Do you break out in hives just thinking about the craziness and chaos that comes with Christmas? It doesn’t have to be that way. Inspirational authors Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer share about Christmas’ past in their new novella collection Where Treetops Glisten. Their three stories “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will take you back to war-time 1942, 1943, and 1944. The authors have also teamed up to give tips on simplifying Christmas this year! Join us December 1-6 on Not Quite Amish Living for the Simplifying Christmas series.
Simple Gifts for Teachers, Neighbors and Friends
by Tricia Goyer
Are you looking for fun, simple gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends? I’ve come up with some fun, cheap and SIMPLE ideas for you!
A Gift for Neighbors or Friends with Kids
One of the bloggers at HomeTalk came up with this adorable Thanksgiving Table Runner.
I loved the idea so much that I purchased paints and a runner so we can make our own!
Gift Idea
Create a “Memory Placemat Making Kit.”
Include one placemat, one jar of paint, a Sharpie. Print the printable, and include it in your package. How easy is that?!
Directions:
1. Spread the paint on your child’s hand.
2. Press it onto the placemat.
3. Let it dry.
4. When it’s dry write your child’s name–and the poem below–with a Sharpie.
In 2014 this was the size of my hand.
Next year it will be bigger,
just like God planned!
Stop by NotQuiteAmishLiving.com to learn about the craft you can make for teachers!
Where Treetops Glisten Gift Basket Giveaway!
My publisher has created three wonderful gift baskets. To enter to win this basket, please use the Rafflecopter form below (U.S. only). Also find the additional giveaways (and read more great tips to simplify Christmas!) on Sarah Sundin’s blog and Cara Putman’s blog!
Each basket contains:
Copy of Where Treetops Glisten
Christmas DVD – Holiday Inn Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire
Christmas CD (includes all the book title songs) – “A Jolly Christmas” Frank Sinatra
Apron made from vintage pattern
Recipe cards from each character
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I loved this idea for table runner and place mats. Cute and will be a keep sake for years to come. A real memory maker and the kids had fun making their hand prints and creating turkeys from them. Neat!
I love the placemat idea. Cute as a button and fun for adults and children to do together.
The placemats are priceless – what a great idea! We celebrate Christmas at the homes of other family members. This year most family members have opted for not exchanging gifts except for the children, which is much simpler – as adults sometimes share little gifts of love and presence and prayers throughout the year.
What a great idea, and so many ways you could do this for every holiday!