Sunday 7 December 2008



Here's a nice idea that I found on the front of the church bulletin today:



'One Advent tradition is known as the 'Good Deeds Manger'. This is an ideal way for families to prepare together. Instead of putting your crib up with all the figures, long before Christmas arrives, put an empty manger in a prominent part of the house. By the side of the manger place some hay or something similar. Each evening try to come together as a family and talk about the good things that each one has done for others during the day - it may simply be sharing of sweets, or helping Mum in the kitchen without being asked. For each good deed that it done, the person who has done the good deed places one piece of hay into the manger. On Christmas Eve, the Baby Jesus is placed in the manger on the soft bed that has been made with the family's good deeds.'



It's a nice idea, but I envisage a few problems in this house........


1. '...come together as a family and talk about the good things each one has done for others during the day....'


Yes, well, I can't see that being much of a conversation.


2. '.....helping Mum in the kitchen without being asked......'


Enough said.


3. '......the Baby Jesus is placed in the manger on the soft bed that has been made with the family's good deeds.....'


I can't see the bed being that soft, somehow.


Look, we'll give it a go.

I may be proved completely wrong.

It is nearly Christmas after all.

33 comments:

Maggie May said...

Yeah..... you can give it a go!

Cath said...

Well God loves a trier... (That's why He loves me!)

Sorry I'm not over as often (I have read, just commented here that's all. And Kieran should like KitKats or lump 'em. Or a Kinder Egg.) I am posting occasionally but on my other blog Cath's Cradle. Pop over sometime.

Renae said...

Well . . . at my house, I can envision a giggling hay-fight, with hay ending up everywhere BUT the manger.

;-)

It's a nice thought, though. Can't wait to hear how it all turns out.

Amrita said...

Super idea. In keeping with my devotion this morning from Eph 5 which says be imitators of God.

Tim Atkinson said...

But what happens if no-one's done any good deeds? Does the baby Jesus go straight onto the cardboard?

Kit said...

Or you could have a hay-eating cat like we used to when the girls were little...that's a problem

qualcosa di bello said...

what renae said!!!

Ally Jay said...

As you say you can but try and you never know. This year it might just happen. In this house bab Jesus would be better off bringing his own blanket if he wanted a soft bed to lie in.

Daryl said...

And . so .. how did it go then?


:-Daryl

Mulier Fortis said...

Ok, Mother of This Lot... time to do your homework. You've been tagged!

Mean Mom said...

Baby Jesus would be in for a few uncomfortable nights in this house, I'm afraid. Hope he fares bettter in yours.

Amrita said...

I never knew thereal meaning behind the words of the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas.
Its got Catholic history.
I 've got it on my blog.
Thought you might be interested.

Casdok said...

Good luck!!!

meggie said...

It would never work around here. The dogs would probably lie in the manger, & I am sure if we had a cat it would think the straw was litter.
Just a thought....

Unknown said...

Try it. We did it as kids (I'm one of five).

BTW -- just found your blog and added to the Best of the British Mummy Bloggers list on amodernmother.com.

Amrita said...

Merry Christmas you and the lot

Working Mum said...

Hope you had a good Christmas in the Pride household. Award for you over at my place. WM x

Kitty said...

Just dropping in to say Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

x

Rebekah said...

I hope you have had a wonderful start to the new year. Many blessings to you and yours!!!

Anonymous said...

Hiya! Hope all is well with you. X

Kimmie said...

What a neat idea...did you get to give it a go this year?

We leave for Ethiopia in 5 days (5 days!!) This adoption is finally coming to a close and Little beauty will finally be in our arms.

Happy New Year Jackie!

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

Mulier Fortis said...

Hallo.... anyone home??
;-)

Grit said...

hope 2009 brings you many new wisdoms, strengths and beautiful moments.

Rose said...

Hey, where have you been?

Maggie May said...

I am a bit concerned Jackie. Are you OK?
grannie.may@gmail.com

Beth Cotell said...

Just wondering where you are!? I hope and pray you are doing well.

gigi said...

Wishing you well in this new year. Just wanted to say we miss you, come back when you can :)

Mrs P said...

Happy New Year! We miss you - more posts pleeease! I hope you and yours are well. I understand that you might be Busy :o) Hope that's all it is that's keeping you from the blog.

Dusty Spider said...

Happy New Year. We miss you. Hope everything is OK. Flick xx

Merisi said...

I hope all is well with you and your youngsters!

Anonymous said...

Coooo-eeee!!

You ok???

Kimmie said...

Hi Jackie;

Its been ages since you've posted, is everything okay. Miss you!

We are home from Ethiopia with our newest family member. Rejoicing greatly at God's goodness.

Praying for you friend.

Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted

Katney said...

Are you there, Jackie? Give us a "Hey am I busy!!" or something so we don't worry about you.