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My lovely neighbor is in her nineties and doesn’t drive. Sometimes I’ll drop by her house with a bowl of soup or a dessert to let her know I’m thinking about her. One time, I made strawberry shortcake, topped it with whipping cream, and raced to her house so she could eat it before the cream melted.

She welcomes me in, but I always visit on her front porch.

Just before Christmas, my granddaughter and I stopped at her house to drop off a small gift. Because I was busy delivering items, my granddaughter took the gift to the door and sang a verse of Silent Night to my neighbor.

When my granddaughter returned to the car, she handed me the lap blanket package.

I couldn’t speak as my eyes filled with tears. The gift touched my heart. Hours of work went into the gorgeous piece. I will cherish it forever.

My friend, Ruth, is very creative too. She sews, knits, crochets, and is a master at crafting. She made an angel Christmas wreath from Swiffer Dusters and a lap blanket for a member of my family who resides in a nursing home. Not only did she do that, but she made several to be divided among the residents.

I may never knit, sew, or become a master at crafting, but I have friends with enormous talents.

These projects could be done by one or many. And when shared, the blessings grow.

My cat loves the lap blanket too.

Today in the preschool classroom at my church our teacher, Becky, had the most wonderful pinecone craft for the children to make.

I asked permission to post this easy, fun project.

If January is an indicator, snow will cover our area for a good two months. I’m a nature enthusiast and feed my birds all winter long. In severe weather seed is hard to find.

You will need pinecones. I purchase bags of them after Christmas when they go on sale. You may have pine trees to gather from.

Birdseed.

Twine or wire and wrap around cone before proceeding.

Peanut butter, knife, and plate. Spread peanut butter over pinecone.

Place pinecone in seed and pour seed over cone until completely covered.

These make wonderful gifts in the winter months for shut-ins or bird lovers. What a joy to sit by a window with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and watch our feathered friends feed.

Have fun. I’m making mine as gifts.

The gift was unexpected. From my grandson who enjoys fishing, playing hockey, and the Xbox.

This touching surprise brought me to tears. It wasn’t because of the cost. He told me he ordered it online at a next-to-nothing price. He shrugged saying it was only a couple of dollars, but to me it was more valuable than gold.

For you see, the gift reflects my faith, belief in Jesus, and the Word.

Each time I clasp the necklace around my neck, I’m reminded of God’s love.

As we celebrate CHRISTmas, may everyone remember the greatest gift of all–JESUS.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

 

Last month I posted about Thanksgiving tray cards for the Veterans Hospital, assisted living centers, nursing homes, hospitals, shut-ins or any idea you might have.

This is a great project for students seeking community service hours.

I have created over one hundred Christmas tray cards for a nursing home facility.

I came up with a few more ideas for the Christmas tray cards.

• Print a message or scripture on address labels and adhere to the inside of the card.
• Tape a tray card to a plate of cookies, pies, cakes, homemade bread, jam or other gifts.
• Write a handwritten note inside to a neighbor or shut-in stating you would be happy to get their mail, take out the trash, shovel a sidewalk or run a quick errand.

The ideas are endless.

Have fun creating and bless someone this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!