Holiday Activities that Incorporate Faith

Holiday Activities that Incorporate Faith

 

This season, be intentional about including faith into your holiday cheer. Now is the perfect time to reflect on your relationship with friends, family, and God by bonding through Christ focused activities. Rekindle your faith while indulging in all the fun this time of year has to bring! 

 

Fill Stockings with Love Not Things

 

‘Tis the season to hang your stockings by the chimney with care! Stockings are easily the most exciting part of Christmas. Your children will eagerly wait for Christmas morning to come, before peering inside their stocking to see all of the small surprises that await them. This year, let your family have an early peek! 

 

Make holiday stockings filled with meaningful letters of appreciation or photos of memories you’ve shared with your family. After giving the stockings to your family, help your children make their own for a classmate, neighbor, or cousin! This will help them focus on gifting more love than they do things. 

 

Put a Faith-filled Twist on “Elf on the Shelf”

 

Elf on the shelf is a popular Christmas game that’s perfect for getting your little ones engaging with the season. Put a twist on this beloved game in order to get them just as captivated by the holiday’s faith. There are tons of alternatives to the cheerful elf! Swap him out for a baby jesus or a structured character likeMelk the Monkey, who teaches specifically about God. Your children will still get to participate in the surprises that come with an Elf on the Shelf, but in a way that leads them into grace rather than mischief! 

 

Holiday Movie Night

 

On those snowy, colder nights, nothing beats cozying up on the couch for a movie! Get into the spirit of the season with Christ-centered Christmas movies that will remind your family of the true meaning of the holiday. Make your movie night one to remember by decorating your family room with colorful decor. Hang garland and white lights to set a dim ambiance. Sip on some holiday flavors by making a hot cocoa bar! Put out cinnamon sticks, peppermint candies, chocolate chips, and whipped cream to make the ultimate cup of nog. To really satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the movie, snack on these adorable Santa’s hat cupcakes.

 

Throw a Birthday Party for Jesus 

 

With all of the advertisements and holiday festivities taking up our time, it can be easy for the real reason for Christmas to become swallowed up. Remind your child of why Christmas is celebrated by planning a birthday party for Jesus. After all, Christmas is his day of birth! 

Not only will this give your family a reason to throw a fun celebration on Christmas Eve, but it will also encourage your children to focus more on giving back to Jesus than expecting gifts for themselves. 

 

Read Together

 

Take the time this month to read the Christmas Story from the Bible with your children, found in the book of Luke. Not only are there tremendous benefits of reading together as a family, but it provides a timely opportunity to teach your children about a significant story in the Bible. Read a piece each night before going to bed. Your children will look forward to seeing how the story unfolds! 

 

Bring Christ into your home decor 

 

There are tons of wonderful bible verses that would serve as a lovely addition to your home decor! Set aside time for a crafting day with your family. Get canvases, painting supplies, and print out holiday verses. Have your family each pick a verse and paint it onto their canvas. Hang up the canvases in the room you spend most of your time together, such as the living or dining room and kitchen. 

 

Send Christmas cheer to missionaries 

 

During this time of year, there are many missionaries that are unable to return home for the holidays. Help your family spread some holiday cheer to those away from their loved ones this season! Make homemade season’s greetings with personalized holiday messages, including a thank you for all of the work they’re doing to spread faith and help others.

ELF the Musical Family-4 Pack Giveaway & BOGO 50% off code

The gift of an experience is the gift that lasts a lifetime and no one can put a price on a treasured memory…or maybe we can? How does buy one ticket, get one half-off sound? Or better yet, free?

ELF The Musical will be live on stage at the Stranahan Theater, December 11 – 16! And Mom on the go in Holy Toledo followers have the opportunity to be entered to win a family 4-pack tickets to the opening night performance!! (Tuesday, December 11th @ 7:30pm)

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Broadway’s holiday hit musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York recall the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

ELF with bow

Where:

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH, 43614

Show Dates & Times:

Tuesday, December 11, 2018: 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 13, 2018: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 14, 2018: 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 15, 2018: 10 a.m.

Saturday, December 15, 2018: 3 p.m.

Saturday, December 15, 2018: 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, 2018: 1 p.m.

Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

DISCOUNT:

Buy One Ticket, Get One 50% OFF – Ticket discount valid thru Dec. 12

Here is the link to purchase tickets. Use promo code SANTA for the discount.
https://americantheatreguild.com/toledo/elf/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Due to the nature of live entertainment dates, times, performers, and prices are subject to change. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No exchanges or refunds. Tickets are subject to additional fees. Must use Code SANTA to receive offer. Discount not valid for Saturday Matinee (3pm), Sunday Evening, or Sunday Matinee performances. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. Valid for Price Levels 2 (Orchestra) and 5 (Balcony). Discount valid through December 12 and cannot be combined with any other offers or applied to any other shows and events.

Register to Win:

One Family 4-pack for opening night, Dec. 11 @ 7:30pm

HOW TO ENTER

1-Share this post on Facebook

2- Comment on the Blog stating which ELF food group is your favorite…candy, candy cane, candy corn, or syrup?

WINNER will be randomly selected SUNDAY @ 2pm & posted to the blog and FB page

 

Shop Small, Shop Local 2018 Toledo Guide

There are so many benefit to shopping small, not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day!!

Benefits of Shopping Small, Shopping Local…..

  1. You’ll help create jobs in the community
  2. Your tax dollars stay local.
  3. Small businesses give back to the neighborhood.
  4. Shopping at one local business helps other local businesses.
  5. Small businesses offer more unique products.
  6. It helps keep communities diverse
  7. You lesson the environmental impact of your purchases.

Source: https://co-opcreditunions.org/6-really-important-reasons-to-shop-on-small-business-saturday/

Here are just a few of the many awesome local small businesses located in Toledo & the surrounding area. Please be sure to show them your love and “like”, and/or, “follow” them on social media, and be sure to stop in to the brick and mortar shops, introduce yourself, & inquire about deals, yes, small businesses also have some great bargains!

Bowinkles Children’s Boutique

Phone: 567-455-5939

Address: 5627 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560

Website: www.bowinklesboutique.com

Hours: M-F: 10AM – 5:30PM, SAT: 10AM – 5PM, SUN: CLOSED

Shop local this holiday season with Bowinkles. New Fall and holiday arrivals plus all sales items Buy 2, Get 1 Free!

HarperLee Jewelry

Website:https://www.etsy.com/shop/harperleejewelry

Raw metal transformed into custom keepsake jewelry!

Julia’s Ornaments

Phone: Call or text 419-442-8037

Website: https://m.facebook.com/JuliasOrnaments/

Email: jmelvis@aol.com

All ornaments are handmade and hand painted….custom orders welcomed, such as names, birthdays, current year, player number for sport related ornaments, and colored glitter. Ornaments cost $10 & $2 to personalize.

LuLaRoe Em Elizabeth

Owner: Emily Sicilia

Phone: 419-806-9242

Website: www.facebook.com/lularoeemelizabeth

Clothing for all ages and sizes! Visit the facebook shopping group to enjoy weekly specials throughout the holiday season! Also contact Em to set up an appointment to shop the Toledo Boutique to take advantage of in person specials!

NeverMore Used Bookstore

Phone: (419) 593-0093

Address: 2856 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Website: https://nevermore-used-bookstore.business.site/

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10am-6pm & Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Find that hidden gem or a favorite popular fiction or nonfiction book for a great price!! They carry books for the entire family…kids, teens, tweens, young adult, adult. They also take clean, good condition books on trade for in-store credit which buys you 25% off purchases!!

Reger’s Church Supplies & Religious Gifts

Phone: (419) 474-4740

Address: 4100 Secor Rd, Toledo, OH 43623

Website: https://www.regers.com/

Hours: Mon – Fri 9:30am – 5pm & Sat 9:30am – 3pm

Get all your Advent & Christmas products here! Reger’s Christian gift store serves all denominations of the Christian faith, including churches, clergy, and individual Christians.

Stella’s Lots of Knots

Owner: Stephanie Bird

Phone: (231) 736-8315

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/StellasLotsofKnots

Stella’s Lots of Knots is offering free shipping through the holidays or local pick up! Also, use coupon code LOCAL during checkout to receive 20% off your order!

Thistle and Thorn

Phone: (419) 261-9166

Address: 2746 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LavenderBayLLC/

Hours: Mon-Fri. 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, & closed Sunday

Thistle and Thorn is a locally owned full service florist and gift shop. See coupon below to save $10!!

Show the following image at checkout to receive $10 off any Fall Arrangement!

Twice But Nice

Phone: (419) 475-7368

Address: 2850 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Twice-But-Nice-359138284202297/

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-7pm & Sunday 11am-5pm

Show the following image coupon to receive $5 off of $30 or more!!

Motherhood in your 20s vs 30s

This week’s podcast is up! (Click on link below) This week’s topic, starting a family in your 20s vs your 30s. Feel free to share with friends & engage in the topic via a comment below…when did you become a mom, in your 20s or 30s?

www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zjbnu-9f6178

Santa Sightings around Toledo

Santa Sightings!! Are you serious Clark?! Lol!

Here are what we have thus far…be sure to check back, we will be updating as sightings of the Jolly man with the beard as white as snow come in…

SANTA’S GRAND ARRIVAL at Franklin Park Friday, Nov. 16, 10:00 am – Noon

Bring your littles to Macy’s court to welcome Saint Nick. Cheer as he rides in on the train at 10:00 a.m., listen to a story read by Crystal the elf, make a holiday countdown chain and of course visit with Santa and capture the moment with a professional photo memory.

Visit with Santa Claus @ Shops at Levis Commons November 17 – December 23

Bring the whole family (and your camera!) to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus (on special dates) – share your Wish List with Santa Claus in the updated Santa House courtesy of our friends at Arhaus.  Take FREE photos with your own camera and share on Social Media #LifeAtLevis for a chance to win great Levis Commons prizes!

Santa’s Magical arrival Nov. 23rd 5:30-7:30pm @ The Shops At Fallen Timbers

(In-between Forever 21 & Kay Jewelers) DJ kicks it off at 5:30pm & costume character from Laurels Princesses, Toledo Mud Hens, & BG…santa due to arrive on a lit-up firetruck at 6:45pm, followed by a magical fireworks show!!

Nov. 24th & 25th 12-3pm @ Duke Farms, 44 West Samaria, Michigan 48182

$5 gets you a picture with Mr. & Mrs. Clause (using your own camera, photographer will cost more), Bonfire w/s’mores, carriage rides, & visit in the petting farm!!

Have you seen him? Please comment below with any Santa Spottings around town…

Mom on the go Podcast!

Click on link below to listen to our first episode! And we need your help…each episode we will be debating hot topics related to motherhood, nothing is off limits, we will take on any topic nothing is too controversial! So, comment below with your topic ideas today & be sure to tune in to our next episode (published every Saturday morning). So grab some wine, basket of laundry, & listen in….

www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-d5f5p-9e14a7

Visit Toledo Firefighter Museum for Fire Safety Awareness Month

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 Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. A fire can be anywhere.

  • According to the NFPA*, in 2016 there were 352,000 home fires, and 3 out of 5 fire deaths occurred in homes without smoke alarms.
  • Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan.
  • Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental death.

These facts and statistics are reasons why your home needs to be equipped with the proper amount of fire safety equipment and alarms. Fire Safety Awareness Month is a great time to kick start your families commitment to fire safety! (Source: https://www.nfpa.org/fpw)

Ribbet collage_Fire

 

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And there is no better way to kick start your family’s fire safety commitment than by visiting the Toledo Firefighter Museum. We are fortunate to have such an amazing resource in Toledo.

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Not only does it commemorate all those who have sacrificed for our safety, it illustrate the advances in fire safety over the decades/centuries, & it also offers an invaluable teaching mechanism upstairs, “Jed’s Room”, a fire simulator space that helps children see how a fire and smoke spreads, why they need to stay low to the ground, how to escape, and more! They also offer the children the opportunity to try on some of the firefighter gear which is important, we don’t want young children to hide and be scared of firefighters in the case of a fire, we want them to seek them and get out safety.

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Toledo Firefighter Museum

Address: 918 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43612

Phone: (419) 478-3473

Hours: Saturdays 12-4pm or by appointment (perfect for groups-playgroups, Scouts, etc.)

Cost: FREE

Website: http://www.toledofirefightersmuseum.org/

 

 

Additional resources…..

fire

Link: http://www.sparky.org/

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Link: http://www.toledofirerescue.com/assets/SmokeAlarmDistForm1.pdf

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Clean Comedy Show in Toledo (get Tickets ASAP!)

As many of you know I am always on the lookout for new, different, & exciting experiences for a family date, and/or a mother/son, father/daughter date so when I came across this I had to share! Check this out; kids can actually attend a comedy show! Don’t worry parents; it’s a clean comedy show. How cool is this!?

comedyshow

All Age Show With Greg Warren

Greg Warren, most recently seen on “The Late Late Show” and “Comedy Central Presents” has built a strong fan base with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. His CDs, “Running Out of Time” (2013) and “One Star Wonder” (2009) hit #3 and #6 respectively in iTunes Top Comedy Albums. An honest mix of self-deprecation, frustration and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Greg’s colorful perspective. Greg attracts a diverse audience spectrum, having performed as a “Coming to the Stage” finalist on BET and on Country Music Television’s “Comedy Stage.” He is also a favorite on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom radio show, which led to touring theaters across the country with The Bob & Tom All Stars Comedy Tour. He appeared in the independent film “23 Minutes to Sunrise,” and will be featured in the upcoming film “Marshall The Miracle Dog” with Matthew Settle, Lauren Holly and Shannon Elizabeth.

This is something that only happens once in a blue moon so be sure to tag friends and snag some tickets before they are sold out!

 

Location: Funny Bone 6140 Levis Commons Blvd Perrysburg, OH 43551

Phone: 419-931-3474

Date: Sunday October 7th, 2018

Show Time: 2pm (Arrival time, 1pm)

Cost: $15

Website: Purchase tickets online, click link,

September’s 8 Free Date Night Ideas in Toledo

Back to school supplies, clothes, extracurricular fees, impromptu appliance purchase, etc. which leaves the Date Night fund at, zero! September is one of the most stressful months of the year. Trying to get the entire family back into the swing of things is exhausting & can be strenuous on your relationship. You need a date night more than ever but with $0 in the date night fund makes it tricky! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could spice things up with a Concert by Havana’s top musicians, stargaze at an observatory, see the Toledo Symphony in Concert, allow your inner foodie to come out & play with a cooking instruction class? Guess what? You can do all these & more!

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Here’s September’s 8 Free Date Night Ideas in Toledo…

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Friday Night Concert featuring ORQUESTA AKOKÁN-A Big Band collection of Havana’s top musicians

When: Friday Sept. 14th 5:30-10pm

Where: Promenade Park downtown

Cost: Free (meter parking is free on the weekends)

Website: http://momentumtoledo.org/

Assembled and led by Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, Daptone recording artists Orquesta Akokán is a big band collective of the finest Cuban musicians, both young and old. Their self-titled debut release is on one of the most critically acclaimed release of 2018. Orquesta Akokán was specifically chosen for this concert to continue the evolving trajectory forward of Momentum to bring original diverse music to our community. The concert will be free for the community.

 

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Toledo Symphony Momentum Concert with Tan Dun

When: Friday, September 15th @ 6:30pm

Where: Promenade Park downtown

Cost: Free (meter parking is free on the weekends)

Website: http://momentumtoledo.org/

Grammy Award winning Chinese composer Tan Dun, best known for his music for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and his film scores for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero”, has created a visually and sonically spectacular concert experience unlike any other. A trio of sensational percussionists slap, beat, cup and wield water in transparent bowls and specially-crafted instruments to create provocative, amazingly inventive soundscapes.

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Flower power! Community, at TMA 

Community, the latest installation at the Toledo Museum of Art is a must-see! As you enter the installation a tidal wave of calm greets you while the cascading beauty & fragrance envelops you.

Best part, free admission Thursdays!

When: Thursdays 5-9pm

Where:Toledo Museum of Art

Cost: Free only on Thursdays from 5-9pm

Website: https://www.toledomuseum.org/art/exhibitions

How it works…claim your free timed ticket at the information desk upon arrival. Each ticket allows a 20 minute window to view the exhibit. Arrive early if possible & if you can not plan on touring the museum until you assigned time.

 

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Latino Quesadilla! Food Demonstration

Enjoy a Hispanic Heritage Month Cooking Program! Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center demonstrates how to cook up a Latino quesadilla using ingredients not normally found in a traditional quesadilla. This program is being offered at 3 different dates/times…

When: Saturday, September 08: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Where: Kent Library (Meeting Room A)

Cost: Free

Website: http://events.toledolibrary.org/event/853093

When: Saturday, September 15: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Where: King Road Library (Meeting Room A & B)

Cost: Free

Website:http://events.toledolibrary.org/event/856291

When: Saturday, September 22: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Heatherdowns Library (Meeting Room A & B)

Cost:Free

Website: http://events.toledolibrary.org/event/780661

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Nature at Night!!

Where: Secor Metropark 10000 West Central Avenue Berkey, OH, 43504 (Meet at NCNP parking lot)

When:Friday September 28th 9:30-10:30pm

Cost: Free, but need to register (click on link to register)

Website: https://web1.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/ohmetroparkstoledowt.wsc/search.html?display=detail&FMID=554847&Module=AR

Walk in the park after dark and discover the wonders of the night at a time when parks are normally closed. Dress accordingly for the weather and let’s get outside!

 

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Black Holes (August 31st-October 13th)

Where: BGSU Planetarium 112 Physical Sciences Lab Bld, Bowling Green, OH 43403

When: Friday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 2pm, & Sunday @ 7:30pm

Website: https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/physics-and-astronomy/bgsu-planetarium.html

Cost: $1 donation is suggested

Program features a star talk showing the current evening sky followed by a multimedia planetarium show. Weekend programs are followed by stargazing at the Observatory on the roof, weather permitting.

 

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Take a tech class/session together!!

This one looked good for parents…but there are many others to choose from, see website.

Basics-Parental Visibility

Where: Apple Store Franklin Park 5001 Monroe Street Toledo, OH 43623

When: Offered throughout the month click on website

Website: https://www.apple.com/today/store/franklinparkmall/

Parents are invited to this 60-minute session to learn the features of iOS that help them manage what their kids see and do with their devices. You’ll get an overview of Family Sharing, parental controls, and more to help make sure children use their devices in the right ways and for the right reasons.

 

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Make a S’mores Station

Where: Home Depot (click on link to register at your store)

When: Thursday September 20th 6:30-8:30pm

Website: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/?cm_mmc=SEM%7CG%7CBase%7CNA%7CNA%7CNA%7CBT2%7CResources&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt7frlYTv3AIVw8DACh3ylgXYEAAYASAAEgLTy_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COmv7pqE79wCFUtTDAoda9gH1g#store/3807

Indulge in a rustic tabletop s’mores station ideal for backyard parties, indoor gatherings, family nights or any reason to savor the traditional campfire dessert. In this workshop, our skilled Store Associate will show you how to measure, mark, cut, stain and assemble a station with dividers to display your s’moregasbord of ingredients and roast your marshmallows above food-safe Sterno® flames. In addition, our Store Associate will demonstrate safe practices in using common project power tools and can help you shop for everything you need to create your own project at home. The Home Depot Workshops are designed to provide a mix of associate-led instruction, demonstration, and some hands-on learning. Materials can be purchased to make your own project. For more information, contact your local Home Depot store.

Need a sitter?

Tag a friend in this post & tell them which one you are interested in…ask them which one they are interested in and then you each take a turn watching the other’s children.