Blessings Tree

Like most people, I want to teach my kids that Christmas isn't all about the presents.  So I decided to do a blessings tree.  I made a tree shape out of scrapbook paper and added ornaments that say, "The best gifts aren't wrapped."  (Of course, older kids could make this themselves.)

Then I added some "gifts". 

We started by reading The Littlest Angel.  I love this book.  It's about a little boy angel who just can't seem to get anything right.  His halo keeps slipping, he sings off-key, he can't even fly!  When it's time for everyone to give a present to the newborn baby Jesus, the Littlest Angel doesn't know what he can possibly give.  He can't sing a tune, he can't write a prayer, he has no shining gifts to give.  Finally, he decides on his most valued possession.  It's a rough, ugly box full of things that the little boy treasured on Earth like a sky-blue egg shell, two white stones from a muddy river bank, and a worn collar from a much loved dog.  When it comes time to open the gifts, the Littlest Angel becomes terrified and ashamed that he has given these things.  Then God's voice tells him that of all the gifts, the Littlest Angel's pleases him most of all.  That small dirty box becomes the star of Bethlehem.

This book is a little long for my 2 and 3 year old, but Drew was fascinated with the pictures and asked lots of questions.  I think it was easy for him to identify with the main character. ;) I love the message in this book and I think it's so good for little ones to hear.

After we finished reading, I showed them the tree I made and tried to explain what it means that the best gifts aren't wrapped.  We talked about how many things we have to be thankful for at Christmas and all through the year.  I asked them what kinds of things we can be thankful for and Drew said, "Snow blowers" (he meant snow globes - he loves those things) and "Drew".  Lainey said, "Christmas tree".  I think this was all a little over their heads but I figure it's better to start earlier rather than later.  I wrote those things on the gifts under the tree and told them I was adding, "Jesus", "hugs", and "Lainey".

Thank you for joining me for day 2 of our 12 Days of Christmas, where Jackie from Ready. Set. Read! and I will be sharing a favorite Christmas book and activity each day.  Head on over there and see what she's got planned for us today!  If you missed Day 1, she had an adorable (and easy!) Christmas tree puzzle for preschoolers and a very fitting book to get things started!

Linking to Crayon Freckles, The Inspiration Board, Type A, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Tip Junkie, Sweet Little Gals, Scraps of Life, Sugar & Spice, Sweet Peas & Bumblebees, Living Life Intentionally, A Creative Princess, Mom on Timeout, Thrifty 101, Bear Rabbit Bear, The Artsy Girl Connection, Gluesticks, The Crafty Nest, Happy Hour Projects, Designer Garden,  

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