Put the Christ in Christmas Part I

Wanted to share an idea for helping the kids do service during the holidays (courtesy of "Grandma"). They do an advent calendar with a different service each day. After their activity, they get to eat a piece of candy from the candy chain. (Made with saran wrap in a long strip with candy throughout, separated by bows. Looks like a snake). The kids get really excited to wake up and see what we are going to do that day. Too bad they can read this year and I can't fake what it says if it is a hard day like I could last year..."Um, it says "Make Moms bed"- not bake cookies and bring them to the neighbors:)
Sorry Dantzel and Tiff- I was supposed to send you some chains. I made them and everything- but didn't get to the post office till yesterday. Seemed kind of pointless, so I put them (with the calendar) in the missionary care packages to go to elders from our ward. There are going to be some confused missionaries with a candy chain at the end of the month with a calendar that says things like, "Call your cousins and tell them you love them" and "Tell your mom why we have Christmas."

Some other ideas that we do:
*Wrapped present addressed to Jesus- with a cut out on the top. Talk about what you can do for Jesus this year and put in present. Leave under the tree throughout the season.
*Act out natitivity scene while dad reads scripture in slow, monotone voice. (Don't worry, he doesn't read "blogs")
*Teach children the "Saviour" related Christmas songs to belt out in the car.
Ex. Angels We Have Heard On High. Otherwise known as the "Glor-or-or-or-ia-ia-ia-or-ia" song. Silent Night. Joy to the World. (Let every heart repair him broom)
*Have kids pick out a present and wrap for a child at the store to give to toys for tots, or ring and run.
*We make Santa Claus a fun game that we do (yes, I said that right. They "know" about Santa/Easter Bunny/Tooth Fairy. It is fun to pretend and act out these things- but Jesus coming down out of the sky, angels coming to talk to certain Biblical prophets, Jonah and the whale, Moses' sea parting, etc are REAL, but these other things are pretend and just fairy tales that we have a good time with.
*We don't make Christmas lists, or ask for things we "want" (unless somone asks:), but try to talk more about what will make someone else feel special to get.
*Let the kids take turns each year being "Santa's helper". They see how good it can make you feel to get things ready for someone else's excitement.
Alexis LOVED helping with Easter this year and making "bunny" prints with flour on the floor and hiding everyone's baskets. It may sound "bah humbug"- but they aren't confused. Don't worry- they have been HIGHLY trained not to spoil others' imaginations.
*Have a nativity set that they can play with and manipulate.
Let us know any things your family does that helps make the season more meaningful.