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The Spirit of Christmas
by Nancy Tillman is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully sweet book. The story is told in first person between The Spirit of Christmas and a parent. While the parent tries to figure out what's missing, the Spirit of Christmas keeps suggesting lots of wonderful holiday activities and sights, then finally says "Remember, this all began with a child. Because it took nothing but love to begin it, it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it." And the parent realizes the child is what's missing. It ends with a very sweet poem to the child telling them to always come home, the best gift is having them home for Christmas.I have to tell you that I get misty eyed reading this sweet book sometimes. It has quickly become a favorite in our home. And it inspired this handprint Christmas Tree memory craft. This is a mommy craft, too!
What you'll need:
- a Gold Sharpie
- a pencil
- 2 paper plates
- green and brown craft paint
- white or ivory card stock
- paper for backing
- Laminator
- ribbon for ornament
Let those dry and then take your gold Sharpie and make a star or angel on top of your tree. Begin at the top and write at an angle to make a gold "garland" of the special things you love about your little one right now in this season. On their hand print "trunk" write their name, the year and their age.
On the back, if you so choose, use your pencil to write a prayer for your child. Add the colored paper backing and laminate it. If you want to make it into an ornament, cut out the 2 sheets together into the shape you want, then laminate and punch a hole for the ribbon. If you keep the full sheet, use it as decor. They are really pretty and a sweet reminder of all the little things you love about your blessings!
Keep your sweet Memory trees and make a new one each year!
