Turning Christmas traditions into teachable moments
I loved Christmas long before I loved Christ. I love candlelight and cozy nights. I love card-making and tree-decorating. I love home-made…
Making a plan for holiday family gatherings
We’re entering the season filled with awe, wonder, gratitude, and dread. It’s that time of year where we get to spend time with the family we love.…
Preparing our special-needs child for large family gatherings
There’s nothing more wonderful than gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Sharing meals, baking cookies, giving gifts, and…
How to awaken your heart anew this holiday season
Holiday lights, party invitations, and festive recipes call out in unison to our deepest desires for comfort and joy this time of year. Sweet…
Three practices that will increase your family’s joy this holiday season
The holidays are supposed to be “the season of joy,” but conversations with parents this time of year are often characterized more by stress than…
Ode to Christmas and New Year’s hope
The stockings that were hung by the chimney with care Are somewhere in the laundry with the underwear. The tree that shimmered with ornaments and…
The ordinary becomes extraordinary at Christmas
There is one word that describes the night he came—ordinary. The sky was ordinary. An occasional gust stirred the leaves and chilled the air. The…
Making memories with your family this Christmas
I remember as a young woman hearing an older woman say, “Don’t wait for memories to happen. Your most important memories will be made.” She went on…
How to stress less this Christmas
I heard someone say once that as mamas, we are the keepers of all the things—especially all the appointments and schedules—from our kids, to our…
