20 free(ish) + fun Christmas ideas

Christmas is coming! we are so excited for Christmas break, and while we're looking forward to relaxing and simply spending time together, i am brainstorming things to do to make the most of the holiday season. i'm all about making memories and creating traditions! 

here is a really random list of fun and free (or almost free) family friendly things to do and some free printables :) 

1 // watch Christmas movies: PRINTABLE LIST of family-friendly Christmas movies

2 // go look at neighborhood Christmas lights: PRINTABLE Christmas lights scavenger hunt

3 // go play at the indoor mall playground, visit Santa, check out the mall Christmas displays

4 // start an Advent angel and Truth in the Tinsel: interactive Christmas activities for kids that tell the story of Jesus' birth

5 // go to a Christmas tree farm, play hide-and-seek, take pictures, collect fallen branches for a pretty centerpiece

6 // department/grocery store scavenger hunt: PRINTABLE store scavenger hunt 

7 // write your own Christmas story, play, or song

8 // go to a local tree lighting or Santa's arrival

9 // try a new recipe and make extra to share with neighbors or friends

10 // check out Christmas books from the library - try to find books about Christmas in other cultures 

11 // gift wrap toys and things around the house just for fun 

12 // make Christmas ornaments to keep or gift

13 // make Christmas cards to send to soldiers

14 // make Christmas cards for neighbors, mailman, and teachers

15 // write your family "year in review" and goals for the new year: PRINTABLE family year in review template 

16 // clean closets, pantry and collect donations for a local charity

17 // learn and sing Christmas carols - take a video to send to loved ones 

18 // make a gingerbread house out of things you already have on hand

19 // visit a nursing/assisted living facility and deliver candy canes to residents

20 // attend a local church Christmas play, program, concert, or service 

// PRINTABLE family-friendly Christmas movies //

// PRINTABLE Christmas lights scavenger hunt //

// PRINTABLE store scavenger hunt //

// PRINTABLE family year in review template //

have fun! Merry Christmas!

Paper Pockets DIY Advent Calendar {& printable}

Advent calendars are one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Counting down to Christmas and celebrating a little bit each day leading up to the BIG DAY is really fun.

This year I was inspired by the Design Sponge DIY envelope Advent calendar featured on OhAmanda's Best Advent Calendars post. Paper crafts are my absolute favorite! So simple and so pretty. And? Recyclable!

The envelopes make cute little pockets for stashing something special for the kids to find each day.

I don't like to craft alone, so I invited some friends to come over for an Awesome Advent Adventure! While us moms crafted over coffee and salted caramel hot chocolate, the kids played contently in the 80degree sunshine. (typical Texas November)

We each crafted our pockets a little differently, adding our own flair and style. No two pockets alike, that's for sure!

Want to make your own? Here's what you need:
- 25 pockets, can be made up of 13 #10 envelopes, or any size envelopes
- stickers, construction paper, buttons, markers, any embellishments
- glue
- scissors, regular and/or decorative
- jute/twine, ribbon, string, or yarn
- clothespins (at least 12, i used 19)
- Design Sponge printable numbers (cut apart)
- printable activities from MamaHall (cut apart)
- printable scriptures from MamaHall (cut apart)
- any other pocket fillers such as small candy, stickers, temporary tattoos, trinkets

Here is how I made my Paper Pockets Advent Calendar:
1. I started with 10 plain white #10 envelopes. BigGirl and I painted them red and green with watercolor paints. And then I cut them in half vertically, making 20 half-envelopes (pockets).

2. I found 3 brown invitation envelopes, about 4x6, and cut them in half vertically, making 6 half-envelopes (pockets).

3. Using the Design Sponge printable numbers, scrap paper, stickers, stamps, and stencils, I put a number on each envelope #1-25, and adorned some of them with other crafty embellishments.

4. I fixed the backs of the envelopes so that the opening was at the tops only, sealing the sides with double-stick tape. I also altered the tops of the pockets with fancy scrapbook scissors.

5. I hung a long strand of jute (twine), and clipped each envelope with a clothespin. I hung mine in the large window in our kitchen. On the mantel would be pretty, or draped on the staircase, or hung on any blank wall. Make sure you anchor each end of the twine good- the clothespins and pocket contents might be too heavy for a strip of tape. I had to tie mine on to the curtain rod.  

6. Fill each pocket with an activity from this printable page of Advent Activities. Includes 1 page of blanks for you to fill in some of your children's favorite activities.

7. Put a scripture in every other pocket (from this printable page of 12 Advent Scriptures.)

8. Add any extra trinkets or treasures to your pockets that you'd like. An idea I had was to find a small Nativity Scene puzzle and put one or two puzzle pieces in each pocket so that by Day 25 the puzzle will be complete!

Happy Countdown to a Merry Christmas!


feel free to share this Advent activity and my free printables with your friends, family, and readers. all i ask is that you keep it free and give credit where credit is due. thank you and Merry Advent!

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kind hearts are the gardens {free printable}

isn't this a sweet little poem? we came across this poem in one of Bubba's textbooks last week at the end of our unit on plants, flowers and such. both of my kids really enjoyed the metaphor, and we spent some time elaborating.

"kind smiles are the seed!" 

"kind high-fives are the leaves!" 

and we read some Proverbs, too, to extend the lesson to teach them that God values kindness. 

A kind man benefits himself.

But a mean person brings trouble on himself. 

Proverbs 11:17 NIRV

Worry makes a man’s heart heavy.

But a kind word cheers him up. 

Proverbs 12:25 NIRV

Anyone who is kind to poor people lends to the Lord.

God will reward him for what he has done. 

Proverbs 19:17 NIRV

i wanted the poem displayed so we could see it every day, memorize it, and live it, so i designed an 8x10 printable poster and put it in an IKEA clips frame. (do they not sell those any more? here is a similar frame on amazon) it will look so pretty in our HCPA school room!

free printable

would you like the "Kind Hearts are the Gardens" printable? download the free printable HERE, for personal use only, please. take care of your gardens! :) 

teaching Thanksgiving {free printable placemat}

beyond a day dedicated to giving thanks, what is Thanksgiving?

i wanted a date and a definition, a clear and concise origin. what i got was a can of worms. apparently the first Thanksgiving is questionable and oft debated. 

but i wanted to teach Thanksgiving this week, so i took the time and sorted through the worms to try to get to the bottom of the can.

i found some really great resources with simple explainations of what could be considered a complicated holiday.

the story of Thanksgiving, as told by Just4KidsMagazine:

The first Thanksgiving celebration in America is basically the story of the Pilgrims and their thankful community feast at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth England on a crowded ship called the Mayflower on September 6, 1620. After over 66 days of travel across the Atlantic Ocean they landed on the rocky shores of Massachusetts. The Pilgrims first winter in the new land was very hard. They lived in dirt-covered homes, there was a shortage of food, and almost half of them died.

In the Spring the Pilgrims tried to plant the wheat that they brought with them, but it would not grow in the rocky soil. They did not know how to survive in this New Land – They needed help!

The Pilgrims were dedicated Christians. They believed in praying to God, especially in times of desperate need. I am sure that it was God who sent the two friendly, English speaking Wampanoag (Wam pa NO ag) Indians named “Squanto” (SKWAN toe), and Samoset. They were hunting along the beach of Plymouth when they discovered the new settlers. They became friends, and Squanto and Samoset stayed with the Pilgrims for a few months teaching them how to survive in the new land. They taught them how to hunt, how to cultivate corn and other new vegetables, how to sap maple trees, dig and cook clams, and many other skills.

By the fall of 1621 the Pilgrims were doing much better. They were in better health, the corn had grown well, and there was enough food to last through the winter. It was their religious custom to celebrate a Feast of the Ingathering of the Harvest in November. So they decided to celebrate a Thanksgiving Feast to Thank God for their good fortune.

what the Bible says about giving thanks:

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. -1 Chronicles 16:8

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. -Psalm 105:1

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

"The Colors of Salvation" Indian corn craft from ChristianPreschoolPrintables.com- print this .PDF color page of Indian corn and teach the colors of salvation. you could also get real dried Indian corn (i've seen it at Target in produce) to drive home this concept.

Thanksgiving Lapbook from MyTeacherPages.com is 13 pages for a Thanksgiving themed lapbook includes a word search, multiplication problems, and vocabulary.

Memory Verses from ChristianPreschoolPrintables.com is four short Bible verses for little ones to memorize.

and i love, love, LOVE the idea of teaching table manners and table-setting etiquette this time of year. SheKnows.com has ideas for teaching and reinforcing age-appropriate manners just in time for Thanksgiving. teach children the proper way to set the table so they can be big helpers at Thanksgiving dinner. Emily Post, of course, has printable diagrams and descriptions of table settings.

i made a printable version that your child can use as a placemat or to practice setting the table. here is the free .PDF: Printable Table Setting Practice Placemat. < new link to FREE printable, no log-in required

how do you teach Thanksgiving? what resources do you use? i'd love to know!

Happy Thanksgiving!

WE ♥️ TEACHERS // gift ideas + printables

school is almost out for summer! wooHoo! 'tis the season to let the teachers in our lives know they are appreciated! 

teachers will tell you that gifts aren't necessary. but i love blessing my children's teachers with little tokens of love to express our gratitude, especially at the end of the school year. 

   

here are some TEACHER GIFT IDEAS with updated free printables:  

// TOTE BAG GIFT TAGS paired with a cute little reusable tote bag or beach bag

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE 

// TEACHER THANK YOU NOTES printed and paired with any gift 

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE

// HONEY AND CORNBREAD yummy snack idea

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED PRINTABLE (summer/end of school year)

// MENTOS CANDY sweet and simple 

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED PRINTABLE (summer/end of school year)

we are so thankful for the teachers in our life! 

HAVE A SUPER SUMMER, YALL!

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pumpkins on porches + free printable

'tis the season for pumpkins on porches! i love it. i love collecting these gorgeous gourds - all shapes and sizes - throughout October and November. pumpkins make me smile! such a simple Fall-time pleasure.

thank You, Lord, for creating pumpkins.

a few weeks ago i took the kids to the pumpkin patch, the first of many we'll visit this season. while there, i was inspired with an idea for a new Fall tradition for our family. i put the idea into motion immediately. it all happened so fast - it was very spontaneous! thrilling! and, at the risk of outing us to the friends that were involved, i want to share with you our new Fall tradition because it was so much fun and i know we'll look forward to it year after year!

we named our new tradition "Pumpkins on Porches," and here's what we did...

first, we bought a bunch of big fat pumpkins

then we printed out these cute little tags {free printable for you below}

next we tied the tags onto the pumpkin stems with twine

then the most fun part: we secretly and anonymously delivered them to front porches of unsuspecting friends SQUEEEE!

and then we giggled and smiled and giggled some more, imagining our friends' sheer joy of finding a gifted pumpkin on their front porches.

{free pumpkin tag printable}

here is a free printable of the cute little note so you can tie them onto pumpkin stems and deliver them anonymously to your unsuspecting friends! happy fall 'yall!

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

A SWEET THANKSGIVING teacher gift + printable

Thanksgiving is next week! i know it is not typically the time for teacher gifts, but i had an idea and i just went for it. when i shared this teacher gift idea on my instagram story, there were several requests for the printable note, so here you go! i hope you and yours have a sweet Thanksgiving!


here is an easy and inexpensive little Thanksgiving gift that will bless the teachers in your life!

honey & cornbread! yum!

all you need:
- 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 small honey bear
- printable note (below)
- ribbon, yarn, twine

the note card has a list of the health benefits of honey and also, "delicious on corn bread!" just print out the note, have your child sign it, and tie it all together for a SWEET Thanksgiving teacher gift! 
in fact, these notes aren't teacher-specific, so this gift would work for anyone!

click here to download (right-click function disabled):

<< SWEET THANKSGIVING PRINTABLE PDF >>

Happy Thanksgiving!

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God called me out {free printable}

we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. all of us are like sheep and have wandered away from our Shepherd.

but wait. even still, God demonstrated His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, God sent His one and only son Jesus to die for us. (Romans 3:23, 5:8)

God chose YOU (me!) to be His people! we belong to God! He called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. for this- God's love, grace, favor, faithfulness!- He is far worthy of our praises and thanksgiving.

God called me out. i remember the darkness, and i pray i never forget how He always brings me through to His wonderful light.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

for you...a simple, pretty, free printable to remind you that God called you out...

simply click here to get the free printable: Called Me Out

Around Here Lately {a promise & a printable}

i used to rush the mornings. if we had to be somewhere in the morning, i used to run around like a madwoman getting ready, yelling commands at the kids to hurry up. i'd shhh their chatter to try to keep them focused on putting on their socks and shoes. i'd stop their little impromptu game of tickle-tag and hustle them into their carseats so we could hurry off to wherever we needed to be.

but sometime about two years ago, after i'd rushed through breakfast and worked myself (and my children) into a hurried frenzy, i caught the sunrise. and isn't it beautiful? it's beautiful every time.

and another thing about the sunrise? it's slow. but if you don't catch it, you'll miss it. 

the sun isn't in a hurry to rise, and it creates incredible beauty for her surroundings the way up. 

that morning when i caught the sunrise after hurrying, i promised not to hurry another morning. i promised i'd stop my rush and instead create incredible beauty for my surroundings in my own little way. this is how God, the maker of the sun!, starts my day, and i certainly don't want to miss it. 

these slow moments of watching Him light up another day...i just bask in His glory and love. what a beautiful way to begin life again each and every day!

last week, the kids and i had a pleasant morning and didn't rush to get where we were going. when we got there, the sun was still rising right in front of us. before we went inside, we stood in the parking lot and admired the unrushed sunshine. the sky was streaked with blues, purples, and pinks, some oranges and yellows, and some blended colors that we couldn't even name. 

and "isn't God amazing?" and "aren't we so thankful for yet another day of this life?" 

God promises me that today is going to be a good day- 

in this slow rising beauty and in His ever-living Word.

i watch the sun rise, i remember these promises, and i let it set the tone for the rest of my day.   

The LORD has done it this very day; 

let us rejoice today and be glad. 

Psalm 118:24

weeping may stay for the night, 

but rejoicing comes in the morning. 

Psalm 30:5

see the pretty "Today" printable? it's a declaration that "today will be a great day," with accompanying bible verses that promise the same. my Pastor's wife, Mrs. April Osteen Simons, came up with this declaration and i loved it when i heard her say it about two years ago. 

i read it in the mornings with my children, and like the sunrise, it reminds us of God's promise and sets the tone for our day. 

i want to encourage you to start your day slower. call your day great as it's getting started! claim God's promises for joy and favor first thing in the morning. His word is good! 

i'd like for you to have the "Today" printable, too! i am sharing the free download on my Facebook page today. go like my page, print the declaration, and have a beautiful day. 

"mento teach" Valentine's Day candy wrap printables!

back by popular request: the MENTO Teach Valentine mentos candy wrap printable!

 

i originally shared this in 2015 and it's been a big hit every year! GET THE FREE PRINTABLE PDFs BELOW :) 

if you are looking for a simple and sweet valentine for your kids' teachers, here you go! just pick up some MENTOS candy, wrap the valentine printable note around it, secure with some washi tape, maybe tie a ribbon around it, and show your teachers some valentine's day LOVE.

free MENTOS teacher valentine printables:

 

black // pink // red

 

(pdf files: download, open, print)

 

 

happy valentine's day!

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the most important thing for back to school {printable}

list-making, lesson planning, supply shopping, goal-setting, laminating, schedule-arranging, book buying, school room organizing...i've been preparing for the 2012-2013 school year. i suspect you have, too?

amid all the back to school craziness, the most important thing we can do in preparation is pray. 

we believe in the power of prayer. pray over the classroom. pray over the books. pray over the plans. pray in the morning, during the afternoon slump, and every night before sleep. pray diligently and continually for the children, for the teachers, and for the schools.

even if i don't buy another notebook, if i don't sign up for another class, if i don't sharpen another pencil, or scribble another lunch box note... if i don't do anything else, if it's the least i can do, praying is still the most important thing to do.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

i pray these 5 scriptures:

this will set the tone for our home, our school, our lives. i want my children to learn these promises, to pray them, to trust God for them.

as we prepare for a new school year, the most important thing we can do is pray.

personalize this printable for your school year:

download the free printable school year prayer

photo credit

weekly menu planner 🍕📝

i've said it before and i'll say it a thousand times (because it bears repeating and i am forgetful): planning my family's weekly dinner menu is a total sanity saver. when i don't plan our menu, i end up rushing to the grocery store for quick dinner inspiration, or grabbing random ingredients for a last minute recipe, or we tend to dine out- which leads to not so healthy eating choices. it's a bad habit. and you know what they say, bad habits breed bad habits. not being prepared for our weeknight dinners is frustrating and stressful.

when i'm frustrated, unprepared, and stressed, i can't serve my family well. then the peace in our home is disturbed. it's a crazy cycle.

the one thing that has helped me stay consistent in menu planning is WRITING IT DOWN. i use a notebook, but i also like to use a calendar format so i can post it on the refrigerator and the family can see what's for dinner. it works for me and it works for them! i love serving my family- and this one simple habit sets me up for success.

if bad habits breed bad habits, good habits must breed good habits right?

*TGIT is our standing family date night and we dine out. tip: avoid the weekend rush! restaurants are less busy on Thursdays. YOYO is "you're on your own" for dinner aka eat all the leftovers and clean out the fridge :)

i made this printable menu planner calendar and it definitely helps! you can download and print the menu planner here: 

FULL PAGE WEEKLY MENU PLANNER PRINTABLE

HALF PAGE WEEKLY MENU PLANNER PRINTABLE 

here's to menu planning and keeping good habits! xoxo

more menu planning posts:

// MENU PLANNING Q & A

// PREVENTING MENU PLANNING BURNOUT

// GROCERY DELIVERY

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menu, recipes & a free printable

recycled menu
to help me plan my menu this week, i flipped back a few pages in my trusty notebook and copied some of our favorite meals into this week's plan. it's a recycled menu, but still good. i've linked to the recipes for your convenience:  


Monday: Cheese Tortellini Salad with garlic toast
Tuesday: BBQ Coke Chicken Crock with green beans
Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner! Pancakes, bacon and eggs
Thursday: Tilapia with rice pilaf
Friday: Honey Mustard Foil Pack Chicken with baked sweet potato
Saturday: Turkey breast with steamed veggies
Sunday: Tomato Basil Soup


recent recipes

sugar & spice muffins

about once or twice a year i get on a baking kick, where i want to try new recipes, new ingredients, and spend hours in the kitchen baking up a storm. usually it's in the Fall or just before Spring when i get the itch to bust out the mixer and rolling pin.well, this year, Baking Season started early. in the past few weeks i've baked enough goodies to open a sweets shop. except we ate everything that came out of the oven :)


here are some of my most recent recipes for baked goods:
Homemade Sugar & Spice Muffins
Homemade Graham Crackers
Homemade Cheese Crackers
Homemade Poptarts


{free} irresistible printable
need some inspiration to plan your menus? how about a cute printable menu planning page? just click the image below, save and print, cut out around the edges and make yourself a simple, yet irresistible, notepad for menu planning!

click, save, print, cut & use

i printed 10 pages, put them together with a paperclip
and put on my cookbook stand with my red sharpie. 

i'd love to hear your menu planning tips and favorite recipes this week. do you like the menu plan page i made for you? leave a comment below. and then check out my favorite website for menu planning, the hostess of Menu Planning Monday: OrgJunkie.com. you'll be glad you did!

support small: prints

i am having so much fun seeking out ways to shop small this Christmas. being creative in where i shop is definitely forcing me to put more thought into gift-giving. i am excited about the small and local businesses that i've discovered!

another idea for supporting small this Christmas is to think prints: photographs, e-books, and printables! there are a lot of small businesses that make printed products that you could gift quickly and affordably. do your printing at home or have your printing done by a locally owned copy and print shop. 

photography 

we like to have our family pictures taken professionally every year in the fall or wintertime by a local photographer. this year, Casey from Ellie Layne Images took our pictures, and i LOVE them! she did fantastic!

this is what was happening in between the posed shots

 now, i can print the photo, put it in a nice frame (from a local shop) and wha-la! a gift Granny and Grandma will adore! consider giving your business to a smaller, local photographer instead of a commercial/retail photo studio. it's sure to be a fun experience!     

e-books

e-books are the hot new thing. while the author may not get a lot of money from each sale, purchasing an e-book could contribute to the seller's goal of increasing their site traffic which, in turn produces income, if that is how it is set up. other authors sell their e-books to reach a smaller financial goal or to raise money for a greater cause. whatever the case, you could probably find an e-book on just about any topic for any recipient on your Christmas list. just print it out, staple together, tie a ribbon around it, and the e-book makes a thoughtful and unique gift. there are SO MANY good ones out there...but some of my favorites are...

Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys by Brooke L. McGlothlin - i love this e-book and think any mom who has a son would, too. it's only 99 cents right now! 

Savoring Living Water by Katie Orr and Laura Williams - "how to have an effective quiet time" - beautiful, practical, tips for making the most of your QT with JC. in printable, Nook, and Kindle versions for $5.49 and also available hardbound for $10. $2 of every sale of this book is donated to One Verse. what a sweet gift idea.  

Christmas Recipes from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures -this book is 54 pages of Lynn's favorite and most popular easy Christmas recipes that contain regular everyday ingredients. i get a lot of my recipes from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures, so i completely trust that this e-book is full of awesome recipes. it is FREE when you subscribe to her blog! what a fun gift idea!

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae "Having a Martha House the Mary Way" -and to be clear, that's Martha as in Bible Martha not Martha Stewart. this book is perfect for the start of the year as it offers practical daily challenges for cleaning your home. but even better, each day there is also a challenge for spiritual cleansing of the heart, and a reminder of why housekeeping is important and how it honors the Lord. this timeless resource is a great gift. it's only $4.99.

printables

i am a sucker for printables. give me a sweet quote printed on pretty paper and stick it in a picture frame and i am happy as a lark. why not get creative and find a personal printable for your friends and family? there are a lot of bloggers that make a business of producing printables. most printables are free or available for a few dollars. just download and print, frame and gift! here are some links of where i like to get printables:

Jones Design Company -art, lists, tags, craftables

A Holy Experience -devotionals, calendars, encouragement, art

Word Candy Quotes -art, quotes

My Posh Designs -art, quotes

Naptime Diaries -art, quotes

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there are a lot of ideas for supporting small business by gifting prints! i hope you will consider shopping small in this way. 

Marci at Overcoming Busy, Stef Layton, and i are featuring small businesses on our sites every Tuesday until Christmas to encourage others to shop small. follow us on Twitter using #shopsmall.

Let us help one another to do good works.

Hebrews 10:24 NIRV