I make about 10-12 of these baskets each year for friends so I thought I would share my ideas with all of you for this month's project. Everyone really loves these baskets and mean so much to them....It helps us to keep our thoughts on why we celebrate the season.
You need to get started now though because it will take a little time to get them finished.
It actually starts on December 1st, but try to get them to your family and friends before that so they can actually start on Dec. 1st.
I hope I can explain it all for you....several years ago I did a project on this at church and gave all the ideas to the ladies....quite a few of them actually made them up for their family and friends.
Well......... here goes!!
There are quite a few things to post so I will be posting them daily
The first thing that I will give you are what to do on the individual days...put instructions for each day into individual envelopes (you can decorate the envelopes with stickers, crayons, print out on the computer, etc. These are the activities for each day:
1. Bible Verse
2. Thought for the day
3. Bless your heart idea
4. Christmas idea
5. Service idea
6. Christmas carol to sing.
Here is the list for the individual days:
December 1
BIBLE VERSE: Zachariah 9:9, 11:12-13, 12:10, Matthew 21:1-10, 26:15, 27:3-10,
John 19:37
THOUGHT: "We come closer to God at our lowest moments." –Terry Anderson—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Set the table with Christmas decorations, and a floral arrangement—maybe a poinsettia.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Pray for the people who send you Christmas cards as part of your family devotions.
SERVICE IDEA: Leave a muffin or a handmade note of thanks for your delivery person.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Angels We Have Heard On High
THOUGHT: "Laughter is a gift of God that brightens our good times and lightens the rough one. Cultivate the spirit of the celebration in your life by making room for laughter."—Emilie Barnes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Play a Christmas CD or record and sing out loud. It really doesn’t matter if you sing off key or not!!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Take time today to watch an old Christmas movie. Here are some favorites: White Christmas, A Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life.
SERVICE IDEA: Give friends and family "Kindness Coupons" that they can "cash in" for special favors.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Away in a Manger
THOUGHT: " God’s whisper can be heard beyond the stars and beneath the seas—but listen…and you will hear His voice echo in your heart."—From God’s Little Promise Book—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Simmer some Christmas spices and enjoy the aroma.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Check with your local community and your church and school to see what events you can take part in with other Christians in your home town.
SERVICE IDEA: Pick up garbage along a road or in a park.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: O Little Town of Bethlehem
THOUGHT: "However we combine the elements of encouragement, on thing we’re sure to create is joy, for others, for ourselves, and for our Lord."—Susan Lenzkes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Make a double batch of whatever you are baking or cooking today and share it with a shut in.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Write a letter this year, and include it in your Christmas card. We always enjoy hearing what has happened in our friends lives--- The joy and the heartache. This will bless and encourage you to see what the Lord has done in your life.
SERVICE IDEA: Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
THOUGHT: "Some Christians feel they must ‘come on strong.’ Overwhelmed by such a bold confrontation with the gospel, unbelievers may actually find it repulsive…We should remember that rare perfumes have subtle appeal. A dab behind each ear is about all that is required."—Alma Barkman—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Make a list of what you would do if time and money were no object. Your answers will probably surprise you. This is more difficult than it appears. We tend to want to bless others and totally forget what makes us happy or what we like. Remember we are more than someone’s wife, or mother. "The Joy of the Lord is our Strength."
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make a string of popcorn for the Christmas tree. You could alternate cranberries with the popcorn. Or how about the paper chains you made when you were a child. If you prefer, you can put the food decorations on a tree in your yard and watch the birds feast on it.
SERVICE IDEA: Make up with someone with whom you have argued.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Joy to the World
THOUGHT: "Perhaps the key to the back door of our hearts is simply acceptance…the kind of love that would just as soon hug you in a tattered bathrobe as in your Sunday best."—Susan Lenzkes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Set a scheduled regular date with your best friend. Make some popcorn and watch your favorite tear jerker. Don’t forget the tissues!!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Plan a "Christmas Light Tour" of your neighborhood. It’s amazing how creative your neighbors can be. Then enjoy some hot cider or cocoa together.
SERVICE IDEA: Randomly select a name from the church directory and send them an inspirational note.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
THOUGHT: " When we’re uncertain about what to do, waiting may be the wisest response."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Grief is difficult for all of us-- Especially around the holidays. Why not remember the joyful and happy memories of your love one who is now in Heaven. Why not write those memories down for the younger members of the family, so that they will be blessed by those happy times too.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make special place cards for your Christmas table. You can use cookies with names iced on them or let your grandchildren (if they are around) make it a craft activity. You might be surprised with what they come up with.
SERVICE IDEA: Make a Christmas decoration that will help you think of Jesus.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
THOUGHT: " Smile at someone and find something worth laughing about. As the laughter permeates your life, the spirit of celebration will take root in your heart."—Emilie Barnes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Pick up the phone and call a friend, even if it is a long distance call. Sometimes just hearing a friendly voice will make all the difference.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Start looking for individual favors for the Christmas dinner table. Whether your dinner will be for just family or company, it still adds a lovely touch. Everyone will have a memento of Christmas this year. You might consider adding a loop and putting the year on them and that way they can be ornaments on the tree for next year. Make this a new holiday tradition.
SERVICE IDEA: Go caroling
CHRISTMAS CAROL: The First Noel
THOUGHT: " The desire to fulfill the purpose for which we were created is a gift from God."—A. W. Tozer
BLESS YOUR HEART: Is it raining today? Why not just try to stay in and warm your heart today along with your body. Maybe a nice cup of tea would taste good right now—and how about curling up with a good book. You decide today what will bless and warm your heart.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Share an old tradition with a child who has never experienced it. Try to remember what you did as a child or what you never did that you always wanted to do.
SERVICE IDEA: Call a loved one just to say "I love you," or tell them what you
appreciate about them.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks At Night.
Matthew 24:31
THOUGHT: " God doesn’t ask for an unstained life or a past completely cleansed of sin—He meets us where we are, no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been."—God’s Caring Touch by B.J. Hoff—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Read one Psalm today. Start with Psalm 1 and read a new one every day. You could add a Proverb too. There are 31 Proverbs which works nicely with a monthly plan of reading God’s Word.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Why not get ready for your thank you notes now? Set up a little spot in the house with your stamps, pens and envelopes. Or you can make a sample on the computer and then personalize each one later.
SERVICE IDEA: Visit a retirement or nursing home and spend some time talking and visiting with the residents.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Go Tell It On The Mountain
THOUGHT: " A welcoming home has a sense of order about it. A sense that people, not possessions are in charge of the household…that life is proceeding with a purpose. The results of God’s ordering Spirit are always good."—Emilie Barnes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Reread your favorite book. This time read it slowly, ponder and savor every word. Look up the words if you don’t know the definitions. Learning and asking questions are good things.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This is the last day for posting Christmas cards standard mail. So if your cards aren’t ready by today you might want to be a little different and creative this year. How about faxing or emailing a Christmas greeting? Or—instead of a Christmas letter how about a "New Year’s" letter! This way you have a little more time and you can add your "thank you note" right on the letter.
SERVICE IDEA: Put a flower in a neighbor’s mailbox.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
THOUGHT: " A cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod…These are all priceless treasures from the storehouse of our God."—Helen Steiner Rice—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Flowers…Fresh Flowers…That should make you smile and bless your heart. Generally the grocery store has bouquets of fresh flowers. Even a single rose might be nice. Enjoy watching it open. Smell the pleasant aroma. Then just smile!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This year you can start a Christmas memory book. Maybe even a Christmas video. Take pictures and save the Christmas cards. Write about the holiday and your feeling. Who came to visit? What was an unexpected blessing? The possibilities are endless.
SERVICE IDEA: Call or write someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time, just to say you’re thinking about them.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: What Child Is This?
THOUGHT: "Unimpressive people can make lasting impressions with a simple act of kindness."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Tonight look at the stars and the moon. Remember how big the universe is and that there is order to God’s creation.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make a wrapping station for the presents in your home. You can put all the supplies in a Christmas basket and leave it under the Christmas tree. That way you will always know where the tape and scissors are. Be creative—add little gifts on top of the presents. Try to wrap and use items with the theme of the gift itself.
SERVICE IDEA: Offer to help at your local school for a few hours.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Jingle Bells
THOUGHT: "Today, appreciate the importance of both laughter and tears. Remember that it is OK to cry. Tears are healing to the soul."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Take time today to remember the happy Christmases from your past—It is fun to look at pictures and remember the good times and the not so good times too—Grab a box of tissues-you will probably need them!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Next time you go out shopping for Christmas presents, buy a present for yourself. Wrap it and put it under the tree. You can put on the tag "From a friend". Maybe a new magazine or a book—But you decide.
SERVICE IDEA: In your prayers, thank our Heavenly Father for every blessing you canthink of. If you want to, you can write them down in a journal.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
THOUGHT: " Kindness, respect, tenderness…do these words describe you or how you treat other people? Remember today that honey is much better than vinegar. One kind word given with love is like a verbal hug."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: This might be the time to start a "Praise Journal". Find a blank book or journal, sit down and list the things you are thankful for. Some people keep prayer requests but forget to put the "Praise"—the answer to prayer. What about the special blessings that you didn’t even pray for but the Lord saw fit to bless you with.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Have there been any new babies or weddings in you family’s lives this year? Or friends? Why not give a Christmas ornament for a wedding or new baby—There are ornaments that are dated with the year—they may even be able to be personalized with names, dates, etc. This way they have a present that becomes a memory and maybe a new tradition.
SERVICE IDEA: Write your testimony in your journal, or in a letter to someone.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good King Wenceslas
THOUGHT: " Celebration shines in quiet gratitude that God has blessed our homes and our lives with the spirit of loveliness. We celebrate because our lives overflow with things to be thankful for…because God gives us the eyes to see how incredibly we have been blessed."—Emilie Barnes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Sing—Sing—Sing. Yes sing out loud. Singing makes you smile. And smiling will make you happy—Try it!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Pull out the old Christmas albums, cassettes and CDs. Play Christmas music while you are doing the last minute baking or wrapping. Today work on having a song in your heart and on your voice.
SERVICE IDEA: Take a friend out to lunch and to finish up your Christmas
shopping if you aren’t done yet
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Angels From the Realms of Glory
THOUGHT: "His coming was quiet…no clash of cymbals, no blast of trumpets…just the midnight song of angels and the awe-filled sighs of shepherds on a hillside hushed by holiness. His coming is still quiet…Just a whisper of love in the silence and a gentle promise to the humble heart that bids Him welcome."—B.J. Hoff—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Undoubtedly you have been busy this holiday season. So the "Bless your heart" for today is to find a quiet spot all by yourself and just reflect on this Bible verse for a few minutes. "Be still and know that I am God". Then remember that sometimes we can be too introspective forgetting about the Lord’s big picture. God has a plan even if we don’t.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Take a few minutes. Grab a pen and paper. Let’s make sure we haven’t forgotten to do anything for our "Christmas Celebration". This way we won’t have to run around last minute. Do you have all your presents bought? Do you have a few extra gifts under the tree for unexpected company? Do you have enough holiday treats and baked goods? Once you write it all down, you can make a plan of action and it hopefully won’t be as stressful for you.
SERVICE IDEA: Teach someone in your family (or a friend) how to do something.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Deck the Halls
THOUGHT: "THE BELOVED SON became a Baby…THE ANOINTED ONE came down to save…THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST was mad a Shepherd…THE PRINCE OF PEACE defied the grave. THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE became a Ransom…THE LION OF JUDAH bore our shame…THE KING OF KINGS was crowned with briars…JESUS, SAVIOUR, we praise Your Name."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Read Isaiah 53. We usually have a picture of Jesus as the baby or the servant, but don’t forget that He came in a humble way even though He was worthy of a King’s welcome. The fact that Jesus fulfilled all the prophesy in one man is really extraordinary. Jesus Christ said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me."
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Well now is the time to go back to the store and get the things you forgot! Scotch tape, batteries, name tags, and extra wrapping paper. Just to mention a few things! Double check your list!
SERVICE IDEA: Bake a batch of cookies for your family and enjoy them around the Christmas tree.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: We Wish You A Merry Christmas
THOUGHT: "We do not always know the reasons for what God does and doesn’t do, but in the end we’ll see that He was always right."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Be an encourager today. Listen. Sometimes we just need to know that we are needed and loved by someone. Tell someone you love them. An unexpected blessing and miracle is just around the corner. Keep your eyes open. Have a BLESSING filled and JOYFULLY EXPECTANT day!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make or buy Christmas cards for all the family. Don’t forget you can use your computer if you have one.
SERVICE IDEA: Have a no TV day and spend time with family instead.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
THOUGHT: "I have had many things placed in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands I still possess."—Martin Luther—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Go to breakfast with your husband—devote your whole day to him.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Choose a Christmas movie—cuddle up on the couch. Don’t worry about all the Christmas hustle and bustle. Just enjoy the movie.
SERVICE IDEA: Gather all the grocery carts from a parking lot and bring them
back into the store.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good Christian Men, Rejoice
THOUGHT: "Having someone who understands is a great blessing for ourselves. Being someone who understands is a great blessing to others."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Have a picnic---in your living room!!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Why not pick up some special holiday ice cream—peppermint, etc.—Enjoy!!
SERVICE IDEA: Write a "love letter" to your husband and put it on his pillow.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
THOUGHT: " Patience keeps us from running ahead of God. Alertness keeps us from missing His opportunities."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Have a nice cup of spiced tea and read a poem—or better yet-write one.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This is the time to make sure you have all the wrapping paper and tape to wrap all those presents!!
SERVICE IDEA: Read a book to a young child.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: We Three Kings
THOUGHT: " Strength is often found within the silence, while resting in the presence of the Lord. Abiding in His peace, we feel His power; while leaning on His love, we are restored."—B.J. Hoff—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Burn a scented candle while taking a bubble bath.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Do all your last minute running around today. Make sure you have all the ingredients for Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner.
SERVICE IDEA: Take a plate of cookies to your neighbor.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: O Holy Night
THOUGHT: " Some flowers grow best in the sun; others do well in the shade. God plants us where we grow best."—God’s Little Promise Book—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Get your Bible and read some of the book of Psalms. There is such comfort in them. Today saturate your soul and spirit with the Word of God.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This is Christmas Eve. Make sure you read the REAL story of CHRISTMAS. If you are alone read the Luke passage out loud, If you have family/friends around, take turns reading the verses and have everyone take part. After you finish reading the passage have a time of prayer. Remember to be thankful and have hearts of gratitude for all the Lord has done. It is not too early to ask the Lord to direct you in the New Year ahead. You never know what tomorrow will bring!
SERVICE IDEA: Invite someone to the Christmas eve service at the church.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Silent Night
Remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON and why we CELEBRATE.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting PEACE."—John 3:16