I can’t believe that Christmas is this coming weekend. I’m unbelievably behind in getting this post set up, but I  am excited to share with you a few of the things that are making this holiday season “bright”. Some of these are simple, some are a part of long-standing, tradition, and some of them are new traditions that I look forward to repeating in the years ahead.
I’m signing off until the new year, but want to wish each of you a beautiful holiday season. May you be blessed!
All is Bright Coloring Book
When I got a flyer showcasing the new inspirational coloring book series that Tyndale was releasing this fall, I was ecstatic.  All of the coloring books and coloring journals were so beautiful, that I immediately put all of them on my wishlist. I picked up the gratitude journal, and it was everything I wanted in a fresh, new way to spend focusing on the many things I have to be thankful for. But when I saw the Christmas coloring book, I immediately knew I had to have it. Thought provoking advent readings. Beautiful, artistic pictures that were really meaningful. It was perfect.
I’ve been going through it since the beginning of the month. It is absolutely wonderful. And one of my favorite things? It’s so family friendly.  All is Bright has thought questions for family discussion and even some special coloring pages and activities for the little ones in the family. It has been perfect for us, and if you ask my friends, I haven’t stopped talking about it since.
I love that it has a reading and a coloring page for every day leading up to Christmas Day. The readings are short enough for family worship but deep enough to be really inspiring and encouraging. And the pictures coordinate with the reading. They’re festive and also very inspiring.  You can also decorate around the reading, and it’s really a wonderful way to unwind over the beautiful words and scriptures of Christmas. It’s been exactly what I always wanted as a month-long celebration of the meaning and truth behind the advent of Christ. I feel so thankful to have found this beautiful resource for this time of year. If you are looking for a holiday gift or for something for your family, I recommend getting this beautiful book!
Charlotte absolutely loves these especially-for-her activities. She asks to color in “mama’s special book”. Good thing I have a copier, right? ;)
In short, this book gets a full ten stars from me!
The Christmas In My Heart books by Joe L. Wheeler
I love Christmas stories. They help to remind me that even when this world feels pretty awful sometimes, there are still beautiful people and miracles still happen. One of my favorite series is the Christmas In My Heart collections put together by Joe L. Wheeler. The stories are inspiring, funny, mysterious and so very Christmasy that I look forward to pulling out my little stash and reading them all year! One day, I’ll own all the books in the series, but for now I’m enjoying my little stash of four.  But they’re not the only great Christmas collections out there. Check out this post on Kindred Grace that shares some of the others on my shelf!
Fisher Price Nativity Set
I have always wanted a good nativity set. Since having a child, I wanted something that would be special and sturdy. I finally bit the bullet and got this nativity set that I’ve been eying since the winter I found out I was pregnant. It’s tucked away on my shelf until we put up the tree, but I love it and I foresee many hours of playing with “small donkey” and bringing the wise men to see baby Jesus in the manger. (It’s currently one of her two favorite bible stories.)
One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall
I have a serious weakness for books written by Dandi Daley Mackall. It’s the beautiful art, coupled with simple words and big, important truths that always win my heart. This little book, the advent story from the perspective of the small donkey that traditionally traveled with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, is probably my all-time favorites of hers.
Even though the donkey wasn’t “the biggest, fastest, or strongest”, God still used him to do important things.  God doesn’t look for the “best” he looks for the willing and humble is the theme of the story. It’s a lesson that I am glad to start teaching little ones early: God doesn’t call the qualified so much as he qualifies the called.
Also, who wouldn’t fall in love with the cheerful, festive but endearing illustrations that accompany each part of the story? It’s one that we’ll be reading over and over this year, to be sure.
Color and Cut out Nativity
Here’s a freebie for you. I have printed this about five times this season already for Charlotte and she absolutely is delighted to color and cut out her own nativity to play with. If you are looking for an activity to do with your kids, this is perfect for Christmas Eve!
Check out this list of Christmas books for little people, too!
Tell me about your favorite things this holiday! I’d love to hear. Drop me a comment or an email. :)Â
