Elf on the Shelf-Jesus Style

We love our Elf on the Shelf. Her name is Tinsel. She shows up on our door step each December 1st, rings our door bell, and awaits us to answer the door.
I've always felt like Elf on the Shelf makes Christmas more about behaving so that Santa will GIVE you gifts. And less about Jesus' Birth, and giving to others. Thats why I'm happy to have found Elf on the Shelf Jesus Style.
I've been wanting our elf to incorporate Jesus into our Holiday, and encourage our children to behave, and treat others with kindness, not to just get gifts, and not only until Christmas is over, but because Jesus wants us to treat others in a way that He can shine through us all year long. And it's been hard finding time with 5 little kiddos, homeschooling, activities... So I'm excited to have found this great blog that helps share Jesus with my kids, and takes some of the load off of me, with the cute printable that our els can leave out for our children to read.

Meet Tinsel, our sweet Elf, who Loves Jesus!

Fun Ideas to Help Make Christmas More Meaningful

I love this time of year. Its busy, packed with birthdays and holidays. Next weekend is Halloween, which means Christmas decorations come out soon, and this mama gets her shop on.

Now that we have 5 children, time seems to fly much faster. I want to make some amazing memories with my family, but I feel like we end up running out of time, and before you know it, Christmas is over, and the New Year begins. 

This year I'm going to do my best and be intentional about making memories, having fun, and celebrating Christ's Birthday. 

I'm a list person, I write lists out, rewrite them, and do a final draft cause thats the way I roll.

Here's my list of things to do with my family this fall/winter season.

Decorate for Christmas 

Play Christmas music

Make a "Thankful tree" with the kids

Go on walks 

Elf on the shelf

Cookie exchange party

Manger Craft
Pick a family ornament 

Pick an ornament for the new baby

Walk through our towns Christmas light neighborhood

Drive around and look at lights

Decorate our house with Christmas lights
Zoo lights
What Does God Want for Christmas board activity
Listen to Christmas music
Church's toy drive
Drive through nativity scene
Bake Santa cookies
Secret Santa
Watch our favorite Christmas classics; How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone 1 & 2, Rudolph     the Red Nose, Reindeer, Charlie Brown Christmas, The Santa Clause, The Nightmare Before    Christmas...
Bake for Family and Friends. I always make Toffee, cookies, do a cookie in a jar.
Read the story of Christmas in the bible
Ugly Sweater Contest
Family Ginger Bread House Contest
Make Home Made Christmas Bows
Name Of Jesus Ornaments
Birthday Cake for Jesus
Count Down to Jesus Birthday