A little Christmas cheer

Rob and I both love Christmas. We love everything about Christmas. We love the songs, the lights, and the candy.  We really love Christmas Candy. If you came to our wedding you know how much I love peppermints! Most of all we love what Christmas represents: God’s love to sinners. At this very special time of year we are reminded that “while we were still sinners,” God sent His one and only Son. We are reminded that “while we were still sinners,” Christ was born, lived, was crucified and raised again to give new life for us. That cute little baby in the manger was and is a message of hope for those who believe in the man He came to be. He came to be Immanuel. He came to save His people from their sins. His gift to you and to me is new life in Him. All we need to do is accept His gift, believe and trust in Him.

So, as the holiday approaches and we look to joy for our gift in the little manger, we pray that you will find every joy in Him and be blessed by His precious gift.

Another wonderful part of Christmas for us is decorating our home in celebration of this wonderful time of year. Below I am attaching some pictures and little "how-to's" for the thrifty, crafty decorators this season.

 This is my cheapest holiday decoration: home-made Merry Christmas sign.  Of course, you can make it say whatever you want (Noel, Happy Holiday, Joy, Happy Birthday, etc.).  First, print the words in a XL font.  Then, cut them out.  Trace onto colored poster board.  I added a one inch strip to the bottom of the letters to connect them.  Cut the letters with an X-acto knife.  Add glue & glitter to the edges, fold and place wherever you wish.  I added some fake snow in the window for a little fun.


Of course, once again, I have used Ball jars, this time, above our kitchen cabinets.  For Christmas, we filled them with Christmas candies (we have an abundance of candy canes and peppermints at this time of year-- no surprise) and small ornaments.

Alternative: add candies to clear votive holders for a decorative centerpiece, table decoration or shelf decoration.

This was another fun Christmas words display.  I painted the letters "J-O-Y" (from Hobby Lobby) first with red on the side of the letters and then white on the face of the letters.  Rob wrapped them in garland above our kitchen sink.  I only wish we had a mantel for this fun Christmas greeting!

This last decorative trick came about because of our abundance of peppermint ribbon (we purchased 7 spools of it for our wedding).  Rob wraps 1-2 doors in the ribbon (as seen) and then staples our Christmas cards to the ribbon as they come in.  It's a fun way to celebrate the letters and love that people have sent us.  We usually keep the Christmas cards and put them up the following year, too.

Just some fun, festive ideas.  I hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas this year!