Reclaiming Christmas PDF Download

Living the Season Well is a down-to-earth volume that encompasses the arc of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, introducing a new frame of mind about approaching the holidays. Instead of December ramping up to the pinnacle of Christmas, with a vast let down for everyone the day after, LTSW puts forth some practical ways to reimagine the celebrations and reclaim their generosity with an outward, other focus. For those whose church background has not afforded them a knowledge of the Church Calendar, its feasts and practices, LTSW also serves as an introduction to the "holy days." Rather than throwing out traditions that are hallmarks of more "high church" celebrations, LTSW puts forth simple ways to adopt or adapt the traditions of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. LTSW is NOT a collection of crafts and recipes to do with your family. It is also NOT a daily devotional for the season with inspirational readings or poems. Living the Season Well puts forth reasonable, up-to-date steps for this electronic, screen-filled age we live in, a fact that impacts children as young as two. Included are examples and ideas to slowly change, adopt or adapt family practices with the goal of: Bringing readers and their extended families closer to the heart of God Infusing celebrations with the joy readers crave Readers will: Discover the wisdom of living by the Church Calendar versus the "calenda"' of consumerism. Be able to model and pass on a joyful, thankful attitude in their homes by shifting the Christmas focus from gifts to God Learn how to adopt or adapt practices for the season The Book will: - Outline the pattern of waiting for, celebrating and sharing Christ's birth - Provide specific examples of ideas for observing the entire Christmas season - Provide resources and activities for children ages 3-18 to inspire and replace current practices