It’s finally here! In 2 more days it will be Christmas! Ironically, to me it seems like this season has just flown by, while for my kids, I am sure it has crept as slowly as molasses to get here.
With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy for the real meaning of this time of year to get lost in the chaos. I seem to always want to cling to those last few days leading up to Christmas with all my might, trying to savor every last bit of what’s left until everything is taken down and put away until next year.
And while the season is winding down to a close, I wanted to share with you one last project I have been working on for my family to enjoy this Christmas Eve.
I purchased a simple wooden crate from my local craft store when they were on sale for $7. I think they typically run for about double this in price, so I definitely got a good deal. I started by giving it a coat of country white paint all over.
Then I took these reusable wall cling stickers that I purchased at Dollar Tree to spell out what I wanted the front of the crate to say. I have seen all kinds of cute sayings and even personalized versions of these, but I went with something pretty simple and straightforward – “Our Christmas Eve Crate.”
Then I took some brown antique wax and brushed it over the top of the letters and all over the sides of the white painted crate. Before anything dried, I went over it with a rag and wiped away any access wax. This created a streaked, rustic wood effect.
Again, while the wax was still wet, I peeled away the sticker letters to reveal the white lettering underneath.
I love the fact that it’s big enough to hold all our Christmas Eve traditions inside. We have a “Cookies for Santa” kit that contains a special plate and cup for the jolly old elf, that fits in the crate perfectly. Along with a classic book, The Night Before Christmas, to read and enjoy before bedtime.
And last but not least, there’s a tradition that has been carried down since I was a kid – new Christmas jammies. Every Christmas Eve, our kids are allowed to open one gift before bed, and that present is always new Christmas pajamas! I try to throw my kids off each year by wrapping their gifts under the tree with no tags. Instead I use 3 different kinds of wrapping paper, one kind designated for each child, but I don’t reveal who has which paper until Christmas Eve.
However, the anticipation for this holiday is not just about the gifts that will be left under the Christmas tree, but also of the birth of a Savior, who came to save the world. The wonderful thing about Christmas is that if we let it, the spirit of the season can live in our hearts all year long. It’s really the gift that keeps on giving.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
I pray that your Christmas is very merry, blessed and full of wonder. May you enjoy the spirit of love, the special warmth of Christmas worship and the cherished little habits of your home.
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