So I’ve had a few projects this Christmastime. Let me just say, I’m not really all that crafty- at all. I have an entire bookmark on my Firefox toolbar dedicated to craftiness. And it always goes the same way. I bookmark it. I really want to do it. If I can trick my mother into doing it, it gets done. If not, it sits there til I erase it.
This is further evidenced by the one crafty present we made Camper this year, his alphabet bean bags. Which turned out really cool. And I DID do some of the actual crafting myself. My Mom just did the rest of it so it would be finished this year.
Another little something that I REALLY wanted to make this year was an Advent Calendar. Interestingly enough, I don’t really hear about “Advent” a lot in the church I attend. We do talk about Christmas and Christ and the coming of Christ and the anticipation the season brings…but not with using that word…so much. Must be another one of those Catholic things that has become a part of my life without me being Catholic. (As well as me considering going to Midnight Mass this year, just because I want to show John. And because I really enjoy it.) I was going to make an Advent Calendar on my own- but then I just kind of…bought one. From The Christmas Tree Shop. Totally un-crafty.
And it doesn’t look anything like what I wanted to make- but it got the job done and allowed me to get on with the REAL project involved with the Advent Calendar.
I filled each of the pockets with a wooden token, and written on each one (some stars, some plain circles) is a scripture reference…written on very un-fancily with a fine tip Sharpie. I spent most of my “crafty” energy looking for scriptures in the Bible and the Book of Mormon and other books that told the story of years and years and years of people waiting for Christ. Something to make us think about living in a world where we depended on the promise that He would come and Atone for us, as opposed to the promise that he already did. A world where the man “Jesus” had not yet existed. A world where he was born a baby, just like the rest of us. And I think I found them. If you are interested in the list, let me know. I’ll probably edit it as years go by, but I think I found a good assortment ending, of course, with the Christmas story in Luke. Good stuff, and I’m hoping a tradition that will stick.
We also put up our Christmas tree, and then another one…properly guarded of course.
It came with lights already on it. And we haven’t bothered to put ornaments on it yet. Mostly because we are scared Camper will try to eat them. Even with the cage…he can still reach it. The tree topper is one we had when I was really little and is very sentimental to me. We had nightlights that matched. I still have one of them somewhere…
Tree number two is less reachable as it sits behind a chair, and will remain unreachable as long as he doesn’t figure out how to climb onto the furniture overnight. Which is totally possible.
We’ll see how safe it stays.
And finally, I really, really, really really really really wanted a Nativity scene for Camper this year. I was going to buy a million different ones for a million different dollar amounts. I finally settled on a plastic one that ok-ish reviews- and except for the exceptionally swallow-able Jesus that had to be affixed to his manger, it’s working out well for us. It’s getting gnawed on and loved on and mistreated in a way that I hope helps our Camper learn about the stories behind Christmas. Why we care so much, why we celebrate.
This is Camper’s Christmas table, filled with annoying things that make too much noise. He totally rocks out to the singing penguins and the irritating squirrel. EATS IT UP. And he likes his manger scene, too.
Today I also finished: a project for my parents and parents in law (ok, it’s a Camper-centric calendar made on iphoto. I only dish because I’m pretty sure my parents know that I’m doing it for Christmas and I’m pretty sure my parents in law won’t read this on account of their dial up…and if you do…just forget you read this! I shouldn’t post anything about it since it’s pretty much the only presents we’re giving this year. Everyone else will have to make due with our love and affection) and my very first Christmas letter meant to be sent to the masses. Also using the Mac, this time using Pages and one of the many wonderful beautiful overused but free templates for the holiday season. And all that between Music Together this morning and teaching piano this evening!
The one final thing I’d like to work on (and who knows if I’ll get to it) is a soft book with the different symbols of Christmas and their meanings. For example, one soft crinkly baby page will have a simple tree outlined on it and the next page will have a short explanation of how the evergreen tree ties into the Christmas message. Part of me thinks I should do a softie book- another part thinks maybe I should just figure out how to do a book for older kids…and part of me thinks my Christmas un-crafty nature might win out and I won’t do anything at all. But we shall see.
Merry Christmas Prep, all.
