Jesus, this card is for YOU!

My oldest child, Jack, is three and a half years old. His first and second Christmas' were all about the presents and the infant-size Santa hats. But over the last two Christmas seasons I've become more conscious of the responsibility I have to help him understand the meaning of Christmas. This week at school was all about the story of Jesus' birth and how it is translated in the way we celebrate Christmas today. We also managed to work in a few references to "M" and 8.

After calendar time the kids did really well listening to the story of Jesus' birth. These snacks, which they ate while we read, might have helped with concentration.

White powdered donuts, orange slice candies, candy eye decorations and some gel food coloring

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Laughing Cow cheese wedge, olive nubs, cherry tomatos and pretzel twists

We made it in the Jesus Storybook Bible (thanks, Lindsay!) to the story of the three wise men following the star to baby Jesus in Bethlehem and presenting him with three gifts. A perfect segue to working on some fine motor skills by wrapping presents and making cards for moms.

The kids selected their presents from a fine selection of items procured at the Dollar Tree, wrapped them in paper, and (with a little assistance) taped them shut.

The kids also practiced writing their names on cards for the gifts.

Good old Eisley could even write her mom's name!

Then Jack gave the kids their gifts from him: FLUBBER. This stuff is strangely addictive and so amazing. You can cut it with scissors, crush it with a potato smasher, and stamp it with cookie cutters. Or get it stuck in your hair, whatever floats your boat.

Look, the letter "M"! We did something educational today!

...and that's an 8. TEACHER OF THE YEAR!

Flubber 

2 cups Elmer's White Glue

2 teaspoons Borax

1 1/3 cup warm water

liquid food coloring

Glitter (optional)

Instructions

In a small container combine:

• 1 1/3 cups very warm water
• 2 tsp. Borax

Stir until Borax is completely dissolved.

In a large container combine:

• 1 1/2 cup very warm water
• 2 cups Elmer's White Glue
• liquid food coloring (approximately 20 drops)
• Glitter (optional)

Mix thoroughly. Pour the contents of the small container into the larger container. Mix well using your hands. Break up the Flubber between your fingers, and lift and turn the mixture until it is fully combined. Good Flubber will leave your hands and bowl clean.

On the second day of school we had a birthday party for Jesus! 

It's the letter "M" again, formed out of red velvet cupcakes!

Hot cocoa bar! Candy cane and Andes mint chips, along with some Christmas-shaped marshmallows

Inspired by a dinner I made last week out of laziness and desperation, we made our own lunch during the party: we swaddled baby Jesus (a hotdog) in a warm blanket (made of Crescent rolls). 

Addison didn't want to "eat baby Jesus!"

While Doc was cooking our lunch, we read and listened to "Pete the Cat Saves Christmas". Note Doc in the background working hard, turning on the stove, locating sharp knives. 

I believe this was also the point in the party when Juliette was eating the cat food. PAR-TAY!!

 Preparing our hot cocoa:

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus...

Ellie :)

...and eating:

The kids brought birthday cards for Jesus to the party. I LOVE THESE.

The blog post title finally makes sense! Thank you, Annabelle, for this beautiful card.

I still love infant-size Santa hats (as evidenced below), but as my babies are becoming people I feel so excited for the future as we can continue to learn about about the amazing story of Christmas and apply the principles of kindness, generosity and thankfulness during the holidays. 

Gus, the latest victim of my tiny Santa hat addiction.