This Christmas I’ll have a child that’s almost three. She soaks up every thing, asks questions, and figures things out in her little brain. I don’t want her to think Christmas is about presents, trees, lights, and cookies. Those things are all fun but that’s not what the season is about. I want her to know the true reason for Christmas – about the greatest gift ever.
There are many ways to go about this, but this year we have decided to use Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands. (Affiliate links used) Each day there is a clue, scripture, ornament to make, and discussion. The curriculum is written for preschool to early elementary aged kids. An added bonus, there are downloadable ornaments you can purchase if you aren’t crafty or to help with those extra crazy days (we know December will be full of them).
This will be our first year using Truth in the Tinsel, but I think my daughter is going to love it. She’s at the age where she is getting into crafts and loves creating things and learning. This will be perfect.
If you choose to use Truth in the Tinsel you’ll want to print it off or at least look it over before December 1st actually arrives. This will give you time to look over the supply list and see what you have sitting around the house, what you need to keep (you are going to want to keep the lid from that empty oatmeal container), and what you need to buy. My crafting supplies are pretty limited since we are just getting into that stage with my daughter so I’m having to do some scrounging, a craft store run, and substituting for what I don’t want to purchase. If you have a nice craft cabinet, you might not have to buy anything.
I love how a full supply list is given as well as a daily supply list. You can easily find what craft the pop-dots or buttons are used for and decide if you can substitute something else.
(Don’t forget, if you don’t want to do the crafts or worry about rounding up supplies you can use the downloadable ornaments!)
Have you used Truth in the Tinsel? What are you doing to keep the focus on Christ during December in your family?
This looks like a great activity to help keep the focus on Jesus at Christmas! I’ll be checking this out. I’m hopping over from Thrifty Thursday & glad I did!
It looks fabulous and simple enough to not be overwhelming! I think my daughter is going to love it – I’m excited. Thanks for stopping by! Your blog is beautiful!
I’m thinking that we’ll do Truth in the Tinsel this year too. I think it’s far more age appropriate for my little kids than the Jesse Tree was last year, though I do love the concept of the Jesse Tree.
I had thought about the Jesse Tree but I guess it was a good thing I decided on this. Maybe someday when our kids are older it would work better. I remember doing a Jesse Tree one year when I was growing up but can’t remember how it went over.
Thanks you so much for sharing this! I’ve been trying to do my research on what type of advent calendar to do with my toddler this year. I’d love if you could share this idea (and any other winter/Christmas-related posts) over at “The Merriest Blog Hop” –http://www.aromaofhim.com/2013/11/the-merriest-blog-hop-1-countdown-to.html. The very first of 5 parties leading up until Christmas just started yesterday!
I linked up! Thanks for telling me about your party. Looks like it’s going to be a blast. Truth in the Tinsel really looks like a great option – I’m looking forward to working through it with my daughter.
Hey Deanna! It’s Deonna from the Child at Heart blog! Thank you so much for linking up at the Merriest Blog Hop! I can’t wait to see all of your holiday ideas…I have never heard of this Advent and it sounds great! I have already lost focus on the meaning of the season and it hasn’t even started yet! It’s good to be reminded that Christmas isn’t about the presents and decorations but about Jesus and about his gifts of joy, hope, and generosity. I will have to buy this someday when my little one is older…thank you for the suggestion.
Thanks for hosting it! Looks like fun. This will be our first year using it and I think my daughter is going to love it. I know, it’s so easy to lose focus and end up rushed and frustrated through the holiday season.
I love Amanda’s blog — she has such practical resources. I hope you and your daughter enjoy working on these projects together. 🙂
So do I! She’s amazing – if I’m looking for something kid related I go search her blog. 🙂 Thanks! I’m excited, I think it’s going to be a fun December.
Thanks for linking up with us for MMM link up party! I always enjoying seeing what you link up with us. I am so glad you blogged about this, I love anything that takes the focus off of presents and puts it in the right place!
Thanks for hosting! It’s always fun. Yes, I know! I’m worried about how to keep the focus in line especially as my daughter gets older. At not yet 3 it’s crazy how easily influenced she is.
Love your blog informative…budget wise…faith filled….Wow I enjoyed every post…thank hour and God Bless u and yours <
Thank you for your kind comment, Rhonda! Hope you have an amazing week!!!