Santa's secret workshop, Christmas plays, and Crafts

One of my fondest memories of Elementary school was Santa's Secret Workshop.  This workshop was held every Christmas so you could purchase items for your family.  You viewed the items on one day and then made a list of items you wish for your family members.  This inspired me to do a similar 'workshop' for my children.  I've done it three years in a row.  Throughout the year I buy clearance items, discontinued items, or cheap things we may need.  I usually shop at all department stores and check the discounted areas for kids things.  Then I put the items in a 'Christmas bin' (storage bin) till close to Christmas.  The kids get a grocery bag, select from the displayed items, and then wrap the gifts while in my bedroom.  The gifts go right under the tree.  The children and the parents love it.  Here are two pics from this years 'shop'.  As you can see, I have a few St. Patty's Day socks there that I obtained after the holiday.  The Christmas cup was 75% off at Walmart at the end of the year sale.  

Jams, Jellies, cups, books, and frog slippers all make great gifts.

I had a sock theme going on this year.  Kids need socks and what fun it is to provide items you KNOW your kids need....

"It's An Everlasting Life" was a production that my church created for their Christmas Cantata.  A woman, Trista, goes to Heaven and figures out that she wasted precious time complaining and murmuring while not taking time to read the Word, pray, or encourage people.  She is deeply sad when she arrives at the Bema (Judgement) Seat.  

Her friend, Mandy who went before her, gets many rewards and is acclaimed as a precious prayer warrior, but Trista is heartbroken because of her wasted time.  In reality it was a dream, so Trista gets a second chance at life and makes decisions to be kind, pray and encourage others!   

This cantata blessed my heart multiple times as they sang "I Can Only Imagine", as they bowed to worship at Jesus feet and receive rewards, and while worshiping God with their dance.

My girls love to sew.  Since we homeschool, we can take time to sew when we need a break from regular 'school' time.  Here is a little project of a bonnet and mittens for a baby.  My oldest daughter upholstered my dining room and made matching curtains.  She also made me new curtains and valances for my bedroom with this colorful material for valences.  A solid turquoise was used for the curtains.  AND, I LOVE IT.

 Her most interesting project, though, is creating a ring-sling for a new mom at church.  The mother and dad are featured in the photo shots playing Mary and Joseph.  She has sewn another for a friend due in February and one for me..... 

Material for one of the ring slings

Everyone loves playing with play doh!  We often take breaks and 'create'.

Christmas this year is going exceptionally well because, after four years of homeschooling, I'm finally able to stop schooling for December and enjoy the season!  We are doing a Jesse Tree this year as well.  There are tons of blogs and tons of information on this topic, so I won't bore you with our first year's adventure.  I am just now getting done with the research of this Biblical way to teach and celebrate Christmas.

What are you doing this December?