Timberdoodle

One of my favorite homeschool resources is Timberdoodle. It is an amazing company and they have a catalog full of real toys. Toys that actually encourage your child to use their brain--not toys that just blink at them or play obnoxious songs. I look forward to each catalog to see what they've come up with this time, and I subscribe to their newsletter because I always enjoy reading what they have to say.

December's newsletter was no different. The Christmas season has arrived in full force. Every family celebrates differently and this newsletter addressed the differences and encouraged families to recognize the opportunities that the season presents to teach our kids. Here is the letter:

Dear Friends,
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, Christ-followers are all over the map. On one end you have the families so horrified at its pagan roots that they refuse to attend church during December. At the other end are the families that embrace it all, even to the point of displaying Santa bowing at a manger on their front lawn. Regardless of where your family's convictions put you on this spectrum, don't overlook one of the easiest opportunities you will have to talk about deep spiritual truths this season: Christmas songs.

Encourage others to chew on these lines: "Adam's likeness, now efface, / Stamp Thine image in its place: / Second Adam from above, / Reinstate us in Thy love." (Hark, the Herald Angels Sing)

Help them to sense the wonder in "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, / Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth. / A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, / For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn." (O Holy Night)

And is there a more significant tiding of comfort and joy than to "Remember Christ our Savior / Was born on Christmas Day; / To save us all from Satan's power / When we were gone astray"? (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

But don't neglect to see the value of discussing those songs you may prefer to ignore. Unless your plan is to keep your children sequestered in your home for the month, they will be bombarded with Santa anthems; talk about them!

Talk about the belief system that proposes as a solution to the taunts of others the superpower of a glow-in-the-dark nose. (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

Discuss a more God-glorifying reason that they better not cry or pout than that "Santa Claus is coming to town."

And laugh over the bewildering message of "Hang your stocking and say your prayers, / 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!" (Here Comes Santa Claus)

The birth of our Savior is worthy of a celebration so great that it can only be accomplished in heaven.

Until then: "Now to the Lord sing praises, / All you within this place, / And with true love and brotherhood / Each other now embrace; / This holy tide of Christmas / Doth bring redeeming grace." (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

Tidings of comfort and joy from our family to yours,
Timberdoodle Co

Dan & Deb, Joy, Hope, Grace, Abel, Pearl

www.timberdoodle.com

If you have some kiddos that you need gifts for, I encourage you to check out Timberdoodle! It is a company that is worth supporting and you are certain to find a perfect gift that will thrill your child (and their parents!).