I absolutely adore Christmas music - and, having four kids of my own, I particularly love finding children's church Christmas songs with motions that they can easily join in with too. Of course, as a worship leader too, I'm all about kids singing 'adult' songs too - our kids love to just join in … [Read more...] about 20 Children’s Church Christmas Songs (with Motions/Actions)
Seasons
30+ Best Christian Easter Books for Children
I'm not unaware that the Christian Easter story is a difficult one for children. Even aside from a gory crucifixion (arguably the worst form of punishment the human race has ever known), you have betrayal, denial, skies going black, Jesus in agony - oh yeah, and don't forget the disciple who … [Read more...] about 30+ Best Christian Easter Books for Children
DIY Resurrection Eggs (with free Story Book PDF!)
When my eldest was very small, my sister-in-law made us a set of resurrection eggs. For the last decade, it has been a much-enjoyed way of telling the Easter story to my children. I say "to" my children - which was true when they were very small - but as they've got older, they've wanted to tell … [Read more...] about DIY Resurrection Eggs (with free Story Book PDF!)
12 Fabulously Varied Lent Devotions for Families
When it comes to celebrating the seasons with your family, Lent is a challenging one. For one, it's pretty long - 40 days plus Sundays - which is a heck of a long time, especially for very young children. And, for another, it's not exactly a fun-filled fiesta is it? I mean, it's not meant to … [Read more...] about 12 Fabulously Varied Lent Devotions for Families
50 Things to Give Up for Lent (and 10 Things to Take Up)
It's customary to spend the period of Lent in some kind of fast, so if you're looking for things to give up for Lent, you're in the right place! While it's tempting to want to use Lent as an excuse to lose weight or improve our lives in some way, actually the real focus should ideally be … [Read more...] about 50 Things to Give Up for Lent (and 10 Things to Take Up)
20+ Best Books to Read During Advent
I don't know about you, but I struggle to retain *any* sort of spiritual focus during Advent. It's not that I don't want to. It's just that the obligations of present shopping and wrapping, tree buying and decorating, family-dynamics negotiating, Secret Santa organising and school activities … [Read more...] about 20+ Best Books to Read During Advent
HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME
I'm writing this in 2020. Although lockdown has just ended where we are, there are still huge restrictions on what we're able to do during Advent, and I know people are concerned they won't be able to take part in their usual Advent traditions this year. Live church services, Christingles, … [Read more...] about HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME
JESSE TREE IDEAS FOR FAMILIES: THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW!
Last year, having heard about this 'Jesse Tree' thing a few times, I decided to go for it with my family. We'd tried in the past, but our children were too young to really understand what was going on - and, if I'm being honest, I was pretty half-hearted about the whole thing. After all, who … [Read more...] about JESSE TREE IDEAS FOR FAMILIES: THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW!
HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS
I know my children aren't alone in experiencing high levels of anxiety, worry and stress around Christmas. They were adopted at 14 months - but even now, at 6, there are a lot of nerves surrounding any kind of transition or change in routine. Lots of children find this time of year difficult. … [Read more...] about HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS