (VERY RARE) emails from me such as info about my book or speaking engagements (optional)
9 comments:
cherrymacke09@gmail.com
We were/are Santa-lite family with some historical perspective thrown in about St. Nicholas. This worked out, for the most part--except for the time that my son's preschool let me know that my son was telling everyone that the real St. Nicholas was dead. We were not popular that year during Breakfast with Santa.
What a great idea instead of Elf on the Shelf. I like this soooo much better. Thanks for sharing.
Erin
ewright4210@yahoo.com
This is adorable. I've never seen it before. Thank you for the opportunity.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Thank you for hosting such an awesome giveaway!
Tp123170@gmail.com , great giveaway!!!
Such a fun tradition for little ones! Thanks, Anna!
jamiemalak@gmail.com
That looks so darn cute!
dpucci9972@gmail.com
I've been looking for an alternative to the elf but hadn't found anything yet. I wanted something more faith based for our little guy to look for this month in our home and this is perfect.
margaret.ann.peach@gmail.com
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