As I was trying to think about what to do for Family Night, I remembered one of our traditions and thought it was a perfect opportunity to get it done this year. The only gift we have under our tree every year (until Christmas morning that is) is a red box with The Nelsen Family written on the outside of it. One of the greatest gifts that we have is our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each year we write (the little ones tell us what to write) our testimony on a piece of paper with the date and put it inside an ornament with our picture that we hang on the tree. When we take the tree down, we put the testimony into the box with those from past years. It is really neat to look back on years past to see how our testimonies have grown.
This is how it looks hanging on the tree. The kids love to see their pictures on our Christmas tree!
For Family Night you can discuss what gifts the kids want to get this year. Then talk about what gifts that you have that you don’t open on Christmas morning. Teach them that a testimony is a gift from our Savior so that we can know him always and feel close to him. This time of year it is important to remember Him and what he did for us. Then, depending on the ages of your kids, you can discuss what a testimony is and how you get one. Then take time for each of you to write your testimonies and put them under the tree or hang them on the tree to remind them of this gift through the season. You can even just roll them up like a scroll and tie them on the tree with red ribbon. The clear bags can be found at Walmart or other party stores that carry wedding supplies.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Tracey, I LOVE that idea. After all these years, I didn’t even know you did this. How awesome!!! Great idea, I would like to do that this year. Thanks!