A few years ago we decided to slow down the Christmas-morning mayhem with notes. Notes for each of the kids, individually, written by Mom and read by Dad that expressed some of the things we think about them. The good things. As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in correction and discipline and let the small, quiet acts of obedience or growth in character go unnoticed. Hopefully, these notes help even the scales a bit.

And the kids eat it up!

There is no talk of presents while they listen. There is only the sparkling looks from four adored children.

Bella watches her dad tell her about some of the reasons we think she’s great.

Masen and Rylan listen intently to Dad’s reading.

Dad hands Kadence her special Christmas note.

Being the posterity-loving mom that I am, I save the notes, tucking them into their memory boxes to one day be opened up by our grown children.

This morning I wrote the notes for tomorrow morning. Christmas 2013.

Dear Kadence, You have changed so much over the past year and are now transitioning into an older phase of life. We are so proud of your selfless heart toward others and toward animals. Our prayer is that you will seek God with all your heart and He will guide your path. We love you more than you will ever know. Love, Dad and Mom

Dear Rylan, You are naturally a force to be reckoned with. You are in possession of a rare internal spunk that is so solid even you have trouble controlling it sometimes. But as you continue to grow in stature and in the Lord you will learn to harness your gift and use it for the good of the world. What a blessing you are, mighty warrior. We love your heart of gold. Love, Dad and Mom

Dear Bella, We love your love for learning! You have blossomed in your reading this year and we love to see the joy you receive from the written word. Thank you for being a willing helper to us and to your siblings. You may be quiet, but your still waters run deep. Thank you for the music you bring to our lives. Love, Dad and Mom

Dear Masen, Sometimes, we don’t know if the world is large enough to hold the amount of joy you have. You ooze passion onto everything you do. What a blessing your exuberant little life has been! We know your life is going to be a fun journey and we can’t wait to be along for the ride. Love, Dad and Mom

Categories: Life on the farm

Tagged as: Christmas love notes posterity praise

Ginia

My name is Ginia Oehlschlager and I'm a small-town gal from Missouri. Join me as I document my crazy life on the farm with my husband and four kids. I'm always looking for frugal, simple ways to live the life God set before me. Where faith, family and fun come together on the farm.