The holidays are fast approaching and the craziness of baking, shopping, wrapping and decorating will consume our lives. I have always looked forward to holidays and the traditions I get to experience with my family. As we have grown up and life has moved on our family traditions have changed. Family members have passed on and new people have joined our family through marriages and new babies. When my family gathers for the holiday I have a choice to make to be happy with the time I have with my family or sulk because everyone will not be there when we decorate the Christmas tree.
Yesterday the preschoolers learned about Joseph's love for his family (Genesis 45:1-11,16-28; 46:26-34; 47:1-11). If anyone has ever had a "right" to choose not to love his family it was Joseph. He didn't get caught up in the wrong his brothers did to him, but looked at the ways he could serve and love his family. He rejoiced in their reunion.
I pray that as the holidays approach that my attitude is love. I pray that my focus be on ways I can serve those around me and rejoice in the time we have together.
As Thanksgiving approaches we will have many opportunities to teach our preschoolers about loving the people around us.
Make serveral cards or turkeys with your preschoolers.
Have them pick important people in their life to give them to for Thanksgiving.
Ask them why they love them and write it for them on the card or turkey.
This is a way they can think about reasons they love their family members and why they are thankful for them. It will also give your loved ones a chance to see how important they are in the life of your child.
Some Thanksgiving Craft Ideas:
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/thanksgiving_art.html
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-fall.htm
http://www.makingfriends.com/fallcrafts/turkey.htm
