A Simple Christmas - Episode 12
Well…here we are, December 10th and Christmas is 2 weeks away. Of course, it is 2020 so it might either feel like another 2 years before Christmas, or we could blink and suddenly it is 6 months from now! Oh 2020…such an unpredictable decade you have been!!
But seriously, we really are 2 weeks from Christmas, and I don’t know where you are in the process, but I am no where near where I thought I would be or where I usually am in the decorating, the shopping the baking – all of it. Honestly, I have been a bit, no, make that a lot, melancholy about the holidays this year. Please don’t get me wrong – I adore Christmas and everything about it. One of the things I am most looking forward to is driving around looking at lights. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this has been a hard year full of change – and I don’t know about you but change is not my favorite thing in the world. Alas, in my little corner of the world here at The Creative Table, a year filled with crazy changes and lockdowns and masks and a wild election is absolutely no reason to not be creative! In fact, a few creative moments might just make a melancholy soul become a little less heavy!
When each episode of the podcast starts you hear me say that The Creative Table is a place where everyone has a seat at the table because we are all creatively made. It is my tag line here on the website in my logo, and it is truly my heartbeat. The CREATOR of the universe, and all things in it, made you and me. Therefore, we are all creative because we are made in HIS image! Remember though, creative doesn’t always mean artistic. And so, maybe you need a few idea ‘fire starters’ when it comes to being creative outside of your wheelhouse. And I am here for that!
In today’s very brief episode, I shared some super easy ways to find creativity in the coming weeks…and none of them require scissors, glue or glitter (at least, I don’t think they do!). Maybe, if you are feeling a bit ‘low energy’ about Christmas as well, this will help us find our way out of the melancholy mousetrap! I’m going to call this The Simple Christmas episode!
So, here we go!
Let’s look at a few ideas for Simple Memory Making (outside of the normal Christmas morning moments)
Give your kids or grandkids an instant camera, or your phone, to take photos. Moms, how many times are you in the photos at any time of year, much less Christmastime? Most of you probably grab that selfie and half of your face is missing or the angle is one you would rather not see. Instead, let each child take a turn taking photos at different times in the next few weeks – and on Christmas Day. You can always delete multiples of the same picture, or the bad ones. However, I would encourage you to keep some “bad’ photos. I would encourage you to ask your kids why they chose to take this picture. See yourself the way your kids see you. Then, after the first of the year upload them and make a book (hello, Shutterfly and Chatbooks) for each kiddo. There is a memory that will last a long, long time.
Schedule some evenings to view Christmas lights. If your neighborhood has decorated homes, bundle up and take a family walk around the neighborhood to look at those closest to home. On another night (or several) get everyone in jammies and go get a special treat before heading out to look at other neighborhoods. When they ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the houses, take moments to ask why certain homes are their favorite. Ask them what kind of lights they like? What are their favorite inflatable characters? Don’t let these moments pass by without the conversations that can happen.
Make a family Christmas Playlist on iTunes or Spotify. Ask each child to tell you 5 of their most favorite Christmas songs. Then, play that list when you are together as a family.
Let your kids choose the menu for one night – and actually make it (within reason). Have an Elf night if you are able. Watch the movie, make pancakes (or their special menu) and talk about their favorite parts of the movie and why. Use your phone and record the laughter…upload it to your cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) and listen to it later in the year when you need a smile.
Ok…Now for a few Simple Creative ideas
Make homemade bird feeders. Use empty toilet paper tubes or paper towel tubes cut down. Push a pipe cleaner through one end to create a hanger. Then spread peanut butter (or a nut butter) all over the outside of the tube and then roll it in bird seed. Hang them outdoors and watch the feathered feast begin. You can also do this with orange halves after you have juiced them and scooped out the pulp. Just spread the peanut butter inside the orange rind and sprinkle bird seed in there. You can set the orange cup in a planter or on a wall.
Have a story making night. As a family create a story. Someone writes it down and then everyone illustrates it. Take photos (in good lighting) of the drawings and create your book on Shutterfly or Chatbooks. A creative moment and a memory that lasts!
Go and decorate your driveway with all manner of chalk art! Go wild…and take photos!
Now, how about some ideas for Simple Serving
Write notes of encouragement to friends and neighbors. Or, how about the barista at your favorite coffee shop. My guess is he or she has heard some unkind things this season, your encouragement would make their day.
Say ‘hi’ to people. Masks should not take away friendliness. Your smiling eyes and friendly hello may be someone’s only real human interaction that day.
Do things for others in secret. We don’t’ always need to announce what we have done on social media. Let this be a season of true surprise for people you serve. That could be dropping a plant or meal at their door…or even their favorite snack if you know it.
Those are just a few of the ideas that have been rolling around my head and heart this past week. I’m sure you have more in your heads as well! Make sure that you take moments to enjoy the simple quiet of an early morning or a late night after everyone is asleep. There is just something about connecting with your Maker in the still quiet that brings about reflection and rest for a weary heart.
I hope this has been helpful. And I pray that the next 2 weeks are filled with joy, laughter, rest, wonder and memories. It doesn’t have to be complicated – simple is best.
Until next time, go out and find a creative way to make someone smile.
Photo by Rodolfo Marques on Unsplash
