Celebrating Christmas through Service.

I am continually trying to bring our Christmas to center more on Christ and less on commercialism.

Especially as my kids get older I want them to know the true meaning of the season.

This year I decided to do an advent calendar that had us participating in acts of service every day instead of the usual calendars that have you doing Christmas activities.  It has been very rewarding and has really changed my perspective and view on the season.

We decided ahead of time all of the varying service acts and created a calendar so that I could plan and be aware of all the activities.  Some of the activities are big, some are small, but they are all serving others which is what the Savior would have us do.

We will end with our gifts to the Savior which is something that brings us closer to Him in the next year.  Our calendar is wise men coming closer to the Savior, which is my hope as we do these activities.  I hope it means more to my children as they grow, I know it has been powerful this year to me.

Just so that I can remember for a later date, here are the activities that we chose for this year:

1 - Sing for rest home

2 - Sing for temple lights

3 - Angel tree at WalMart

4 - Emma as Grant's special helper all day

5 - Christmas cards to cousins

6 - Drop off gift cards to needy family

7 - Cookies to fire station with thank you notes

8 - Help Grandpa Hancock with a chore

9 - Thank you notes and treats to Bishop and RS President

10 - Christmas goodies to neighbors

11 - Help Mom with extra chores

12 - Christmas cards for grandparents

13 - Make dinner for a family

14 - Treat box for missionaries (Brennan and Ward Elders)

15 - Babysit kids for a busy mom to help her finish shopping/errands/chores

16 - Help Dad with dishes

17 - Deliver Great-Grandparent gifts and visit/carol

18 - Gingerbread party for friends

19 - Caroling to neighbors

20 - Host Zac's graduation party

21 - Thank you/Christmas letters to military serving from our stake

22 - Host cousins Christmas party

23 - Visit widows in the ward with Christmas cheer

24 - Christmas gifts to home and visiting teaching families

25 - Gifts to the Savior for 2013