TCH: Christmas Time's A Comin' (1/16)

Christmas time's a comin'... Well, maybe it will be a while. But this swap is for those of you, who like me, love to have a full stocking or maybe two for Christmas.

My plan is to host a stocking stuffer swap each month, so that we may have a full stocking by Christmas. Each month will have it's own theme, so we will have a variety of little presents. There will be a Christian theme and a homestead theme. And there's a part to the swap, so that we may remember the real reason for the season.

The Christian theme for January is an item with a scripture on it. The homestead theme for January is a crafting item. The gifts should cost a minimum of $1 each. Gifts can be store bought or nicely handmade. The gifts must be wrapped. It can be wrapped in any way you wish (newspaper, gift wrap, a paper bag, cloth...).

I also believe we need to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. In a note card, you will write or type something to help your partner reflect on the real reason for the season. This is sender's choice and can be a Bible verse, a quote, a few questions to reflect on, a couple of ways to celebrate Christmas and keep Jesus as the focus of the season. Anything you can think of. This could include some of your traditions or new ones you want to start. You could list some good movies to watch or activities to do.

What to send:

• You will be sending 2 wrapped gifts. The Christian gift should be a item with a scripture on it. The homestead gift should be a craft item. Each must have a minimum value of $1.

• Along with the gift you will send a written note card with a reflection about the season or ideas of how to celebrate the season with Jesus being the focus.