As I mentioned a few months ago, cleaning out and organizing our attic space has been on our to-do list for a hot minute. Well, I am proud to say we finally have a well-organized space, at least for now.
What started as a daunting task was a really fun trip down memory lane. We found all sorts of homemade ornaments, childhood toys, and crafts the girls made in school. It filled my heart. One of my most favorite items is a storybook the girls made me that had cutout photos of us put into a fairytale story. The pictures of me were horrible, but I could not love it any more if I tried. I don’t think children understand the joy that a parent gets when they receive a heartfelt, handmade gift from a child. Even now that our children are older, I still encourage them, and even Brad, to write me a note, draw me a picture, or make me something rather than spend money on me. To me, the thought behind the gift is what makes it a cherished item. With that in mind, I enjoyed this month’s feature by Sarah Lyons, Gifts Kids Can Give on a Small Budget. She shares with us some super cute ideas that have a personal touch.
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I was excited to pull out the Christmas décor! I tend to decorate the inside of my home the same way every year. The front porch, however, is a different story. That décor depends on what plants may or may not have survived this long in my planters. I try to take photos so I can look back at the hits and misses so I don’t have to rethink it every year.
While looking back on the photos, I naturally ran across some pics of the family during the holidays. I found pictures from the annual Knighton Family Ginger Bread House contest, dinners with family, and even photos of the girls all sleeping in the same bed on Christmas Eve, a tradition they refuse to give up. Yes, another sappy moment that warmed this momma’s heart.
Does your family have some tried and true traditions for your celebrations? Whether you have a young family just starting with holiday traditions or have older kids and are looking to add to your holidays, Kimberly Blaker has some great suggestions in her feature, Holiday Traditions For You and Yours to Treasure.
If your tradition must-dos include family outings, you will find an abundance of joyful holiday events in this year’s Holiday Happenings Guide. This guide is filled with many activities perfect for creating memories with your loved ones. Parades, nativities, concerts, holiday movies, and ice skating are some of the excitement in this year’s guide. Make sure you flip over to the Family Calendar for even more December events.
Whether you are decking the halls or just taking in the sights and sounds of the season, please remember those less fortunate who may be struggling financially or emotionally. Make it a family priority to give back this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if you have a thousand dollars to give or just a smile; you never know how a simple act of kindness may turn someone’s day around or even change their life.
May God bless you and your family with peace, joy, and laughter this holiday season.
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
