Christmas Tradition: The Donkey in the Living Room

We have a new Christmas tradition we've implemented this year, and I want to share it in case you're looking for something to do with your little people to try to keep the focus on Christ at Christmas.  My sister-in-law, Emily, gave us this book last month, and it has gone over really well this Christmas season.  The book is called The Donkey in the Living Room, and it starts 9 days before Christmas and walks you through to the birth of Christ through the eyes of different characters who were involved (donkey, camel, Mary, sheep, Joseph, angel, etc.).  The book explains what you do, but in a nutshell you start 9 days before Christmas, and each day you wrap up one of the characters from a nativity scene (as directed by the book) and have you kiddos open the wrapped character, then you read the telling of the story from that character's perspective.  These are short, rhyming synopses of what was happening, and are perfect for my 3 & 5 year olds who can't sit toooooo long.  :)

I'm not sure if this book is for sale anywhere but Amazon, but I do want to add the disclaimer that the nativity items you need to wrap do NOT come with the book - you'll have to come up with those on your own.  My mother-in-law has given us a few nativity sets over the years, so we were able to piece together most of the characters, but if you don't have a nativity scene, you might need to go to Hobby Lobby to piece together the characters you'll need (we still need to get a camel!).  It might be too late to start this tradition this Christmas, but it is something to think of for next year (maybe even get a nativity set on clearance after Christmas and put it away for next year!). 

Starbucks Buy-One-Get-One Holiday Drinks (thru Dec 16)

Starbucks is doing a buy-one-get-one free on holiday drinks thru this Sunday, Dec. 16th during "happy hour" between 2-5pm.  I've yet to get a "red cup" (as my husband calls Starbucks' holiday cups) this season, so this might be my chance.  :)

$100 Gift Cert for Eye Exam, Glasses or Contacts!

Preferred Eye Care in Marion (#664-9637) is giving back to the community by collecting food donations for St. Martin's Community Center.  Take in a bag of non-perishable food items to Preferred Eye Care and they will give you a $100 gift card you can use toward an eye exam, glasses, contacts, etc.!  This $100 can be used in conjunction with eye insurance, meaning that if you have eye insurance already, but you have a (e.g.) $10 co-pay, you can use that gift card to pay the co-pay.  Or, if you have a $130 for contacts or glasses and they end up costing $200, you can use the gift card to pay for the balance on your glasses you usually have to pay. WHAT A DEAL! 

Preferred Eye Care ran this promo last year, and I took advantage of it myself - it really was EASY, no "catches"!  I'm making my appointment today!

 www.preferred-eye.com/

711 North River Drive  Marion, IN 46952

(765) 664-9637

A Very Mery LOCAL Christmas - Tues, Dec 11

Have a Very Merry Local Christmas

Victory Acres wants you to have a very merry local Christmas this holiday season. You can do that by joining your hometown farmers from Victory Acres Farm to sip hot cider, shop a variety of locally made goods, and meet an area writer as well as local artists and crafters.  The event will be held on Tuesday, December 11, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Gray Barn, 168 S. Second Street, Upland.

“Many people appreciate giving and receiving gifts that have been crafted by folks from their own community.  Items like a locally blended tea or an autographed book not only make warm and thoughtful gifts, but they also reflect an investment in our community,” explains Jane Cramer, community liaison for Victory Acres.  “We hope our Have a Very Merry Local Christmas event makes it easier for people to find and share local goods.”

A few of the items that will be available include maple syrup, honey, coffee, baked goods, gourmet garlic, soaps, teas, candles, artwork, and eco-friendly crafts.  Local artists Bud Jamison and Karen Sonner will be displaying their paintings, and Marion-based author Ken Swan will be signing copies of his family-friendly book, Pigboy: The Legend of a Wildchild.  Victory Acres farm memberships are another unique gift opportunity that will be available at the event. Victory Acres Agricultural Coach, Leslie Gottschalk, will be on hand to answer questions about the 2013 growing season and assist guests who would like to sign up for fresh, certified naturally grown fruits and vegetables.

During the holiday rush, it is tempting to make gift choices based on what products are the cheapest and most efficiently purchased, but choosing to shop locally first is a gift that you can give to the whole community.  It directly benefits the neighbor whose goods you purchase, and it benefits the local economy when that neighbor then spends his income locally or is able to employ local workers.  A communIty that chooses to invest in small businesses also encourages local prosperity by promoting economic diversity, encouraging skilled trade and craft, rewarding innovation, and supporting business owners who are more likely to care for and invest in their community in return.  Locally-sourced gifts truly are the gifts that keep on giving!

Post from victoryacres.org

2 for $30 - CROCS sale thru Sat (Dec 8)

2 for $30 Sale on Crocs Kids' Styles until 12/8 at Crocs.com!

**Discount applied in cart with either two qualifying kids' styles or two qualifying adult styles. Valid on select kids' and adults styles. Quantities limited. Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Expires 12/8/12 at 11:59pm EST.

For me, it is never to early to start planning for summer.  :)  I've mentioned before my kids love/obsession with Crocs, so this is a deal I couldn't pass up!  I've been only impressed with Crocs.com as a company - recently a strap of one of my son's crocs broke, and I emailed the company.  They couldn't replace the shoe b/c the style wasn't one they offered any more, but they sent me a gift card to purchase another pair, and a code for 25% off AND free shipping.  Can't beat that!  I'm using my free shipping & gift card on this purchase!  

Free Gingerbread House - Lowe's Kids Clinic (Dec 8)

Lowes Build & Grow FREE kids clinic is this weekend - Saturday, Dec 8th at 10am.  This week you'll be building a gingerbread house with your kiddo.  I think in the midst of the business of the season, taking some time out for special time with my kiddos will be good, so we're going!  This event is free, but registration is encouraged.  Click HERE to register. 

Give Back This Season - Give Blood!

Want to give back this season?  How about giving blood?
www.GiveBloodNow.com to find a place in your area. 

During the month of December, when you give blood, you will receive either a coupon for a free turkey OR a $10 gift card to Walmart or Meijer.  

As an added bonus, in December (Marion is Dec 18th from 10:30am - 7pm), when you donate blood, the South Bend Medical Foundation volunteers will wrap your Christmas presents while you donate!  Yep, you give blood, giving LIFE to someone who needs it, and you also get your Christmas gifts wrapped so you come home with them all done!  For more info, www.GiveBloodNow.com!