This is a packed post. Each month in 2016, I hope to share a bunch of ideas for living the fullness of that month. The possibilities are endless, but I plan to include church feast days, small celebrations, books, crafts ideas and delicious foods to eat. In no way do I think I will be able to pull off ALL of this, nor should you! My hope is to provide a handy resource to check in on and get ideas. I’ve also included a handy printable at the end. Here we go!
January is here. New beginnings and new opportunities. With cold weather outside, we have the opportunity to really work on the inside of our homes. We can declutter what we don’t need, making our spaces warm, cozy and welcoming. We can eat hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals and drink warm, soothing beverages. We can practice gratitude in new ways.
Below are a bunch of ideas for celebrating the fullness of this month. Again, let me say that in no way do I think anyone (me included!) should think they can pull off ALL of this. My hope is that you could pick and choose what you’d like to do with your own family. I’ve done the leg work for you. You just need to add the most important ideas to your calendar and get ready for memory making!
LITURGICAL YEAR
- 4: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Color a coloring page
- 6: Epiphany
- Read The Story of the Three Wise Kings
- Color a coloring page
- Make wise men out of craft sticks
- 21: St. Agnes
- 24: St. Francis de Sales
- 28: St. Thomas Aquinas
- Color a coloring page
- 31: St. John Bosco
- Watch a video
CELEBRATIONS
- 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Read Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Do an egg cracking activity
- Fill out an “I Have a Dream” printable
- 19: National Popcorn Day
- Try a new variety of popcorn
- Bring a friend or neighbor a gift of paper bag popcorn
- 29: National Puzzle Day
- Try to complete a new puzzle
BOOKS TO READ
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
- Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro
ACTIVITIES TO DO
- Take down Christmas decorations
- Send thank-you notes
- Organize winter accessories
- Start tax preparation
- Make snow cream
- Build a snowman
- Try a new way to eat oatmeal
- Pick a classic to read aloud
- Create window stars
- Armknit (or fingerknit) a scarf or blanket
- Make birdseed ornaments
- Eat hearty stews and soups
- Have a hot chocolate party
- Make homemade marshmallows
- Cut paper snowflakes
- Buy a new candle