My paternal grandmother, Alberta Scott, aka Ma-ma, crafted the art of memory-making.
Every December certain things took place in her home. The smooth sounds of Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis spun on the console upstairs while boiled custard simmered on the stove. A twelve-inch ball of Styrofoam decked out in olive-green velvet hung over the same doorway for as long as I can remember. And the gold pedestal candy dish in the living room was emptied of common candy in favor of peppermints.
Ma-ma made Christmas special for everyone who walked through her door. But she didn’t stop there. Every year, she loaded her Buick with homemade pound cakes, fudge, and spritzer cookies, making her rounds to those who were home-bound, lonely, and sick. Even as a little girl, I remember thinking how I wanted to be like her when I grew up.
Her gestures were simple but meaningful.
She taught me that sharing the love of Christ, especially at Christmas, is a privilege that no jolly red-coated gift deliverer could possibly match.
Over the years, I’ve tried creating ideas that worked for our family. Below are some of those ways. I’d love to read yours in the comment box!
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
- As you receive Christmas cards in the mail, place them in a bowl in the center of your table. Pick a card each night and pray for that family.
- Before your fluffy socks hit the floor each morning, ask God to help you be attentive to the divine opportunities He has for you that day. Maybe you will be the only patient person in line behind the woman who plops 20 items down in a 10 item lane. Or, the only person that shows restraint, refusing to honk at the woman who robbed you of a green light because she was too busy reading her phone. Deep breath Cathy, deep breath.
- Not only come to a complete stop for pedestrians but smile at them. It’s a nice way to let them know they’re not an intrusion on your day and that they are worthy of your time.
- Go beyond what’s expected when you hear the bell ring near a favorite store. Buy a bottle of water or a hot cup of cocoa for the person who is willing to brave the weather to raise money for those in need. If you really want to make their day, take their order for a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. The smile you receive will be the brightest gift you’ll open this season.
- Family activity: Bundle up, grab a basket and head outdoors to find objects in nature for a holiday centerpiece. As you walk, consider pointing out the details of God’s magnificent handiwork. When you return home, place a large white candle in the center, sharing how Christ is the true Light, the Light of all mankind (read John 1). Capturing ordinary moments for God’s glory releases extraordinary possibilities.
- Celebrate Advent as a family. Advent – A Countdown to Christmas, by Focus on the Family has several resources that are sure to help you get started.
- Give the gift of song. Gather friends for cocoa and go caroling! Hand out peppermint canes with tags that read, Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
- Exchange busy for being. For a few minutes each day, be intentionally still and quiet as you meditate on Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God.
- Curl up with your favorite cup of tea and Christmas novella. After all, how can we serve others if we ourselves are depleted?
- Lend an ear⏤a listening one, that is. For those who are struggling with the season, be there. It’s not so much what you say as much as what you hear.
- Do you enjoy decorating? Take time to notice those around you who may have physical difficulties and are unable to decorate a tree.
- Gift a day. If you know someone who became a widow in 2018, create a day for them. If they’re a single mom of young children, offer to watch the children. Or plan a day that doesn’t require money — hiking, festivals, or a church Christmas program.
- “Wrap gifts” for Jesus. I was a single mom when I celebrated my first Christmas as a Christ-follower. Throughout the month of December, I jotted down specific ways I was thankful for my new life, His promises, and blessings. Each one went on a different notecard and under the spindly Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, after the boys had gone to their dad’s, I spent a quiet time unwrapping the gifts and saying each one aloud. It was a Christmas I’ll never forget. That’s what happens when one crosses over from darkness to light.
- Invite a lonely neighbor to dinner or dessert. The blessing doesn’t dwell in a dish but rather, the heart.
- Adopt a family with a deployed military parent. Being a single parent is never easy but this is especially so during the holidays.
- Write to someone who has especially blessed you this year. “More than kisses, letters mingle souls.” – John Donne. What would it mean to you to receive such a letter?
- Who couldn’t use a cup of coffee? Consider treating the person behind you in line. Not so long ago, I chose to forego a pay-it-backward moment because the woman seemed to have it all together. Why would a woman driving a BMW with impeccable style need a free coffee? (Must I reason everything out?) One divine tap. That’s all it took. God alone knows what’s going on in the heart of another.
- As you flick on your lights in December, let it remind you how Jesus is the Light of the World. He pierced your darkness and mine.
- Do you know someone who has lost a loved one this year? Consider gifting them an evergreen plant or tree. In the note, remind them that like the evergreen that retains color all year long, their love too will remain. Perhaps invite a few close friends and spend time sharing sweet memories of the person as you plant the tree together.
- Take a cue from the song Silent Night, Holy Night, and turn off all TVs, phones, and laptops. Read a book, sing Christmas carols, work on a Christmas puzzle, or bake Christmas cookies for yourself and others.
Every December, I peel open the tote that holds Ma-ma’s ball of styrofoam dressed in olive-green velvet and smile. Yes, the memories of childhood prompt it but it’s the blessing she brought to others that hold it.
Watch for the next Tiny House Tuesday! It will be my only post during the month of December. I plan to enjoy my family, merge into a new church family, prepare my heart for Christmas, and down buckets of coffee. Speaking of which…
What’s one way you/your family reach out to others during the Christmas season? Or, is there an idea above you plan to try this season? Leave a comment and your name will be included in a random drawing for a $10.00 gift card from Starbucks!
**Subscribers! Be sure to check your inbox today. A full list of family ideas for the Christmas Jar is included in your Letter from the Tiny House on the Hill.
I buy Christmas platters and containers from Dollar Tree, fill them with fresh-baked cookies and my husband and kids will deliver them to neighbors and friends.
I love this idea, Linda. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that you all cook and deliver. Your family has a heart for others that I’ve always admired. Thanks so much for sharing! Hope you all have a very blessed Christmas season. Miss you!
I’m sitting here getting misty-eyed reading all the tips of things to do for Christmas — I don’t know why… Guess I’m just a little more sappy this time of year! Wonderful post, as usual 🙂
There’s nothing wrong with that, Connie. I got a little misty-eyed myself because we did some of these when our boys were young and now they have children of their own. Yet another reminder to redeem our time. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you and yours have a very blessed Christmas season. And I LOVE your photo! 🙂
That’s my sweet little Artie with me (in my nerd glasses!).
Such a cutie — and I LOVE your glasses! 🙂
Hi Cathy,
I think we’ll try #1, #5, and #6. Love your tips!
Blessings,
Laurie
Thanks, Laurie! Let me know how it goes. 🙂 Praying for your moving day! I know you’ll be relieved to be a new place. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Cathy. Sharing this with my grown children and my sisters, as well as FB and TW. Lovely.
That’s wonderful, Jan! I pray it will bless your family. Have a blessed Christmas season, my friend. 🙂
Thank you for these wonderful opportunities we often overlook. I like the “Taste and see that the Lord is good” tags on candy canes to give out. I like to put small candy canes in a Christmas tract and give one to the waitresses or clerk who check us out when shopping. It always brings a smile when they open the card and see a sweet treat. May I share your post on my blog?
I love your idea of sharing candy canes and tracts with those who serve us in other settings. I can only imagine those wide smiles you see in return. And I would be honored for you to share my post on your blog, Kathy. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season!
These are so wonderful!!!
Thanks, Edie. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by!
I enjoyed reading your suggestions. Some we’ve done in the past is blessing our church staff with a home cooked lunch that I take to the church with all the necessities and then quickly depart; putting together a package of requested items and mailing to one of our missionary families or purchasing some poinsettias and deliver to seniors, shut-ins or someone needing cheering up.
I love these ideas, Daphne! You have blessed many (including myself). Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you Cathy for sharing these great ideas. I tend to be so busy this time of year that I don’t often to think of little things that could be such a blessing to others. You have given me some new ideas for this holiday season. My grandmother always had boiled custard on the stove too.
Wanda
I’m glad the suggestions were helpful, Wanda. 🙂 I have my grandmother’s boiled custard recipe but I have yet to muster up the patience to make it. ha! Thanks for taking the time to share.
I make cookies and mail lots of Christmas cards.
I love both of these ideas, Jennifer! There’s something about the gift of cookies that makes a person feel special — and nothing says Merry Christmas like a traditional Christmas card. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of gifting a day! It’s thoughtful, intentional, and creates memories!
Time is the costliest and most precious of all gifts. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Robyn!
Thank you, Cathy, for the great reminder about sharing ourselves with others during this season! I love your ideas and want to think how I will bless a friend who lost her husband this past year.
Amie, your friend is blessed to have you. I can’t imagine how difficult this time of year must be for those who’ve recently lost a loved one. Bless you!
Oh Cathy!! I LOVE your list!! (And the memories you shared about your Ma-ma…so many of my favorite Christmas memories involve my precious grandmother. I miss her so!) I especially loved your idea for the bell ringers!!! I’ve never thought of what a blessing that would be! And inviting a lonely neighbor for a meal or dessert…there are several widowed ladies near me. Thank you for that prompt! You are a treasure, sweet friend!
I’m glad the list was helpful, Kristi. We were blessed to have grandmothers that stir such sweet memories. So thankful for you — and I miss you! Thanks for taking the time to share. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas season. ((( HUGS )))
My family is mentioned in several scenarios above! Our daughter will celebrate her first Christmas as a single mom, with her kids going to dad on Christmas morning. My husband lost his mom this year. My son is a veteran, but living close by. So many great ideas! Thank you for keeping Christmas Christ-centered. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing your personal scenarios, Angie. I’ll be praying for your daughter, as well as your husband and son. Merry Christmas to you, too! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.
Thank you! We appreciate all prayers!
I count it a privilege, Angie. Blessings!
We will be celebrating Advent as a family this year for the first time. At least, that’s the plan. I have two strong-willed boys who may be a bit resistant to the idea!
When our boys were young it wasn’t always easy to have “meaningful” moments but I believe God honors our effort. Praying their hearts will be open to this new celebration as a family. 🙂
Such great ideas here Cathy!
Thanks so much, Michelle. ((( HUGS + Prayers )))
Fabulous ideas, Cathy. Looking forward to that one tiny house post!
Thank you, Susan. I always enjoy writing the *tiny* posts. 🙂 I hope you and yours have a very blessed Christmas season.
Great list to treasure now and years to come. Thanks for sharing, Cathy.
Thank you, Carolyn. Blessings!
Unless health makes it so I can’t I have sent out cards for Christmas, donated to charities, taken an angel from the angel tree. This year I am sending approximately 400 appreciation cards, bookmarks and quote cards to an Arizona Border Patrol Agency for their officers or agents. Oh and they get a mini candy cane, too…lol Hopefully, these appreciation cards will make a difference in their lives.
Oh, I love this idea, Sabrina! I have no doubt that your cards (and candy canes!) will bless, encourage, and delight our dedicated officers and agents on our borders. Merry Christmas and God bless you!
Wonderful list, Cathy…thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Cynthia. 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share. ((( HUGS ))) from the Carolinas!
My husband and I have been doing a neighborhood drop in around Christmas since we loved to our home 14 years ago. We have always felt where God plants us, we need to be intentional with loving those around us. We live in a smaller home but we don’t let that stop us. After Thanksgiving we take invites to all our neighbors. The second Sunday evening of December everyone comes to our house for food and fellowship. I make/buy the food. The point of the evening is just to bless the neighborhood and encourage fellowship. The house is filled up for sure. It’s a lot of work. Costco helps with the finger foods and I have cookies made to go along with the food I make. We pray every person who comes can feel the love of Jesus and His presence in our home <3. LOVE your blog! Happy to be able to follow you now 🙂
Lisa, I LOVE your idea and the intentionality with which you execute it. I’m totally inspired! Talk about being the hands and feet of Christ. 🙂 I’ve marked your date on my calendar and plan to pray for you and your husband, as well as those God brings to your home. Thanks so much for sharing (and also for following me…what a blessing!)
YOUR PRAYERS ARE A GIFT! Thank you so much!
I count it a privilege. Merry Christmas, Lisa!
It’s been years since we’ve done anything like this but I’d like to start again. We’ve taken firefighters Cuban flan for the holidays, made banana or mango bread for the neighbors, taken Cuban pastries to the doctors offices that we frequented, gave lunch or coffee to people selling fruit or water bottles at stoplights (it’s a Miami thing), etc. I love the idea of treating the bell ringers to a coffee or treat:)
Ps. Can it be a gift card to Exchange Co. if we are local? Just kidding!
I love it, Kiki! And by all means, let it be a gift card to Exchange Co. I can’t imagine anything better. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to share. God bless you and yours this Christmas!
Oh, Cathy. What inspiring memories! I say you do your Ma-Ma proud, friend. One thing I do is purchase a candle and light it on Christmas Day. It burns all day to remind me of The Light of the world who came to save us.
What a beautiful way to remember Jesus on Christmas day! It reminds me of the plastic candles Ma-Ma would put in the window and light each night. Thank you for the sweet comment. Made me smile. 🙂
Connie Clyburn, Will you send me that dog for Christmas?