Making Memories

If you ever want to feel the true Christmas spirit, spend some time with a child getting ready for Christmas.  The activities I do with my students and grandchildren bring me so much more of the true meaning of Christmas than it brings to them.

I put multi-colored lights on the Christmas tree in our classroom.  The first time I did this, I had purchased some clearance lights and put them on my tree in school.  One child commented, "We only have white lights at home, those are beautiful."  These lights remind me that each of my children are different, yet they are strung together in one classroom for me to love and teach about Jesus. 

I put out a couple of nativity scenes which the children can touch.  Many are shocked that they can do so, because it is not allowed at home.  They will travel all over the classroom acting out the Christmas story.  Mary and Joseph had conversations I had not thought of, but those conversations reflect what they hear at home and from me.  They also reflect the faith these little ones have.

It is my belief that other than the lights, all ornaments on the tree should be made by the children.  We spend time making paper chains and decorating foam cutouts.  The children drag in their parents to see the tree they helped decorate.  They point out their ornaments with great pride.  (I thank God for glitter glue.  It ranks right up there with glue stick for ingenious inventions.)

You may have read about my disdain for Elf on the Shelf.  This year one of my former cadet teachers, Keira Craig, pointed me in a new direction.  We now have the wise men in a different place in our classroom each morning.  They have the daily portion of the Christmas Story for us to read.  I told them it was to replace Elf on the Shelf.  None of them knew what I was talking about.  God is very kind to this teacher looking at 109 days of school left, 110 if we don't get a snow day.

Today, we went on a field trip to President Benjamin Harrison's home.  We make a wooden soldier ornament and tour the home.  My own children did this when they were in their father's class and treasure those soldiers.  I cannot tell you how many years I have gone there, but some years a parent will say, "I remember making these in your class.  I still have it."

My grandchildren come to spend a night near Christmas with me.  If my decorating is not finished, they help.  Being the great grandmother that I am, I get several boxes of theatre candy, dump them into a bowl, and allow them each to fill their bowl one time.  Then, we watch "Elf."  My oldest is thirteen and I think he will allow this to happen this year, but as high school begins I treasure all the sweet memories we have made.

So, my advice for you, dear reader, is to make many memories with your children and take time from all the unnecessary craziness of Christmas and celebrate Christ together!