Gingerbread Town-Square Cake

This cake is amazing. If I have time this week I want to attempt it for a Christmas party I am hosting. I haven't tried something this difficult before and I think it would be a fun challenge. I think it will take me most of the week to do, but it is just so amazing I have to try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Advent Calendar

As a child, my family often had an advent calendar. I love this one from Land of Nod.



Or for those with more of a sweet tooth:




Also, from Land of Nod,the Twelve Days of Christmas Ornament set. I really like the idea of hanging one each night then choosing a different tradition to go along with the hanging of each ornamnet. Each night you could drink hot chocolate, sing some Christmas songs, read the Christmas story in the Bible, bake some cookies,watch a holiday movie, make holiday cards, decorate your tree or serve someone in need.

Don't worry if you haven't ordered these already. Order them with expedited shipping and just let the kids put a couple up one night. It is NEVER too late to start a tradition.

Button Ornaments

These button ornaments from Martha are adorable. I am about to go to the store and get what I need to make them. They are a great project to do with the kids and perfect to put on gifts. Also, it is a great way to use your old buttons.

Give A Goat...

...or a cow, or a fish pond, or some blankets, or some food, or help someone to read and write.

Samaritan's Purse is an amazing ministry. They offer food, medicine, financial help with heart operations, community development, shoebox Christmas gifts to children, emergency relief and various other programs to hundreds of countries.

One of their ministries is a Christmas gift catalog. They have a number of things you can purchase for other families in need. I love to look through the magazine every year with my oldest child and find something our family can give. This year she is even old enough to do some household chores to earn money and contribute to something for another family. There are many things you can give towards, but we are going to give the gift of a goat this year. It not only provides a family with fresh milk for themselves, but also added income as they can sell the cheese and milk to others. It is a tangible way my family can help another family. Sometimes in the holiday rush I can forget what the season is about...this is a way we can remember.





Christmas Catalog

Snow Globes

These are the cutest things ever. They are a great project to do with the kids. You can make them with baby food jars or any glass jars. You use glitter for the snow. Adorable.

http://www.marthastewart.com, click on the picture to take you there.