This week we had a fabulous time putting together our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. 

Every year, as a family, we choose a holiday charity to participate in, something where the kids take the focus off themselves and what they want and think about other kids in other families who may not have as much as they have.

It’s part of our effort to instill a love of giving in our children and let them appreciate that no matter how much they may be giving up or not getting, there are others who have less.

Well this year, we chose to put together shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is an outreach ministry through Samaritan’s Purse, where they send shoe boxes packed with fun kid friendly toys and practical hygiene items to needy children around the world.

Operation Christmas Child allows you to use either a regular size shoebox, wrapped, or the plastic shoe boxes you can buy for a $1. I chose to do the plastic shoe boxes, because then that gives the mom or child a durable box to store things in.

The kids and I printed off the list of suggested items and discussed them. Each box has to be marked whether it is for:

• A boy 2-4
• A boy 5-9
• A boy 10-14
• A girl 2-4
• A girl 5-9
• A girl 10-14

So that worked out perfectly for us. Little E did a box for a girl 5-9, Z did a box for a boy 5-9, J did a box for a boy 10-14, and K did a box for a girl 10-14. 

No big surprise that Little E’s box was full of pink girly things and Z’s had balls and cars

But I’m also really proud of Z who is into war stuff, for understanding and respecting that anything related to war was not allowed in the boxes. And it was a good opportunity to explain why – for many children war is not a game, but all too stark of a reality.

After invading a store for an hour, we came home with bags of stuff and interestingly enough it was exactly the right amount to fit inside the shoe boxes.  Not only did the kids choose age appropriate kid stuff, but they also included pratical items like:

• notebooks & pens
• brush or comb (and hair clips or bands for the girls)
• a bar of soap & wash cloth
• a tshirt
• toothpaste and toothbrush

And that too gave us the opportunity to talk about how some basic items like these are luxaries in other areas of the world, that not everyone can just go to the grocery store any time they want.

To personalize the boxes, we went ahead and printed off the Operation Christmas Child coloring page, and filled out a little bit of the information about where the boxes were coming from and about each child who packed them.

Kate even wrote a personal letter to the person recieving her box.

After the boxes were all packed up, we chose to donate the shipping costs online so that we could get the barcoded labels. This is a really cool feature because Samaritan’s Purse will email us and let us know where in the world our boxes are shipped (and thus, making this a geography lesson  as well)

If you haven’t already chosen a christmas charity to participate in this year, I encourage you to check out doing a Operation Christmas Child shoebox. It’s a lot of fun and provides a ton of discussion opportunities.

But either way, choosing any ministry or charity to work with at Christmas time is a wonderful way to help our children (and ourselves) take their eyes and thoughts off themselves and what they want and think of others, the way Christ would want us to.

Enjoy the Season!

…Shannon

Normally I start my holiday planning back in September, figuring out my budget, who I need to buy gifts for, and what we are going to make. But this year I got a late start, and with the Fall Road Trip consuming my November, I’ve realized that I need to fall back on some tried and true sources for inexpensive christmas gifts.

Now don’t get me wrong. I prefer to give gifts that reflect that person’s interests and uniqueness. But I do have some standard fall back gifts. My favorite place to hunt for christmas gifts when cash is short is the thrift store.

Seriously.

Some fantastic, inexpensive Christmas gifts can be found at the thrift store – in new, still in the box or with the tags condition.

The first time we discovered this was back during our first financial crisis ten years ago. We had $20 for christmas gifts that year, and it was the thrift store that allowed us to stay in budget and still enlist Santa, fill stockings, and give presents to close friends and family.

Hidden on what looks like disorganized messy shelves of stuff is a treasure trove of inexpensive gift ideas.

Not only will you find holiday specific items, like on the shelves in the picture above, but also still in the box or new items that the previous owners just didn’t have a use for. These are in fabulous condition and so much less expensive than buying new.  Here are two of the types of items I picked up this weekend:

The mugs are in perfect condition and will be great gifts when paired with hot chocolate, herbal tea, or even candy

The jars have also never been used, and will make perfect containers for homemade hot cocoa mix or little candies.

Now these are wonderful gifts for friends and teachers, and such, but I also like to pick up more thoughtful, individual gifts at the thrift store too. If you look in the nick-nacks shelves or over in the housewares section, you can also find some treasures. 

Here you can find home decor items, figurines (have a collector in your family?), new candles (oh I love candles…), little boxes (hint, hint),  and all kinds of fun things. Even beautiful throws and decorator items. (Heck, I even bought new sets of sheers and curtains for both Z & E at the thrift store – they were thrilled!)

The trick is to look for the items that are is the best condition possible and are a really good deal. (Most thrift stores also have a discount day, try going on those days too.)

The book, toy, electronic, and software isles can yield some great results too.  This weekend I picked up a couple of cd players to give to the kids as early Christmas presents for our Fall Road Trip, and a handful of unopened educational game software that would have made great stocking stuffers if I weren’t going to use them for the road trip.

Even in the shoes and clothes you can score some great deals. This weekend, I picked up new, unworn fashionable boots for K (which she loves!), snow boots for Z and J, and like new boots for Little E, plus a whole slew of warm winter clothes in perfect condition, including cute pjs for Little E that still had tags on. Here’s a few of the items that we found that would have been great gifts, if we hadn’t been shopping for the road trip:

boots, jeans, sweater, & gloves

brand new overalls, gloves, and talking kitty cat (in perfect condition)

button down shirt, leather coat, & gloves

I also picked up a few secret things that I can’t share here, cuz the people I bought them for might actually read this. But believe me, they won’t be able to tell that their gifts were purchased at the thrift store and not the department store :)

The point is to keep an open mind and look for new or nearly new items that would make fabulous, thoughtful gifts. Your budget will thank you and so will your friends and family!

#5 in the Holiday Planning guest series by Jennifer Tankersley

The images that are associated in my mind with the holidays are often serious and sacred.  However, so much of Christmas is meant to be fun.  Not that you shouldn’t have both, but making the most of the light-hearted festivities that are available and creating some of your own will offer you some of your most memorable experiences.  Here are some ways you can plan for fun.

Events

 The holidays are a happening time of year.  There are special theatrical performances, seasonal activities, and family and community gatherings.  Take it in.  Experience the holidays.  One of the rewards for planning ahead is the opportunity to relax a little and enjoy the celebration. 

Gatherings

Whether it is a brunch, an afternoon tea, a cookie exchange, or an evening gala, many people will find themselves host to some type of holiday event.  Guest lists must be made, invitations sent, menus created, activities scheduled, and a myriad of other details must be confirmed.  This is the week to lay it all out on paper and begin to take action.

Holiday Rituals

Turn holiday rituals into unforgettable experiences.  Don’t just pick out a tree.  Bring along hot chocolate.  Take a tour of local Christmas lights.  Go caroling.  Plan ways to add a little extra family togetherness and fun this holiday season. 

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt.com which has hundreds of printable lists, checklists, and planning pages to put your world-and your holidays-in order. She also writes 100DaystoChristmas.com, which gives a daily dose of inspiration and motivation to get you through the busy holiday season.

For More Organizing and Planning Tips for Busy Moms, also check out the Living Life at Home Podcast Interview with Jennifer Tanksersley.

Other Articles in this Holiday Planning Series:

• Holiday Planning: 4 Ways to Divide & Conquer Your Holiday Preparations
• Holiday Planning: A Focus on Family and Friends
• Holiday Planning: A Festive Fortress
• Holiday Planning: Fabulous Food

#3 in the Holiday Planning guest series by Jennifer Tankersley

A house is more than a home.  It is a fortress, the place where we snuggle in with our loved ones and feel safe and secure.  During the holidays, our tiny kingdom takes on an almost magical quality.  The sights are a little brighter, smells are a little sweeter, and the sounds are of laughter and carols. 

The fortress is quite typically the backdrop of a majority of our holiday memories.  Preparation is key to maximizing the warmth and beauty of the holiday season.  Here are some areas to consider prior to December.

Cleaning 

Charity organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army are in need of your donations to stock their shelves, so go from room to room looking for items that are no longer used or loved.  Children should take the time to go through their things and pass on the things that are broken or no longer enjoyed. 

Vowing not to put anything out until it has a dust-free surface to rest on is a good motivation for thoroughly cleaning your house in time for the holidays.

Decorations

You don’t have to break the bank in order to fortify your holiday home.  There are plenty of ways to add Christmas cheer that don’t even include Target.  Ask your parents if there are any Christmas decorations that they might be willing to pass on. A visit to your local craft store will produce plenty of wonderful ideas for holiday crafts and decorations. My children and I make a Christmas chain out of green and red construction paper.  It is simple, but it is tradition and means something to us. 

The Tree

What living room is not enhanced with a piece of nature as its focal point, even if it happens to be artificial nature.  Growing up, my family would pile into the front seat of my Dad’s pickup (pre-seat belts), and we would drive to the next town’s grocery store to rummage amongst their shipment of pine trees to look for “the one”. 

No matter the kind of tree (real or artificial), no matter if you dig your tree out of the basement or use a saw to cut it down yourself, no matter if the bulbs are glass or ceramic, a Christmas tree truly symbolizes a traditional holiday home.  Reserve a date on your calendar now for purchasing/ assembling and adorning your tree.

 There are more ways to prepare for the holidays ahead of time.  Take the steps necessary to consider what currently can be done so that you can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest extent.  Join us as we talk about how to plan ahead for your holiday food and holiday festivities in the next 2 weeks.

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt.com which has hundreds of printable lists, checklists, and planning pages to put your world-and your holidays-in order.

She also writes 100DaystoChristmas.com, which gives a daily dose of inspiration and motivation to get you through the busy holiday season.

For More Organizing and Planning Tips for Busy Moms, also check out the Living Life at Home Podcast Interview with Jennifer Tanksersley.

Other Articles in this Holiday Planning Series:

• Holiday Planning: 4 Ways to Divide & Conquer Your Holiday Preparations
• Holiday Planning: A Focus on Family and Friends
• Holiday Planning: Fabulous Food
• Holiday Planning: Festivities