Quote from Forum Archives on December 9, 2004, 3:34 pm

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

 

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12/9/04 KNEELING NATIVITY, LAWS about CHRISTMAS, SAFE, ORNAMENTS, GIFTS

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IN THIS ISSUE:

THE STORY OF THE KNEELING NATIVITY

TWELVE LEGAL RULES ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC AREAS

        THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - BY JOHN W. WHITEHEAD

GOT KIDS? HOLIDAY DECOR WITH SAFETY IN MIND 
FIRE SAFETY TIPS

CHRISTMAS GIFT AND DECORATING IDEAS  
HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

HANDMADE GIFT IDEAS:

        BUTTON EARRINGS, GLASS BEAD BRACELETS, PRETTY GIFT BOXES, BATH BALLS, PINECONE FIRE STARTERS,

          TEACUP CANDLES,  HEATING PAD OR FOOT WARMER, HOT PADS WITH AROMA, SPICY POTPOURRI, FRAGRANT

          SOAP BALLS, BEANBAGS, SCOOPS OF HUGS AND KISSES, CANDY TRAIN ENGINE

CHRISTMAS TREASURE HUNT

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR SENIORS
MORE FOR SENIORS ~ AUDIO TO-DO LISTS

JESUS

       

 

THE STORY OF THE KNEELING NATIVITY

This beautiful writing was included in a Nativity Scene that I bought last year at the Family Bookstore, in which each one of the figures is kneeling before the Baby Lord Jesus.  Enjoy the reading.

 

When we think of the Nativity, we think of the traditional setting that places the holy family in a rustic creche accompanied by angels, wisemen, and shepherds.  Every year at Christmastime, these Nativities adorn our churches, businesses, and homes pointing the world to the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus.  The story of the kneeling Nativity focuses on what brought everyone together for this glorious time and more importantly how they responded to what was revealed to them by God the Father.

 

The angel was the first to know God's wonderful plan from the beginning.  Commissioned to deliver a special promise to Mary, the angel encouraged and comforted the young woman who found favor with God.  Not from the natural world, where we humans abide, the angel's personal response to the holy birth is one of joyous praise with eyes, arms, and heart directed toward the Father in heaven while kneeling at the bedside of His most glorious creation, the Savior of the World, Jesus.

 

Mary's response to God's messenger was a declaration of trust and faithfulness and an invitation for God's presence to be upon her.  The scripture says that those with pure hearts will see God.  Mary, the Father's chosen vessel, places one hand over her heart, stretches out her other toward the Consummation of her journey, while kneeling, worshipping, and caring for her new baby boy.

 

Not every boy could say that he had a skilled carpenter for a dad, but Jesus could.  Joseph was a hard working righteous man of integrity.  After learning of his fiancee's condition, Joseph received the message in a dream that the Holy Spirit himself was responsible for that condition.  Joseph responded with obedience to God's direction.  He cared for Mary and prepared for the son that was promised.  He made a special cradle that would protect and comfort even a  king's child.  Little did Joseph know, however, that the materials of his very own trade that would provide a peaceful sleep, would also eventually assist the destined King of Kings in saving the world from its sins.

 

A simple shepherd boy, living a lowly life of wandering and searching for pastures to feed his flock while protecting each and every animal from harm came to bow at the Baby's feet.  He was protecting a lamb, symbolic of the innocence that would become the sacrifice for the salvation of all. 

 

The wisemen, guided by a single illuminating star leading them to Bethlehem, traveled a great distance to present regal gifts commonly given to royalty.  Without hesitation, the wealthy kings knelt down on a dirt floor and bowed their heads in awe of the greatest King. 

 

Upon the conclusion of this story, ponder deeply the revelations of those present at the Nativity and ask yourself, "What would you do if found in the presence of the Holy Child that was supernaturally revealed to you by the Creator of the Universe?"

 

As every knee shall bow ... every knee did bow...

 

 

TWELVE LEGAL RULES ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC AREAS

Good information for parents with children in public schools.

http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/commentary.asp?record_id=312

Thanks to Joyce Shelley of Colorado for sending this great information!
 
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
by John W. Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute, 12/6/2004, Used by permission

 

Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. He can be contacted at [email protected]. Information about the Institute is available at www.rutherford.org.

This was not the mother's first trip to her child's classroom, where parents regularly volunteered to lead story time. Because it coincided with the holiday season, she thought the ideal story to tell would be the original Christmas story that began nearly 2,000 years ago. But she remembered the memo.
 
Sent weeks earlier, it was a stern reminder by the school principal that children in public schools could not celebrate Christmas. The sensitive kindergarten teacher added in her own handwriting, "It's that old 'separation of church and state' thing."
 
While the children seemed to enjoy A Pocket for Corduroy, the mother felt a certain injustice in her eventual decision to change her choice of books. There was no reason the children should not have been allowed to hear a story about the first Christmas. But she had given up the fight long ago when, after generating a few ripples when her first child was going through school, well-meaning family and friends had advised her to be a help, not a hindrance, to her child's education.
 
Unfortunately, far too many parents, students and teachers think they cannot do anything to celebrate Christmas in the public schools. Whether it is ignorance or fear, Americans are painfully misguided about the recognition of religious holidays. Ironically, the most targeted religious holiday for exclusion is Christmas-also the most popular in American culture.
 
Are children really forbidden from learning about one of the most culturally significant events because it is religious? For that matter, are adults forbidden at work or in public places to celebrate the religious aspects of Christmas?
 
The truth is simply that no, they are not. In fact, there are constitutionally sound principles that, if followed, will allow the religious significance of Christmas to be celebrated and taught. The following twelve rules are offered:
 
1. Public school students' written or spoken personal expressions concerning the religious significance of Christmas (e.g., T-shirts with the slogan "Jesus is the Reason for the Season") may not be censored by school officials absent evidence that the speech would cause a substantial disruption.
 
2. So long as teachers are generally permitted to wear clothing or jewelry or have personal items expressing their views about the holidays, Christian teachers may not be prohibited from similarly expressing their views by wearing Christmas-related clothing or jewelry or carrying Christmas-related personal items.
 
3. Public schools may teach students about the Christmas holiday, including its religious significance, so long as it is taught objectively and for its historical or cultural importance and not for the purpose of promoting Christianity.
 
4. Public school teachers may send Christmas cards to the families of their students so long as they do so on their own time, outside of school hours.
 
5. Public schools may include Christmas music, including those with religious themes, in their choral programs if the songs are included for their musical quality or cultural value or if the songs are part of an overall performance including other holiday songs relating to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other similar holidays.
 
6. Public schools may not require students to sing Christmas songs whose messages conflict with the students' own religious or nonreligious beliefs.
 
7. Public school students may not be prohibited from distributing literature to fellow students concerning the Christmas holiday or invitations to church Christmas events on the same terms that they would be allowed to distribute other literature that is not related to schoolwork.
 
8. Private citizens or groups may display crèches or other Christmas symbols in public parks subject to the same reasonable time, place and manner restrictions that would apply to other similar displays.
 
9. Government entities may erect and maintain celebrations of the Christmas holiday, such as Christmas trees and Christmas light displays, and may include crèches in their displays-at least so long as such items are placed in context with other symbols of the holiday season as part of an effort to celebrate the public Christmas holiday through its traditional symbols.
 
10. Neither public nor private employers may prevent employees from decorating their offices for Christmas, playing Christmas music or wearing clothing related to Christmas merely because of their religious content so long as these activities are not used to harass or intimidate others.
 
11. Public or private employees whose sincerely-held beliefs require that they not work on Christmas must be reasonably accommodated by their employers unless granting the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer.
 
12. Government recognition of Christmas as a public holiday and granting government employees a paid holiday for Christmas does not violate the law.
 
We must remember that those who founded this country and established the freedoms we still cherish were a religious people, and they passed these traditions down to us. Hopefully, we will not be too timid to continue their legacy of freedom.

Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. He can be contacted at [email protected]. Information about the Institute is available at www.rutherford.org.

The Rutherford Institute
P.O. Box 7482
Charlottesville, VA 22906-7482
Phone :: 434.978.3888 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern) | Fax :: 434.978.1789

General inquiries:: [email protected]

Legal assistance::[email protected]
Technical comments :: [email protected]
 

 

GOT KIDS? HOLIDAY DECOR WITH SAFETY IN MIND 
By Colleen Langenfeld ~ Copyright (c) 2004 ~ Used by permission 
 
Do you wonder how you're going to safely decorate for the upcoming holidays with preschoolers in your home? Here are some kid-friendly ideas to help you create a
festive home during this special season.
 
- Put away the glass baubles and expensive Nativity sets. There will be time to enjoy those again later, when your precious little ones are older. For now, focus on materials that are child-tough; wood and fabric are good choices. There are some beautiful wooden Nativities
available. Or fill a wicker basket with holiday-colored wooden balls.
 
- Stuffed fabric shapes can also fit beautifully into a holiday decor yet stand up to busy little hands. Think stars, balls, candy canes, and bells. Add bits of ribbon for interest, sewing on securely. An artificial tabletop tree with only fabric balls can be a great distraction (with supervision) from other more fragile decor.
 
- You can still indulge in those lovely swags, wreaths and stained glass beauties. Just think 'up' and put those more fragile items high above your children's reach.
 
- Dress up existing baskets with holiday liners and bows.
 
- Create a holiday zoo. Use stuffed animals, clothed in festive finery and holiday bows or hats. A wooden train will complete the look. Check all items for small pieces that might come off and cause choking.

- Set up a lovely holiday 'tea party' on a coffee or end table. Use an ornate plastic tea set that you won't mind picking up again and again!
 
- A darling collection of holiday-dressed bears perched on colorful miniature chairs makes a happy barrier to packages beneath the tree. It's not foolproof, of course, but the bears may slow curious toddlers and give you more time to reach those little hands before they can reach the packages!
 
- Want even more? Here are some additional online resources for great ideas on holiday decorating with small children. http://www.paintedgold.com/SaferHoliday
 
Holiday decorating with little ones in the house doesn't have to mean forgoing a festive home OR saying 'no, don't touch' all the time. With some simple adjustments your home can be a joyful and lovely place to teach your small children the extraordinary meaning of this enduring season. 
 
Colleen Langenfeld offers helpful ideas to busy working moms. Use the resources at http://www.paintedgold.com to make your life as a mom feel easier, healthier, and better!

 

 

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

By Lois Breneman, © 2004, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

• Have at least one smoke alarm in your home - more than one is better, spaced throughout your house.  Check to be sure your smoke alarms work, by holding a candle close to them.  That should sound the alarm!  Replace batteries, if needed.
• If you have a real tree, water it often and use only cool lights.
• Candles start more fires than anything else in the wintertime, so be very careful and never leave candles burning unattended. 
• Be sure not to burn candles near curtains or anything else that may catch on fire. 
• Jar candles or candles set down in a hurricane globe are more protected. 
Potpourri burners are nice, but if you'd like the aroma without any fire, use little clay pots designed to pour fragrant oils into them and hide in flower arrangements, wreaths or behind family pictures. 
You can also find ceramic rings to fill with scented oils and set on top of lightbulbs to give off a pleasant aroma when the light is turned on, rather than burning a potpourri pot.
If you do use a potpourri pot, burn it where it is out of the reach of curious toddlers, and where you will notice it if it goes dry, as in electric potpourri pots.
The fireplace is a good place to burn candles, as in a "Candle Garden," if the fireplace is cleaned out, of course.
Have a rope ladder handy that can be hung out of a two story window, in case of a fire where you and your family are unable to go down the stairs to safety.
When burning fires in the fireplace, don't go overboard and have a roaring blaze.  Be cautious of flying sparks.  Gas fire logs are better for the sinuses and safer as well.
• Be sure every possible family member is capable of dialing 911 and giving your address, in case of a fire.
• Discuss over dinner tonight where everyone should meet, in case of a fire.  Stress not to gather together their treasures, but to get out of the house to safety.  Except, moms, you may want to keep your family pictures near the door to grab - if all the family is outside first and IF you or your husband are able to rescue them without any danger.
• Hopefully everyone will be safe from fires!

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT AND DECORATING IDEAS

These tips originally appeared in the Mommysavers Newsletter with Kim Danger as Editor. 

To sign up for the free weekly newsletter: www.mommysavers.com ~ Used by permission

 

I saw an adorable cheap Christmas gift idea at Staples Office Store. They can take any photo and make it into a transparency for $1.88! Then, put it inside a clear ornament (real cheap at craft stores or Walmart, etc.) Looks like a very thoughtful & elegant gift for any grandparent, teacher, friend, you name them! Beautiful to top a present or decorate your own tree with pictures of your family, friends, pets, etc! Make your own "Baby's 1st Christmas" or "New home" ornament for just a couple dollars. -- Stephanie, 27, from IN

 

Holiday Decor ~ With Christmas just around the corner my biggest tip, as a former interior
decorator, now full-time, mom is to simplify.  Choose only a few areas of your home to decorate. Focus on the front door, foyer, mantel and dining room and decorate only those areas.  You don't have to decorate every room and become overwhelmed.  Also, choose a simple theme like evergreens, pine cones and velvet bows.  Use these items as a background and then you can add to other Christmas decor as desired.  Keep it simple especially if you are like me and have a toddler and an infant.  It's about celebrating the season after all! -- MaryLou, 35, from PA
 
People with infants and toddlers have a hard time with the tree.  I have a friend who used to put her tree in a playpen so her kids couldn't touch the tree.  I on the other hand had a different  idea.  My husband decorates the tree every year with the kids help.  So what we decided to do was to put breakable  or non-kid friendly ornaments on the top half, out of reach.  The rest we put on the bottom half, so when the babies take them off, we can teach them to put them back on, but they can pick a spot.  It's a lot of fun, watching the kids continually change the decorations around, and how the tree changes. -- Wendy, 35, from MN

 

Mommysavers' Christmas Page: Visit our Christmas page for great links to crafts, recipes, and inexpensive gift-giving ideas: http://www.mommysavers.com/celebrations/christmas.htm

 

Holiday Mix and Gift Recipes by Deborah Taylor-Hough ~ Used by permission from Deborah.

Looking for ways to save money at the holiday season? Give some gifts specially made in your kitchen! http://www.mommysavers.com/Christmas/holiday_mix_and_gift_recipes.htm

 
HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

By Lois Breneman, © 2001, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

Some easy inexpensive decorations are:

*Hot glue a ribbon to the top of a pine cone and tie a bow.  The pine cones can be spray painted or left natural, depending on your decorating style.

 

*Dip pinecones into melted wax and crayons.  Do that several times and let harden before hanging on the tree. 

 

*Use a craft dough recipe for salt ceramics, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, pierce a hole in the top and bake, then paint.  Recipes will be included in the extra Christmas newsletters.  

 

*Simply set beautiful decorative Christmas picks on branches to fill in the empty spots.

*Lay artificial fruit on the branches.

 

* Silk poinsettia flowers tucked into the branches are very easy!  Use pink, red or white for beautiful and quick decorating to fill in those empty spots!

 

*Ribbons tied into bows throughout the tree.

 

*Ruined Christmas ornaments can be reused.  If the silk threads come off the plastic balls, paint the balls and glue ribbon or beads around them.  Chipped paint on glass ornaments can be removed with some homemade solvents.  They can then be filled with dried flower petals or acrylic paints can be dribbled inside and let it run in interesting patterns for beautiful ornaments!

 

*Small children's toys, rattles or booties can be sentimental ornaments.  Just add a ribbon.

*Jewelry works too!   Especially on Victorian trees.  Anything from drop earrings to gold bracelets can add sparkle and charm or make your own from old jewelry.

 

*Buy beads and fake pearls by the yard in a fabric store.  Drape around your tree it the traditional way just after the lights are put on the tree.  Or cut 3 inch lengths of pearls, attach an ornament hanger to the top and hang them on branches like icicles. 

 

*Make an heirloom ornament for each family member.  Take a family picture each Christmas time in front of the tree or decorations.  It does not have to be taken on Christmas day, but you will need to plan to have an extra person to take the picture, of course, unless your camera has a tripod and timer.  Have the photo color copied to get it on thinner paper.  Paint or decorate a wood shape (heart, tree, etc. that can be purchased at Michael's) and decoupage the photo onto the wood. Write the year on the back, and you have an heirloom ornament for your Christmas tree and one to save for each child to take with them when they leave home!  What precious memories!

 

 
HANDMADE GIFT IDEAS

By Lois Breneman, © 2001, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

BUTTON EARRINGS

Select appropriate buttons with a shank from a fabric store that would make pretty earrings.  There are so many beautiful buttons that work for this project.  Remove the shank with pliers.  Purchase earring backs from a fabric or craft store.  Glue the earring backs onto buttons with jewelry glue. 

 

GLASS BEAD BRACELETS

Check in a craft store for glass beads to make bracelets.  Cut a section of clear or black elastic longer than you think you will need, so you can tie knots when finished.  Choose beads that are similar in color or a mixture of various colors, with metal separators in between.  Thread glass beads and metal separators onto the strand of elastic and tie the ends with a double square knot.  Trim ends of elastic.

 

PRETTY GIFT BOXES

Using soap boxes that bars of soap, such as Dove, come in, you can make lovely little gift boxes!  Fold the top ends inside the box and tape down.  Using colorful fabric scraps or wrapping paper, cover the box and glue the ends, with the seams on the sides of the box.  Avoid having the seam on bottom of the box, because it won't stand up very well.  Trims of lace, ribbons and beads add a special creative touch too.  If you want, you can even add a ribbon or raffia handle.  Even brown paper from a grocery bag that is sponge painted would make a nice gift box with a raffia handle.  Tuck a small gift into the box with colorful tissue paper.  This is perfect for earrings or a bracelet!

 

BATH BALLS

2 cups finely ground sea salt                  1 tsp. Vitamin E oil

½ cup baking soda                                  2 eggs

½ cup cornstarch                                    25 drops fragrance oil

2 Tbsp. light oil

 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Mix all ingredients together.  Using a teaspoon of the dough, gently roll it into a 1 inch ball.  Continue this method, placing balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.  If desired, you can decorate balls with whole cloves or rose buds.  Bake the bath balls for about 10 minutes until they are lightly browned – do not over bake.  Allow the balls to cool completely.  To use: Drop 1 or 2 bath balls into a warm bath and allow to dissolve.  Note:  If you give these bath balls as a gift, be sure to list all the ingredients as well as how to use, in case of allergies.

 

PINECONE FIRE STARTERS

Melt paraffin or old candles in a coffee can placed in a pan of hot water on the stove.  If color is needed, add old crayons.  Add a few drops of scented oil to the wax – cinnamon, cloves, orange.  Dip each pinecone into the melted wax.  You can do that by tying a candlewick or heavy crochet thread to the top of each pinecone to make it easier to dip into the melted wax.  Allow the wax to harden, while holding or resting it on wax paper between dips.  For gift-giving, arrange pinecones in a basket with a note of instructions:  Add 2-3 pinecone fire starters to kindling wood when starting a fire in the fireplace.  Light the wicks.

 

TEACUP CANDLES

Do you have some teacups and saucers that came with your set of dishes that you never use?  Slowly pour hot melted wax into a pretty teacup with a candlewick. 

 

HEATING PAD OR FOOT WARMER

This is great to warm cold feet when going to bed or to sooth tight muscles.

½ yard cotton flannel              4 cups uncooked white rice

1 Tbsp. whole cloves

 

Cut the flannel into a 14"x18" rectangle.  Fold with right sides together, so the rectangle measures 7"x18".  Sew around edges, leaving an opening for turning.  Fill with rice and cloves.  Hand sew the opening shut.  For gift-giving, include instructions: To use as a heating pad, microwave for 1-2 minutes in High. 

 

HOT PADS WITH AROMA

Using the directions above, make square, round or oval hot pads.  When setting a hot dish on the pad, it will give off a pleasant aroma.

 

SPICY POTPOURRI

Peel 4 oranges and 4 lemons, leaving the white pith on the fruit.  Process the pieces of rind in a food processor until quite small.  Spread peel on a large tray to dry.  Combine ½ whole cloves, ½ cup whole allspice, 10 broken cinnamon sticks, and 10 crumbled bay leaves.  In a large bowl combine the spices with the citrus rind.  For even more fragrance, add a few drops of cinnamon, orange or clove oil to perk up the potpourri.  Store in airtight container.  To use: Display in a pretty open dish or put 1 tablespoon of potpourri into a potpourri pot with hot water.  Great fragrance!  If you don't have a potpourri pot, just simmer on the stove in a small pot.

 

FRAGRANT SOAP BALLS

You will need:  Ivory Snow Flakes  ~  Perfume or scented oil  ~  Food coloring

Moisten soap flakes with water to the consistency of very stiff dough.  Divide into several bowls if making a large quantity, so you can make a variety of scents and colors.  Shape about 2 tablespoons of mixture into balls.  Place on wax paper to harden for several days, turning each day.  Wrap in colorful cellophane and tie with a ribbon to give as gifts.

 

BEANBAGS

Children love tossing beanbags and they are so easy to make!  This is a great stocking stuffer.  Simply cut a circle from a scrap of pretty fabric – about 4 ½" in diameter.  There are also so many choices of children's fabrics available.  Sew a 1/4 " seam around the edge, leaving an opening to turn the fabric and fill it with small dried beans or rice.  Hand sew the opening shut.

 

SCOOPS OF HUGS AND KISSES

Fill washed laundry scoops with wrapped candy hugs and kisses.  Wrap plastic wrap around the scoop and gather it around the handle, tying with a pretty ribbon.  Attach a note saying, "Hugs and Kisses from me to you!"

 

CANDY TRAIN ENGINE

A fun favor or ornament!  Glue a roll of ring-shaped candy such as Lifesavers to a wide side of a package of gum.  Glue 4 round peppermint candies to the bottom against the gum pack for wheels.  Make a loop of narrow ribbon and glue the ends to the top of one end of the candy roll.  Glue a caramel on top of the ribbon ends for the engineer's cab.  To the other end of the candy roll, glue a chocolate kiss for the smoke stack and another kiss on the same end of the package of gum for a plow in front.  Remove the tag from the second kiss.

 

 

CHRISTMAS TREASURE HUNT

From Randall D. as posted in The Dollar Stretcher ~ www.stretcher.com ~ Used by permission

Several years ago we had a modest  Christmas tree and a modest budget to match.  However, the big gifts for my two children were bicycles that year. Bicycles that obviously wouldn't fit under the tree and no amount of wrapping would conceal the fact of what they were.  I knew that if they saw those items first, the few remaining gifts would be overlooked in their rush to go outside and ride.  What to do?  My slightly devious mind came up with an answer very quickly - a treasure hunt!   So that morning, Rebekah and Daniel were delighted to wake up to a tree with three modest gifts under it along with a few extras from aunts and uncles sent from far away.  They didn't seem the least bit bothered by the absence of their often requested new bikes.  As we always emptied the stockings last, they enjoyed going through their stockings to find candy, fruit, a couple of inexpensive knick knacks, and a small mysterious box in the very bottom of each stocking!   Upon opening the box, each found directions to another part of the house. At that location, they would find a piece of candy and directions to another place in the house, etc.!  That morning I was treated to the incredible sight of my children scampering all over the house, crawling under tables and sofas, finding new directions, laughing and shrieking with each new discovery.  My wife sat and laughed until she cried at their antics.  The last two discoveries sent them to the back corner of our yard and then to the Christmas tree, giving me time to roll the bikes from the front porch to the tree and man the camera.  The cost?  A little thought and a few slips of paper and candy.  The benefit?  A priceless Christmas memory and a family tradition born before my eyes!  It is now an annual tradition being carried on by both children their baby sister, and I assume one day I'll laugh as my grandchildren scamper to find directions and pieces of candy all over their homes as well.

 

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR SENIORS
By Lois Breneman, © 2001, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

It is difficult to know just what to give our older parents and friends, who often say, "I don't need anything.  I have everything I need already."  Many times they are trying to get rid of their extra personal possessions, because of down-sizing their homes and they certainly don't need new
appliances or knick knacks.  So what's a friend or loved one to give them?  Here are a few ideas:

 

Give a sturdy decorated box (covered with fabric or gift wrap) filled with fresh fruit and items from the grocery store that they enjoy. 

 

Bake some muffins, cookies and bread for great treats in a gift basket!  

Prepare a book of stories, memories and pictures for your parents or grandparents.  They will cherish it! 

 

Prepare several of their favorite dishes in multiple small portions and give to them frozen, to use as needed.  Often elderly people do not eat well, because they don't feel like cooking for just one or two people, and they will appreciate their favorite foods being ready to eat in an instant.  Examples might be soups, casseroles, quick breads, muffins, meatloaf, chicken or mashed sweet potatoes.  Package several of the same food item in a larger freezer bag and label. 

 

Have all of the grandchildren together and make a musical cassette tape for their grandparents.  They can sing some Christmas carols, hymns and other songs.  I know the grandparents will appreciate this for a long time to come. 

 

Give coupons -- one for each month -- of something you will do for them.  Back rub, foot rub, clean the bathrooms or the entire house, cook a meal in their home, offer to set up and take down some Christmas decorations for them, bake some cookies or muffins while you visit with them, give a piano concert just for them, watch a video with them, read a book to them, etc.  

An aquatic garden with a Betta fish or a birdfeeder with black oil sunflower seed for hours of entertainment and companionship. 

 

Give a long handled sponge for applying lotion to the back, without the help of another person. (about $6)  Good for any age!

 

Give a "Reacher" or a "Grabber," a long-handled instrument used for picking up things from the floor without bending or for reaching things on a high shelf without climbing up on a stool or chair. (about $10).  I have found this tool also works very well for grandparents, moms, dads and children to pick up toys (or lots of other things) without stooping and to arrange a Christmas tree skirt around the tree without crawling under the tree!  J

 

MORE FOR SENIORS ~ AUDIO TO-DO LISTS

        I've had a lot on my (dwindling) mind for many months now and sleep fitfully at night. It is annoying that when I am trying to go to sleep, my mind won't shut down and I compose these brilliant letters, etc., in my head and I think of things to add to my To-Do list, etc. The little things like adding something to a list are no problem - I keep a pen and pad next to my bed, but the letter-writing is another thing. I also have those brilliant dialogs in my head when I am driving, or standing in lines, etc., but by the time I get to my computer, my mind, of course, is blank. And the letters that do get written are nowhere near as pithy and to the point as those that I wrote in my mind while in bed. 

       So -- I was thinking the other day that I would really love to have one of those little gizmos that business people use on airplanes and in cars, etc., to record messages to themselves and letters for their secretaries to write.  It occurred to me that this might be a great thing to give a senior on your gift list - I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't remember something from one minute to the next and would love to have one of those little goodies hanging around my neck so I could commit it to some form more permanent than my memory! ~ A tip from a Senior as posted in Tips du Jour with Tim Clark, Editor ~ submitted by Sky Granny 

 

 

JESUS

        JESUS humbled Himself.

                He went from commanding ANGELS

                        To sleeping in the STRAW;

                                From holding STARS

                                        To clutching Mary's finger.

                                                The PALM that held the UNIVERSE

                                                        Took the Nail of a soldier.

                                                                Why?

                                                                        Because that's what LOVE does.

                                                                                   -- Max Lucado

 

Merry Christmas with love,

from your "Heart to Heart" friend,

Lois

 

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