Amongst the news headlines, fear of the unknown, and all that comes with COVID-19, how can we use this time to come together as a family and as a Nation?
It starts in our homes.
We must first come together in our homes.
Join us by following our 4 fun, frugal family festivities to do together within the walls of your home!
It’s bound to shift your perspective and create a safe atmosphere in the walls of your home.
Have you thought about the thousands of family dinners that may be taking place together for the first time in months, due to practices canceled, parents working from home, the thrill of being always on the go, and the pressure that usually creeps in when we DO pause for a minute, not a distraction anymore?
Have you thought about the luxury that you have to plaster your thoughts and feelings about the COVID-19 all over the internet, while others working in the medical field barely have time to eat, use the restroom, and in some areas are being forced to work 36 hours on the clock?
Have you taken the time to pick up your phone less, and communicate more?
Or turn off the TV and read more?
Go outside, have a virtual playdate, or spend the afternoon doing completely nothing with your children?
Our 14-day quarantine from our Government, despite the panic and uproar, can be something truly beautiful if we let it be.
If we ALL let it be.
So, here we are, day 2 and I am already needing a fresh start, thanks to Disney+ free trial, and Frozen 2 being played at least 3 times yesterday. Let me also say this: YOU ARE STILL A GOOD PARENT IF YOUR CHILDREN WATCHED TV ALL DAY AS YOU TRIED TO WORK FROM HOME.
But, if you’re like me, and thinking that the idea of being locked home with two toddlers and Frozen 2 playing for the 872th time may nottttttt work as your only option in the coming days, you’re in luck!
FOUR F’s SAKE – STAY HOME!
Below are FOUR FUN, FRUGAL FAMILY FESTIVITIES you can try over the next FOUR-teen days to intentionally pursue the PAUSE in this season of panic and precaution!
Fort Night:
Ok, who didn’t LOVE this as a kid? It’s still (as a 31-year-old woman) one of our favorite things to do together as a family! Grab a few blankets, chairs, and if you really want to make it magical, a string or two of Christmas lights to illuminate inside. Let everyone pick 2-3 things to “play” with or read inside the fort. Tell stories, share memories with them about when you built forts as a kid, or, snuggle and do nothing at all together. If your kids are a little older, shake it up a bit, and turn adults vs kids and make it a friendly competition- who can build the BEST fort?! Share your photos with us!
Fondue Night:
Make it a night in (because, #stayhome, and everything is closed!) and have a family fondue night!
You can do a sweet and a salty fondue, or just do it for dessert because #chocolatefondue! You can check out some of our favorite, EASY fondue recipies here!
Don’t have a fondue pot? No problem! All the recipies above are meant to be in a slow cooker! Then, simply cut up strawberries, apples, bananas, rice krispies, brownies, pretzels, veggies, the possibilities are endless!
Faith Night:
What better time to reflect on the peace of God than in times that seem uncertain. Use this night as a night to draw closer to eachother, by drawing near to God. Many of us have relationships with God and have private devotion time, use tonight to do it as a family! We love to worship as a family, and encourage our children to pray for people in their life who don’t know Jesus, or for God to move on their behalf. Be led by the spirit, but also have a plan and be intentional! Here is a good place to start:
1.) Family Worship:
The Blessing – Kari Jobe / Elevation Worship
Stand in your Love – Cory Asbury
Peace Be Still – The Belonging Co
See a Victory – Elevation Worship
You’re Gonna Be ok – Jenn Johnson
Family Activity: Journaling/Coloring
Use this time to encourage your children to color one of the coloring pages below as you take a minute to reflect on the ways God has provided for you in your family in the past. Ways he has calmed your heart when you’ve had fear.
God’s Word: Read Psalm 91 together as a family. Highlight and discuss one of your favorite verses and how it can bring perspective to the walls of your home today.
Prayer: (from Psalm 91)
Dear God, Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before us, and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you’re preparing for us.
Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
Fitness Night:
One of the best ways to stay healthy is through exercise. And since we know (if you’re anything like us) you and your kids may be watching a taddddd more TV in the coming weeks than usual. Here are some of our favorite ways to stay fit (and have fun) as a family! (and a great way to laugh at mom and dad’s dance moves!) Be sure to select a fun workout for your age of children, that you all can enjoy!
(preschool-5th grade)