'Tis the season of commercialism. Stores are already playing Christmas music. Ads are appearing everywhere telling your children what the "hot" toys are for this year. Big box stores even have their toy catalogs out front and center tempting your children to begin the "I wants" earlier and earlier every year.
Now don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I've been playing Christmas music in my home for well over a month now. I just mailed invitations for a Christmas Open House today (it's actually December 1st). This is my favorite holiday season of the year.
But sometimes the reason behind the season gets lost in all the "I wants."
Jill Hardie, the author of The Sparkle Box, wanted to change that for her family. Her family used this as a way to bring more meaning to the holiday by putting "gifts to Jesus" in the box and opening it on Christmas Day.
In the book, we follow the story of a young boy named, Sam, as he and his family prepare for Christmas. He sees the box but doesn't quite understand what is going on until they open it for the first time on Christmas morning. It helps them focus more on why we celebrate the season.
The book is very well written. It's told in a simple manner so any child can follow along and understand the concept being taught. I love that it came with its very own sparkle box - the photo above shows it put together. It comes flat in a pocket in the back of the book and easily assembles.
We will be adding this to our Christmas this year. I am always trying to find ways to help my boys see beyond the next fun toy and to truly see why we celebrate Christmas. However, I also hope to make that last all year long and not just see it as something to do in December. There are needy families every day of the year.
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Would you like to win your own copy of The Sparkle Box? You have two chances to win. Leave me a comment and let me know what you do at Christmas to help make it less commercial. Go to Facebook and "like" the Ideals Books Faceobook page for your second chance to win. Be sure to tell me you did this in your comment below so I can be sure to give you a second entry. I will choose a winner on Monday, November 19th.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
First! *lol*
ReplyDeleteActually, this looks very sweet. I love things that help keep the me Christ focused durning the holidays. :)
Liked the FB page too. :)
ReplyDeleteAlways looking for new Advent material. This looks cute.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa.
Liked the FB page too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to win this all over the Internet!!!! LOL I've entered at least 10 giveaways and haven't won yet. I know my girls would love it. =0)
ReplyDeleteI liked the FB page.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the contest. I liked the FB page as well. I hope you are enjoying your new home.
ReplyDelete