I never formulated my ideas about Santa because of our adopted children, in case any of you think I'm more thoughtful about these kinds of things than I actually am. As a child, I enjoyed writing to Santa, sending my letter up the chimney of our open fire by making a draught with the door (a … [Read more...] about WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA
Christmas & Advent
I LOVE Christmas! I even wrote an Advent devotional about how much I love Christmas, and how we can use the 'secular' trimmings to draw closer to Christ!
Here are my thoughts, ideas and resources to help guide you through what can be a stressful season, to make it joyous and hope-filled.
WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Do you struggle when it comes to buying gifts for your other half? I'd love to hear from you if you don't! I always find it difficult, and I suspect I'm not alone. We can find it hard for all sorts of reasons, not least because our money and possessions are shared, so it sometimes feels like … [Read more...] about WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!
There are thousands of Christmas shopping tips on the Internet about saving money. Posts about buying second-hand, spreading the cost through the year, utilising sales, and so on. But how about saving time? Don't get me wrong, I'm not rolling in cash either. But this year, with four kids, … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!
A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS
My friend Amy Scott Robinson is one of the deepest, most poetic Christian storytellers and writers that I know. She's the author of the marvellous Gladstone Tales, the first of which I reviewed right here. And guess what? She and I have both released Advent books this year! … [Read more...] about A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 5-8s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 5-8s
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR UNDER 5s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR UNDER 5s
HOW NOT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR IN-LAWS
A couple of weeks ago I was having a text conversation with my sister-in-law about some of the family arrangements for Christmas. At one point, I was about to type a reply saying, "Your family is ridiculous!" Allow me to back-track and give some context. I get on really well with my in-laws, and … [Read more...] about HOW NOT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR IN-LAWS
THE ADOPTIVE ROLE OF JOSEPH IN THE CHRISTMAS STORY
One of the important spiritual preparations I've made this Advent to enable my heart to draw closer to the Christ-child, to recognise the wonder of God-incarnate, sent from heaven to rescue us from ourselves, is... ...to re-write Baby Shark with Nativity words. Yeah, that kind of sums up my … [Read more...] about THE ADOPTIVE ROLE OF JOSEPH IN THE CHRISTMAS STORY