What Does Christmas Mean To You?

Today is the first Sunday in Advent.

In the past I have started my Christmas Planner about this time as I don't like to be hassled by Christmas in a material way before the season sort of begins. I follow my planning so all the things in preparation get done and I don't forget anything. Following my plan also helps me to use the time of Advent as being all part of Christmas rather than just one day. I also have birthdays into November so I am still thinking of them.

However this year has been different...

"Tell me about it", I hear you say.

Who would have thought this time last year when we heard reports of a virus in China that the world would be changed in 2020.

In fact thinking of that, who knows what anything holds for us in the future.

Now don't get me wrong I am not putting a damper on Christmas or the new year or life in general ... but its made me think, "How do we use all this for good?"

As we take actions to keep ourselves and those around us safe; the scientists search for a safe reliable vaccine; we learn to live in this 'new' way of life - we indeed have to look at Christmas in a different way.

How do we do that, when we are so used to the way we have celebrated this time of the year and restrictions pose obstacles we don't like? (especially in other parts of the world)

Or maybe the whole world situation creates the way we go about this time different or with a sense of dread as to what might happen before we even get to the 25th of December.

So,

What Does Christmas Mean To You?

It's a question to ask yourself as we go into the season to help us cope and put into place the things that really matter. 

When you stop and ask yourself that question I would suggest you really think about it.

Is it time with family?

Is it food and drink, and plenty of it?

Is it a holiday away from all the hassle?

Is it relatives that you really dread being with!?

Is it a time of expense that you hate?

For me it is some of those but it is mainly a time as a Christian that I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes we have food, there are decorations to put up and enjoy, we try to be with family and have times with friends, we exchange presents the I have saved for during the year, but I also focus on the nativity and what the meaning of the birth of Christ means to me.

I have an array of Nativity scenes I set up around other Christmas decorations. My tree is filled with angles to remind us of the host of angels who announced the good news of Jesus' birth to a group of humble shepherds.

Luke 2:8-16

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

What does Christmas mean to you?

This year the Hope Project are encouraging churches and people to put Christ back into Christmas.

Too many cards, treats and advertising media are removing the word Christ and either using an "X" or just calling it 'holiday' items. As a Christian for me Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus my saviour and although people may argue that it is a pagan festival or that I shouldn't push my views onto others, the point I make is it is a time for my family and I to celebrate and we will do it the way that means the most to us.

God says in His Word, the Bible

Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Leviticus 23:2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies 

Now I know that these scriptures are actually meaning events in the Old Testament, which are part of the Jewish traditions, but God wants us to remember Him and to pass what we know onto others, and in celebrating Christmas for its real meaning we are doing just that.

I hope and pray that this Christmas as we adapt to what these times have caused us to now do, that you seek out the true meaning of Christmas.

Whatever your answer for the question this post asks, you need to make it what you want.

If you wish to follow my Christmas Plan it starts here.

All Scripture is taken from the New International Version

Christmas 2019

Wellington Harbour 

Christmas for 2019 was very busy, starting for me with a trip to Wellington the weekend before.

Harry chose not to come so I flew and was met at Wellington airport by my sister-in-law. We drove to the top of Mount Victoria to climb the steps and take the typical Wellington harbour pic so often used for Wellington. It might look nice enough but believe me it was very windy and a bit chilly!

We had a bit of a ladies day out having morning tea around in a cafe in Days Bay and then a bit of a drive around Eastbourne and its homes. These are rather expensive but actually are rather nice if you like large older early settler homes.

The following day we went to the airport again and picked up my sister who had also flown in to have a Purdie clan Christmas with our parents.

Adan and Kate - grandchildren

This was to be a special time for us all as a family, as my parents are both getting old (Dad is 90 and Mum will turn 90 in April next year) and some are experiencing ill health at the moment. It will be a time to nestle in my memory for the rest of my life.

The following day (Saturday) we all arrived at my parents including my eldest and her family for a lovely spread for lunch supplied by my two sister-in-laws. It was lovely to have this time together for a few hours and then we regrouped for leftovers for dinner.

Our family have always had the tradition of taking a family group photo on Christmas day.

Me and Gordon (holding his dog Hammy)at the back
(Sitting) Ailsa, Dad, Mum and Stuart standing on the right

Back Row:  Stuart, Liz, Dianne, Me, Gordon (holding Hammy)
Front Row: Ailsa, Dad and Mum

The following day I took Dad and Mum to their Church for a lovely pre-Christmas service where we focused on Joseph and how he felt about the fact that his wife was having a baby who was not his but, the Son of God. I had a last stop at my eldest and then they dropped me off at the Wellington airport to see the planes and after a twenty minute delay, I flew home.

The airport is very automated these days and I don't like not having the personal touch of check-in staff. I'm not a frequent flyer so its rather special for me to fly anywhere. I wonder if the two missing bags of luggage that caused our flight to be delayed, would have been lost had there been people overseeing all that.

Harry picked my up from the airport and we arrived back in Tirau just in time for the end of the annual Carols by Candlelight on the Tirau Community Churches front lawn. I must admit it felt a little odd not having had anything to do with the preparations as I no longer work in the office.

From the following day on it was a bit of a flurry of last minute shopping for food now I knew some family were coming to stay and then the arrival of our eldest and her family who stayed for two nights.

While her parents and brother went shopping Kate enjoyed some time with Opa and Nana, helping Opa in the vegetable garden - something they don't have as they live in an apartment and making some muffins with me. We also made lollie cake a traditional sweet treat I have associated with Christmas for years. My Granny made it and it was a rule in our family that you had to be thirteen and over to be allowed to have a slice.

When it was time for some lunch Kate and I sat out under the big spreading silk tree in the middle of our front lawn to enjoy a bit of cool from being in the hot kitchen baking and to taste the muffins warm from the oven.

Interestingly, Harry reminded us that the chair we were sitting on was made by Kate's mum when she was at high school and in a group of students in a YES team. (Young Enterprising Students.) They made the garden chairs and table (in front) using up-cycled fence strainers etc from local farms. It's stood the test of time for over twenty-two years but is in need of a little repair so it doesn't fall to bits when sat on in the not too distant future. Kate found it interesting that her mother had made the furniture.

Finally all those last minute things seemed to have been done and we had a light tea, settled into the evening with the two grandchildren putting up their stockings on Christmas Eve in the lounge.

As a child I had a large woolen sock of my fathers that was put at the end of the bed and some time during the night it would get filled. As a parent I couldn't understand how it was done without waking us up and it wasn't until even later that I was told the other sock in the pair that we had at the end of our beds was filled in another room and just placed in exchange of the empty one. No wonder I never really noticed it happening. - the magic of Christmas.

The children had pics in their new pajamas beside our tree. A tradition Theresa has started for her family. Of course Santa was left a large glass of milk and a Christmas mince pie which Kate got ready.

Keeping traditions that are special to you and making new ones of your own are important for memory making and building a strong family. The traditions and not the actually gifts etc are what make the special events in life, beautiful times.

Christmas Day dawns warm and fine and the children had unwrapped their stocking gifts before I rose!. We had breaky and after a family Christmas Church service we went out to Carl and Sarah's for a lovely time celebrating the birth of Jesus.

As usual Sarah had prepared a beautiful meal with some help from her siblings and then, as our family traditions are, the giving of gifts from under the tree was had after the lunch time dishes were done.

It was a special time as all our (Harry and mine) family were their except our youngest - but I believe that one day she too will join us on the occasional time that we can all gather together in this joyous time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ so long ago.

Christmas Planner (8)

Christmas Planner
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

If you have been following my Christmas Plan that started here, you will have a planner with

• A calendar 
• Planner page with added menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary needs 
• Gift list 
• Gift shopping list 
• Book or list of Card recipients 
• Christmas letter
• Important dates

This is probably it for the planner, but you need to keep it with you when it comes to Christmas things so you can be sure you are doing/getting what you need and no fall off the wagon. You may even have other things you would like to add to it like favourite recipes, addresses etc.
Keep the planner when Christmas is over for next year so you can use it again and make new lists or  slightly change things you have done. I also like to refer to it after Christmas to note anything I didn't like or forgot to do/add
It's also good as it lets you know what you gave/did last Christmas.

So today we are ready to go and shop.
Now before you rush out the door you need to think of the Christmas song

"He's making a list
He's checking it twice...."

Check your gift list.
Have you got all the ideas sorted?
Are you sure it is what the person wants/needs? You don't want to find they have sold it on Trade Me on Boxing Day!
Check for sizes, colours, title etc.
Sort out what shops you will need to go to, to purchase them.
As I have mentioned before I save for this time but I also need to stick to that budget.
If you prefer to buy online make sure you are only buying what you want not being sucked in by something extra for a few more dollars. Also take into consideration the cost of packaging and courier fees.

You might also like to check your other purchase lists for stationary and non-perishable grocery items.

Now armed with the lists go out for the day and enjoy the shopping. Remember to stick to what you have planned and don't get sucked into all the other enticing displays and adverts to get you to buy more.

Make sure you treat yourself to a nice stop for a coffee or what ever you fancy during the day to reward you successful planning. This is fun.

And please remember this is the time for joy - the true meaning of Christmas is Love.

Christmas Planner (7)

Christmas Planner
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

So now the fun begins.

By now I have written all my cards and posted them.
I am confident in all my lists (Cos' I love lists - they help me not to panic!)
I know what is and isn't' happening for the Christmas Celebrations (Unless something changes and you can't plan for that, but just learn how to adapt! - breathe)
So although some things and parties have happened I am now ready to run with it.

Depending on what day of the week it is I either get the tree up and decorated or at least get it started.

Note Milly under the tree.

I love the season of Christmas and so decorate a few places.
My sister just has a table setting of candles and a few Christmasy things on a platter type arrangement. It is a precious time for meditation of the meaning of Christmas as she is on her own and so doesn't go for all the tree and trimmings.

So what ever makes you feel happiest then do - and if others want something else get them to do it. Just don't complain if you suddenly decide you want it done a different way to what they do e.g. the way the tree is decorated.

I don't like to decorate to far in advance because then I get a bit 'tired' of it, but I do want it up for awhile before the task of taking it all down is upon me and I end up thinking "I've only just put it up!"

Hubby does the lights outside the house and this is actually best started at the end of November so you can get them all up and connected well before you actually want to have them turned on.

Day 8 can be found here

Christmas Planner (6)

Are you still with me?

The start of my planning can be found here with links to the next ones within the post and at the bottom of this one.
You will have a Christmas planner with

• A calendar 
• Planner page with menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary needs 
• Gift list 
• Gift shopping list 
• Book or list of Card recipients 
• Christmas letter 

This is the time I do the recheck of lists etc.

Is the gift list sorted?
Is the size, colour, style, brand written down?
Is the budget set and realistic to stick to?
Is the shopping list for non-perishables completed?

I then focus on the normal things of any month but especially for December/January. In New Zealand most of the country closes up from about 23rd December to after the first week of January as it is not only Christmas but the summer holiday season for most people. That means that business' can be closed and even doctors, dentists etc run on skeleton staff while others like ourselves have a break.
This means that the paying of bills or having appointments are virtually impossible. The computers in these places will spit out bills or cancel subscriptions automatically so you need to tend to what needs doing.

For this reason I work out what bills need paying until mid January and what income there will be to cover these and keep that separate. In New Zealand its school summer holidays and the new year will start at the end of January so that will mean buying uniforms stationary etc so this expense needs to kept in mind as well.

I will also check what medications maybe running low and make sure they are stocked up on as well as other things that may be hard to get or we may forget.
Even more so if we are gong to be away the last thing you want is to suddenly remember in the middle of your holiday that you forgot to cancel the paper, pay a bill, miss an appointment or find the warrant on your car ran out on the 3rd of January.

So yes I make another list for all those things that need checking. I have a standard list that I use each year and either cross off what is not needed this year or set a date for it to be sorted by.

Ideas are:

• Doctor appointments
• Prescriptions ordered
• Hair appointment
• Car warrant
• Date leaving
• Date returning
• Mail collected
• Paper sorted
• Visitors arriving
• Visitors leaving
• Bills posted by

Once this check off list is sorted or as you do it write dates on the calendar in your Christmas planner. I also spend time finishing the Christmas cards especially the overseas ones and others even if they are not being posted right now.

This is also a great time to go over that list of ideas you had of the things you like (and don't) about Christmas. You have already made some changes so now it's time to look at what you haven't addressed and do so.
Remember this is about you and your family, not what others expect. You little family is making their own traditions. If it seems to hard then think about perhaps not dong it this year and making an agreement that you will next year but only if it is something that you feel is important to keep your relationship spared any harsh treatment.
E.g. If you are expected at Grandma's for afternoon tea every Christmas then you may have to say you will promise to do so every second year if it is not something the rest of your own little family want to do.
Just realize if you later feel like something was missing this Christmas and realize it was "Afternoon tea at Grandma's" you will have to make it part of your wish for your family traditions and talk it through with your own little family.

So you now have an 'Important Dates' list in your planner and your tasks are to check and complete lists ready to go shopping and cards ready for posting.

Christmas Planner
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Day 7 is here

Christmas Planner (5)

Over the next couple of days I will finish the cards and fine tuning the  gift list ready for shopping..

The next step is not really interesting but it is prep.

I clean and tidy the living rooms in anticipation of decorations.
You can't dust and clean around it all so you do a proper clean first. I put on the Christmas music and sing along and clean.
You know, surfaces where ornaments will go and windows where lights and wreaths hang that sort of thing.
You might also want to put away items that you will be replacing with Christmas ornaments.

As you work think about how you are going to decorate. Are you wanting to add things or leave past ideas out.
Check that ideas sheet and see if there is anything on it that refers to decorations etc and look at how you are going to make/or not make that work.

Go to it...

You can start with the first blogs as per below

Christmas Planner
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Day 6 in two days 

Christmas Planning (4)

We are really getting into Christmas and making it all about the season not just one day.

The start of my planning can be found here with links to the next ones within the post and at the bottom of this one.

You will have:

• A calendar 
• Planner page with added menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary needs 
• Gift list 
• Gift shopping list

So today I revisit my gift planner. I've ordered my online presents and filled in gaps. You have to laugh at this. Hubby has seen the list (just as well I didn't write his gift on it) but he has added my name at the bottom with the word "heaps" in the 'budget' column. Needless to say I will tell him otherwise! If you are posting gifts overseas you need to buy these ones first and then get them parceled up and posted. I don't really have any to do but you may have missed the cut off date by now for the cheapest postage, so get it done now. You will still have three weeks so as long as it the destination is not too remote they should still get there.

I re-check to see if there are any gifts I am going to make and make a list of anything I need to buy so that I can just get on and make the items in one go!

Over the next week I start buying items for cooking gifts, treats etc and any gifts I can. Its not my major shop but if I know what I need when I am in a shop I will buy it. When I got groceries last night I purchased a couple of presents and no-perishable grocery items because they were on special. How did I know? because I had made my lists.

Do you like to send Christmas cards?
Do you send them with a letter?
Or do you scribble in a card when you get one from someone else and post it in the hope that it gets there before Christmas?

Have a look on your ideas sheet and see if there is anything on it about cards. Like everything else decide if you are going to do what you have written and not do what is crossed out.
Remember that Christmas is not a time of stress or keeping up with everyone else or being the wonderful person you see in all the Christmas movies - they aren't real!!!

I have a box where I keep my Christmas cards, Christmas return address stickers, other stickers and a card address book. It has peoples names and addresses and if we have exchanged cards over the last few years. Just because some don't send us a card doesn't mean I don't send them one as some just aren't into doing that - but I am and I like to let them know I am thinking of them. I hate it but I do send a typed general letter because it saves writing it by hand and it is the only time I catch up with some people. And you know there is nothing wrong with that. As I have said Christmas is about love and its a time when we remember all those who we love and send them a greeting and let them know we are thinking about them. You know if you didn't do this and you are a bit like me the weeks, months and years would pass and we would just forget.

So today I type my letter and start writing in the cards. The overseas ones first so they can get into the post and then those in New Zealand. I have already bought the stamps so I can just post them as I go. Now I have already got four so it's not too early!

Tomorrow I will continue with this as it can take time. I will again check/finish my gift list and post all the cards I have done already.

So your Christmas planning has

• A calendar 
• Planner page with added menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary needs 
• Gift list 
• Gift shopping list
• Book or list of Card recipients

Your tasks

• Re check Gift list and shopping lists
• Write Christmas letter
• Start writing in and posting cards

See you in two days.

Christmas Planner

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Christmas Planning (3)

To continue my Christmas planning starting here then Christmas Planning 2, This is day three of the planning and its for the 1st of December.

Christmas (for me) begins with the first day of the advent calendar and the fun begins.

You will have:

• A calendar 
• Planner page with added menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary supply

Today I look at my gift giving.
You need a planner sheet to help so it is not overwhelming. I have a master I have developed with seven columns titled:

Name - person I am giving to
Gift - what I plan to give
Budget - how much I want to spend
Notes - things like size, colours, type/brand, etc
Cost - how much I actually spent
Difference - if it was more of less
Wrapped - when I have wrapped it.

At the bottom I add up the totals for what I budgeted for, the cost, and what the difference was as a plus or minus. I like to keep this for next year as a guide.

If you are following this plan with me go back to your ideas sheet and find all the comments you made about gift giving. Write on a separate sheet what the good things were.
Are these things achievable?
You will need to think about the ideas and requests of other family members and what they are going to be doing for Christmas. Now no-one can force you to do or not do things but when it comes to gift giving, if family members want to follow a plan then you need to respect their idea and not expect anything different from them. You can choose to follow what they are doing, but if you're like me and you still want to give something to people then do so, just don't expect the same in return. If members give expensive presents and you don't, you don't have to explain yourself, you just need to let whoever know, that for this year your will be giving.....

I believe that Christmas is when we remember what God did by giving mankind the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ as a way to be forgiven and enter eternity. It is a show of love.

John 17:2-3 New International Version - UK (NIVUK) 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

I too want to show love and it doesn't have to be expensive, I leave that for birthdays. Christmas is Jesus Birthday and so I give in love, even if it is a box of chocolates, I mean who goes out and buys themselves a box of chocolates?

Look at your 'ideas for Christmas list' and look at the things you crossed out to do with gifts. This year you are not going to do them and/or not let them bother you any more. You can not expect others to do what you want, or them you, just the same as you can not allow what others do or don't do disappoint you. How you react is for you to deal with not others. Its not what they say, do or don't that is the problem, its how you react that gives you grief. Give respect and you should get it in return. Over all remember the reason for the season and don't let it overwhelm you.

This year you are going to make a stand for what you want to do for Christmas and if others don't like it they have got the whole idea of Christmas wrong. Its not about the money or what you can get from others, its about love, yes love, because the Christ in Christmas is the Love from God, otherwise its just some commercialized holiday that business' have hopped on the bandwagon to make money.

Now start writing the names of people on your list and what you want to give, or what you know they want. Find out sizes, colours, the brand or type of item they like or you want to get. Set yourself a budget for how much you are going to spend on each person. This is almost better than the buying as you get to decide what you are giving without actually spending anything yet?
OK in reality you will, but doing this you add up the budget and see exactly how much you are going to spend and you can adjust it now before you start spending.

Are you making any of your gifts? You will need to work out what you need, how much they will cost and where you will get them from.

When you have finished the list write a separate list for the shopping. Write the gift, where you think you will get it from and how much you have budgeted. If you are going to buy it online you need to get onto it in the next day or so to allow 21 days for delivery. Write on your calendar on the date, what you ordered and where.

The other thing I do is my Christmas cake if I haven't already. (sometimes I do this in October and freeze it.) Baking it early means that the flavour increases over time. You just have to make sure it is wrapped well. I wrap it in grease proof then newspaper and keep it in a tin - if not freezing - in a dark cool cupboard. If you are not making a fruit Christmas cake make something else for the festive season either to eat now or to freeze. Think of events you may need to attend and if you need to have a plate. Or maybe you want to give something homemade for a gift that can be made now. Look as this as a reward for doing the gift list - not a chore and make sure you put on some Christmas music.

So your Christmas planning has

• A calendar 
• Planner page with added menu 
• Ideas sheet 
• Stationary needs 
• Gift list
• Gift shopping list

Your tasks

• Make a gift giving list
• Gift shopping list
• Order online shopping
• Bake Christmas cake or something else.

See you in two days.

Christmas Planning (2)

If you had decided to follow my Christmas Planning that started here this is the second task.

You will have:

• a December calendar
• Christmas Planner page
• ideas sheet

There are a few things to sort for today.

First you need to look at all the things on your ideas sheet and find all the things that referred to food. Look at them and decided which ones you really want to take on board either for this year or in years to come. Make a smaller list of what you want to happen.

Now look at the things you had crossed out. Why are they crossed out? ........ Because these are the bad things about Christmas. So, don't do them. It really is as simple as that. If they are traditions, who's traditions are they? When you marry you leave your parents and become one with your partner. That means leaving the ties behind. Sure we have to honour our Father and Mother but that does not include having the food they want at Christmas. If you are going to their house then, yes you will have to eat what is there, but when it is your home then you (and your partner) can command what the food will be. But I will say you need to discuss with your partner what they want for Christmas food and what you are or are not going to do, so they can support you.

So looking at what you do want to happen, the good things, you will need to decide what is reasonable. Remember you will be the one doing this so you need to be reasonable and not over do it. If there are lots of ideas faze them in over a few years or maybe celebrate over a few days. Make Christmas Eve and Boxing Day special food days as well. That way you will be starting your own traditions. Remember this is all about making Christmas a season and not just one day, and you want to enjoy it not be exhausted.

When you decide what you are going to do, create a simple version of it as a menu and write it at the bottom of the sheet you started, the Christmas Planner. We are not writing every thing you will need, just the general meal/s.

If you have decided to run some of the ideas over a few days write them on your Calendar, giving them a 'name'.

The second thing to do is check out your supplies of cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, ribbon, sticky tape or anything else you will be using for wrapping gifts. Also if you are posting Christmas cards you will need to have a supply of stamps. If you want to have Christmas stamps you need to get in early. I'm a bit of a hoarder so I keep things from year to year and have special storage ideas to keep them all together. I checked my supplies out and the only thing I had to buy was some stamps.

Write the things you need down and either go shopping or the next time you are out get them. Now don't rush out and buy a whole lot of other Christmas things, as that is not the point of following this plan. Just stock up your stationary supplies now so they are all ready and on hand for when the fun really begins.

The third thing to do today is to decide if you are having an advent calendar of any form. This needs to be ready to start on the 1st. I have a Christmas tree on a little music stand that has 24 drawers. Each day you open the drawer for the date and place a little decoration from the draw on the Christmas Tree. Over the years I would add a few chocolate raisins or jellybeans as a treat for which ever child was decorating the mini tree.

I get it out each year but we don't have children to do it now! But just in case a grandchild calls in they are allowed to put the days decoration up.

So your Christmas planning has

• A calendar
• Planner page with added menu
• ideas sheet
• Stationary needs

Your tasks

• Menu
• Stationary supplies
• Advent calendar

See you in two days for part three.

My Christmas Planning

Last Sunday was 25th November - that's a month until Christmas. In the past if I had not done anything in preparation I probably would have panicked. Is that like you?  Next Sunday will be the first Day in advent which means there are only four Sundays before Christmas Day. Does that make you feel worse?

In the past it would have to me, but I have found that being like that, thinking of all the things that I needed to prepared for, to be bought, make and do for one day was just a load of ridiculous stress for me and those around me. But not any more and we still get to have a wonderful Christmas.

So how do I do it ...?

I don't make Christmas about one day. Sure the 25th of December is the day we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour but I now realize its a season the "Season of Christmas" not just one day. So I turn this season, into Christmas, and not just one day....

And I plan!

If you want to join me then grab yourself a lovely drink and some coloured pens and paper. If this is your first time then just pieces of paper like old exercise book pages or the blank back sheets of paper that come in the 'asking for money mail'  (you know the ones I mean)  Next year or after the Season you can fine tune it into the way you want to do it and make a note book or folder with plans etc.

The first thing you need to do is decide (if its not already been done for you!) where and who you are spending Christmas day with or any other important day that your family have chosen to meet.

You will need to get yourself a calendar for December this year. It needs to have plenty of room for each day. Either photocopy one you have, print one off or just draw one up and write the days and dates. Don't use your planner or diary as this if for Christmas not "everyone else". Write "Family Christmas" in the day this major event(s) will be taking place for you.

Now you can see there are plenty of days yet and we aren't even in to December!

Because I have followed this plan for a few years now I have a slight advantage because to make this be easy, (is that proper English?) you need to have some money put aside. I have been saving all year a little bit every few weeks and I have watched it grow. I still have to stick to a budget but I'm not worried about how I am going to afford everything. Also I don't spend a lot on presents (I leave that for birthdays) and unnecessary expense.

If you haven't got a lot saved mark on your calendar paydays or benefit days so you know when you will have money to buy things. (Don't forget there will be bills).

Now the fun part starts...

Have a blank page and storm ideas. I know this isn't a counselling session or a business plan but I just want you to dream a bit. Think of all the things you love about Christmas and the things you don't and write them down. Think of expectations that you have from family and friends even if you don't want to do them. Are there good and bad memories that you want to keep or get rid of. Are there things that you have always wanted to do or have that you never had or done. Get brain storming and jot them all down (and even if you suddenly remember something that needs doing - just write it in a corner!). Go away for a bit and then come back (with your second drink!) and see if there is anything else you want to add.

Now give yourself permission to circle all the good things and put one line through the bad.
The things in the circles are what you are gong to work on in your planning either this year or over the next few years. (yes we will deal with the crossed out bad things but not at the moment.)

Next get another piece of paper and write Christmas Planner at the top. Write the day, time, place and who will be there for the major event underneath. This is what you will be spending the Season working on - and its fun.

Join me in two days for the next step.

Thursday - Treat Day

So, I try to stick to a healthy diet and it means I don't eat a lot of baking, lollies etc but Thursday's became my treat day.

Every Thursday during the school term we have Mainly Music at Church which is a time of music
and movement for preschoolers and their parent or guardian. They come to the hall and after being greeted and given name tags and a mark on their card, the programme commences with songs shown on a power point and they are invited to sing and move with the actions and sometimes props. The adults who bring/come with the preschoolers are encouraged to join in and participate. After half an hour the children have morning tea and then play under supervision while the adults get a home cooked morning tea and are encouraged to sit and chat with each other.

I tend to come in for the morning tea (and the home baking) and help where needed, maybe in the kitchen, chatting or doing some errands.

The first treat.

While Harry was still working I used to go and meet him for lunch every Thursday and we would go to Ronnie's Cafe in Matamata. It was somewhere he would like to eat at and as from very early on, he found his job hard  (but stayed there for ten years) this was for him. We would always have a flat white and Harry would have three crab sticks with chips and maybe a chocolate leamington. I would spend ages trying to find something healthy but because it was a sort of standard bulk cafe style food I would have to just choose something usually a bit stodgy but at least something I would enjoy.

The second treat.

The next treat was not really for me. But it was for my plants.

I collect all my indoor plants and give them a soak in the kitchen sink filling it to the brim once I  arrange them so they all fit in! They soak for about half an hour and then I pull the plug letting all the water drain away. At the same time I remove any dead leaves and check for bugs or anything then they all get put back.

I soak the deck plants as well in a large bucket, taking them out and letting them drain in a low tub so they don't leak all over the firewood under the deck.

The third treat.

When that is finished the deck gets a good sweep and tidy up. The plant soaking takes a while so I use this time to do the ironing in between swapping the plants around.

If Harry is not inside I will also have a favourite CD playing.

The fourth treat.

As I am our church's Session Clerk/Parish Secretary, once a month I prepare for and attend the Councils meetings and they are always on a Thursday evening. I must admit I can't really say that that is a treat!

But
I get to take a day off in lieu
So

The fifth treat.

They may not be big things for some but for me they are the little things that make up a good day!

Christmas Quiet

Did you know it now costs a dollar to send a letter in New Zealand and I’m not sure how much for overseas. I usually send about a dozen Christmas Cards around New Zealand – that’s $12 not to mention the ten or so I post overseas … that’s a lot of money when you are on a sickness benefit.

There are lots of things to do…

Lots of cards to send.

Lots of presents to buy.

Lots of baking to do.

Lots of decorations to put up.

Lots of activities to attend.

Lots of presents to wrap.

Lots of food to eat.

Lots of extra work to attend to.

Lots of…. Lots of…. Lots of….

Do you feel like this and almost overwhelmed?

I’m not saying there is anything wrong with this. I love Christmas and do what I can to make it a wonderful time of year. In fact this year is going to be so special, as I have two of my daughters and their families coming to stay so we are going to have grandchildren around and the house will be fill of excited children, chatter, maybe even tired tears but oh so many good memories to make. I know when it is all over I will be happily exhausted!

Tricia Goyer

Last week we had our Church’s Women’s homegroup Christmas lunch (that’s a mouthful!) and I offered to do the devotion. I have a devotional book titled The One Year® Book of Amish Peace by Tricia Goyer and I recalled reading an entry for the middle of December. I am drawn to the simple ways of the Amish free from the demands of materialism and although the book is American/Northern Hemisphere based, the content it still uplifting.

Here is a little of what it said:

"These days there is more than enough Christmas cheer to go around. There are holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and children’s programs. There are gifts to buy, and maybe cards to mail and homes to decorate as bright and beautiful as the magazine covers on the rack at the grocery store. Yet there is little peace. And on some busy, frantic holidays I’m certain that I’ve forgotten that the whole thing is supposed to be about the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, 

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In the Amish home, preparations for Christmas start a few days (not a few months) before the holiday. If gifts are given, they are simple gifts for the children, there is often an Amish school Christmas program that focuses on Christ. In fact, in a book for Amish schoolteachers a new verse to the familiar carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was added:

O little In of Bethlehem

How like we are to you;

Our lives are crowded to the brim

With this and that to do

We’re not unfriendly to the King,

We mean well without doubt;

We have no hostile feelings,

We merely crowd Him out.

It seems even the youngest Amish children know what Prince needs to reign in their Christmas! Can you make an effort to remember the same?"

When I was putting up my Christmas Trees I was listening to one of my Cliff Richard's Christmas CD’s and a song came on “Christmas is Quiet”

As I listened I was drawn to the thought of escaping away somewhere to stop and reflect. Over the last few years I have made a point of having a break away either at a retreat or somewhere where I can have a couple of days resting without having to do all the work, in November. It’s something I learnt to do after my breakdown – part of looking after myself. The days in December have fast filled up with all those things to do and I have circled a day on the calendar and called it “Day Off”. I am not going to do any ‘work’ work or Christmas prep. There are no activities to attend. I am going to use the day to sit and read, pamper myself and maybe do some gardening or generally just sit.

I encouraged the group to do the same and ended with the prayer from the book:

"Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for my busy plans that tend to push You out. Help me to focus my thoughts on You today. It is there that I will find peace."

I encourage you to take time out and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas ... that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us so our sin will not separate us from Him. We celebrate His birth each Christmas.

I wish you a Christmas full of Peace.

Scripture from the New International Version 

ANZAC Day - Tirau 2015

I have mentioned in a previous post that the 25th April is ANZAC day in New Zealand (and Australia).

I just thought I would post some pics of how we in Tirau have commemorated this special day.

A service is held in the Town Hall and had a lot of people from our church participating in it. I have been going to them most years since arriving in Tirau, 30 years ago and was saddened to note that there was only one RSA member left from those first days.

The service started with Mrs Nora Martelletti, a long standing member of the Tirau Community Board welcoming and introducing our new minister Rev John Rush.

A message from the Governor-General of New Zealand Lt.Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, GSO, was read out by a local RSA member, Clive Collingwood.

Like most services throughout New Zealand we all then stood while the bringing in and presentation of colours (the New Zealand and British flags) by members of local RSA War Veterans takes place and are stood next to the Roll of Honour.

We all then sung God Save the Queen.

Then members of organisations are invited to bring in their wreaths which are placed at the foot of the Roll of Honour.

Prayers were then said and a reading from Psalm 100 with a response per line by the congregation.

Amazing Grace was sung and the Lord ’s Prayer said.




Then two members of our Churches youth group read lessons from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and John 15:9-13, with all people saying Psalm 23 a Psalm said by many a soldier in his final hours.







A member of our Parish, Mary Tidbury, told the story of her family connection to Melville Mirfin. who was one of the first men to volunteer for World War 1 in 1914. He is featured on a special stamp issued to commemorate King and Empire. He served from 1914 through to the occupation of Germany in 1919 and became one of the longest serving soldiers of WW1.




We listened to a recording of “Sons of Gallipoli" composed and sung by Fr Chris Skinner from the disc entitled “You Raise Me Up.













The message from the Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt John Key was read by Cassandra Robinson, Chairwoman of the Tirau Community Board.

We all stood for the singing of the National Anthem of New Zealand and then a Dedication was said by Rev John Rush.

As we sung a last song Let There Be Peace an offering was taken up for the RSA Welfare Programmes.

Then the bit that always gets me is the playing of the Last Post and the Reveille with the reciting by of us all

They shall not grow old,
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them.
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them;
We will remember them.

The service is closed with the Benediction and the retiring of the colours.















All the wreaths are taken to the Tirau Cemetery and placed at the foot of the flag pole in the RSA section and a single poppy is laid on the graves of RSA members buried there.