by Debora Dyess
Now that my grandchildren are old enough to watch TV, I’m getting a refresher course in animated Christmas movies. These films created great memories for me when I was little, and I hope they create the same magic for my grandkids. With a bag of popcorn, a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite little ones cuddled in your lap, there’s no better way to spend a cold December evening.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol – (1983) – Mickey Mouse and Christmas are both almost universally loved by children, and this movie brings the two favorites together. There is probably no one better suited to play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge than Scrooge McDuck – at least in the animated version. Then add in Mickey Mouse as the faithful and loyal Bob Cratchit and the rest of the Disney gang to round out the cast and you have a Christmas winner. This animated Christmas movie also has a super soundtrack. With Goofy, Jiminy Cricket and the Giant as the Ghosts, this animated version of Dicken’s classic tale isn’t too scary for the little ones and enjoyable for all ages.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – (1965) – This has to be one of the all-time best animated Christmas movies. Full of traditional Peanuts music and animation, this movie is still a charmer. Charles Schultz deftly scripts Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas without being too heavy-handed by giving Linus a center-stage recitation of the nativity story and having Charlie Brown save a scraggly tree. “Charlie’s search for the truth is the same search we all go through,” a preacher told me once. “The transformation of the tree is what happens in our lives with God’s love.”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – (1966) While the Whos in Whoville prepare for a big Christmas celebration, the Grinch does not like Christmas one little bit. The trouble that ensues makes for one of the most beloved animated Christmas adventures ever created. In an effort to stop the special day, Grinch schemes and dreams and devises a wickedly elaborate plan … and some pretty good songs and chuckles, to boot. Even though I’ve seen this movie dozens of times, I still wait in anticipation for the Grinch to realize the true meaning of Christmas as he sits on the top of Mt. Crumpit listening to the Whos singing on Christmas morning. This animated tale of redemption and joy, all bundled up in Dr. Seuss’ weird words and crazy pictures, will always be a winner.

T’was the Night Before Christmas – (1974) – When I was little, I sometimes wondered if Santa might forget Christmas or our house… or me! I’d close my eyes for nights before Christmas, silently praying, “God, please let him know I believe in him.”

The characters in this movie want Santa to know they still believe in him, too. Put off by a letter from Albert Mouse, Santa Claus decides to skip this little town inhabited by talking mice. Everyone has to work together to convince Old St. Nick that they really do believe and really want him to bring gifts to their town. As if the plot weren’t clever enough to make it worth watching, the film also has a terrific soundtrack, including great songs like “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand.” And, of course, it has a happy ending, making this a wonderful seasonal movie.

In my opinion, these are some of the best animated Christmas movies ever created, and they’re as much a part of Christmas as a brightly decorated tree, Santa Claus or a nativity scene. And, while new animated Christmas movies may appear every year, none will take the place in my heart of these beloved favorites.

Adapted with permission from: Printable Santa Letters.com

by Debora Dyess

We’ve all seen it – wise men, shepherds, sheep, a donkey, maybe some chickens, Mary and Joseph. Attention is on a single baby – Jesus, lying in a manger. It tells us one thing: Christmas is here!

By learning how to organize a live nativity, you could create an annual tradition, combining art, building, sewing and fun.

Start with a vision. Will you present the manger scene with basic characters, or expand to the whole Christmas story with many actors? This decision determines everything from your budget to preparation time. This reproduction requires actors, costumes, sets and scripts. Pray for a good group of volunteers!

Your volunteer pool determines your characters. You must have the Holy Family, but can expand from there. Live animals are great, but require planning. If they aren’t possible, clever wooden cut-outs can substitute.

If your church or community theater has a costume closet, raid it (permission, first!). Otherwise, these costumes are basically one-size-fits-almost-all, making an easy sewing project. They also hide layers of clothing, protecting actors from the cold.

Sets should be constructed with scenes and landscape in mind. Take advantage of trees, rocks and hills on site. Check load capacities of extension cords used to light sets. For more extensive lighting, consult an electrician. For set construction, borrow a garage. Pray for a ‘building manager’ with carpentry and people skills, since volunteers may not know a circular saw from a square. This individual must be able to plan the set, and organize purchasing, materials and workers.

Write your script to match your event. Sandy Pohlmann, organizer of live nativities at Zion Lutheran Church of Helotes, San Antonio, TX, decided on a shepherd- guide for their nativity. The shepherd narrated and quieted the crowd as needed. Each character had their portion of the story to tell, scripted well in advance.

Nobody told Sandy how to organize a live nativity. Success was measured in growing numbers of visitors each year, and donations made to defray expensea. She suggests planning begin in July for your first event. “It takes lots of time and commitment,” she explained, “and a lot of volunteers. But it is worth it.”

Part of welcoming Baby into the family is the addition of a baby Christmas stocking. Placing it with the others on the mantle somehow solidifies the little one’s place in the household.

Picking the baby Christmas stocking used to be limited to choosing pink or blue, with the words “Baby’s First Christmas” embroidered on the front. But times have changed! Stockings can specialize in the family’s favorite sports teams, hobby or town or have photo inserts for that all-important first-year portrait.

If you’re a crafty mom, making a baby Christmas stocking is an enjoyable way to prepare for the holiday. The stocking will be unique and truly special.

Begin with a plain stocking. Patterns are available in stores and online. (I like the clear directions and pattern at Craft and Fabric links. Here are two other easy ideas.

Handprint Christmas Tree Stocking
Make a Christmas tree from your baby’s hand- and foot- prints. Start with the trunk of the tree. Using brown paint, footprint your child. Carefully press the tiny foot to the stocking, positioning it correctly. Green handprints make boughs of the Christmas tree. Make a handprint stamp by transferring your baby’s handprint to thick FunFoam. Cut it out and use it to create the tree. This prevents accidents caused by wiggling little fingers! Use 3-5 near the bottom of the tree and decrease by one until the top is created. Fingers should point out for the lower branches, and up for the top. The number of handprints will vary, depending on the size of the stocking. Allow the painted tree to dry, then adorn with beads, sequins, buttons, etc. Tiny charms can be used as miniature ornaments, and a locket can hold a photo of Baby.

Photo Insert Baby Christmas Stocking
Photo insert stockings are easily made. Purchase fabric needed, plus a small square of thin vinyl (available in many fabric sections). Before sewing the front and back stocking pieces together, position the vinyl on front of the stocking and sew in place on three sides. Once the photo is inside, close the opening and sew the stocking as directed. Cover stitching with decorations or trim. Several photo inserts can be placed on the stocking to show baby’s growth during the first year or Baby with different family members.

However you choose to make your baby Christmas stocking, enjoy! This is a great Christmas for you and your family.