We have a tradition to read the Christmas story before we open any presents at Christmas. As a twist, this year put all the names of the main characters in a hat and have each person draw a name: Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, Herod, the Angels, etc. Have each person share what their character was thinking on their journey to the birth of Christ.  You can find the stories in Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2. 

If you have a Nativity you can have each person hold the character as they tell their story.

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With the holidays fast approaching, everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle. Gather everyone together to watch a Christmas movie.  Whether a classic like "It's a Wonderful Life" or a new rom-com on Hallmark, find something the whole family can enjoy. Pop some popcorn, sit back and relax.

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Plan some fun family outings to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Go to a Christmas play or musical, attend a local Christmas tree lighting, ride a horse drawn carriage, or gather everyone in the car and look for Christmas tree lights.

Make the most of spending time with family.

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Who doesn't like a surprise?  Go ahead and get your wife an early Christmas present. Do a little reconnaissance to find out what she has been waiting to buy for herself. You can include your children to ask her for ideas, but make sure they can keep a secret.

Wrap it up and give it to her this week.  Be creative in your presentation.  Add a little romantic music and lights, or wherever your imagination takes you.

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This week our nation celebrates giving thanks for all the blessings we have.  Before you gather for Thanksgiving dinner, write down everyone's name on a piece of paper.  Have each person draw a name from a hat and say something they are thankful for about the person they draw. 

As you say the blessing, remember to thank God for all the people that are in your life.

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On our wedding day, we vowed with our wife to take the good with the bad. When we get prickly with one another, it can be hard to remember that commitment.

Our wife's true beauty goes far beyond the issues that can arise in our relationship. Just like a rose, let her know you love her, thorns and all.

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Take your bride to a place where you can explore beautiful craft items together.  This might be a local craft fair, Hobby Lobby or even Crackel Barrel. Look around and see if there are home decor items you need, or just window shop and find signs that says something you want to share with each other.

My wife and I stopped into Buc-ees and found these two wall plaques.  The first has been my marriage motto since the day we wed. When my wife says she loves me, I say I love her more.... than I have before.

Photo by Dan White

Take a walk with your wife and gather the prettiest fall-colored leaves you can find. With a Sharpie marker, write on five leaves something you admire about one other and share it. Put the leaves in a vase to display in your bedroom throughout the fall. 

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With the temperature cooling, it is a great time to find a local fall festival or county fair.  Check local papers or google where to go. Take your whole family and enjoy the festivities.  Bring your camera and capture the memories.

With the temperature cooling, it is a great time to find a local fall festival or county fair.  Check local papers or google where to go. Take your whole family and enjoy the festivities.  Bring your camera and capture the memories.

Photo by Rene Porter on Unsplash