Exhaustion has set in. I've kicked off my shoes, the feet are up and I'm enjoying a great cup of coffee. I've shopped til I dropped.. I've wrapped anything that doesn't move.. I've decorated everything in sight and I've cooked until I'm nervous the overworked dishwasher will go on strike.

Am I finished and ready for Christmas? (Sigh..) No. We have a special family event on Sunday and although I've planned and organised almost everything, there are a few small items to finish.

So.. in case you're feeling the same and need a couple of extra & quick ideas and helps, I've listed a few useful printables that may help you out. Enjoy!

Looking for some simple but creative craft activities? Check out the gallery of crafts below. 
Click on the image for more information or a link to the site for instructions.

Christmas gifts feature prominently in everyone's thoughts with Christmas just around the corner: gifts for family, friends and neighbours, gifts for collegues, thank you gifts for teachers, encouragement gifts for volunteers, gifts of appreciation for church leaders.

It might also be a good time to think about other gifts, the spiritual gifts of those within your church family and your kidmin team.

Help your ministry and team unwrap their spiritual gifts with an online assessment from Group's assessment tool. It's a great way to plan to start the New Year.

'With the easy-to-use online assessment, your volunteers and entire church will discover their own spiritual gifts and better understand how God has uniquely wired them to serve. Plus, you’ll know their gifts, too, so you can equip them and plug them in where you need their gifts. The assessment is mobile friendly, too!' - Group

Everything you need to present a spiritual gifts workshop is also included in the one-off price plus unlimited online assessment with management and tracking tools. Images are provided to make it easy to add to your church or ministry website and link through to the assessment. Access the assessment online using computer or mobile devices or, if you prefer, download and print the assessment. Each person can also print off information overview about their spiritual gifts following the assessment.

Currently, this assessment tool is available for a special introductory price of $49.99. Take a few moments to check it out here.

Yesterday, at the tail end of a very busy day, I drove 45 minutes to the closest Christian book store to buy gifts for children's church, only to find it closed. Mmmm... it was very frustrating. I had also planned to purchase presentation labels but when I arrived home, minus gifts and labels, I decided I would create my own, more individual labels. You're more than welcome to use them yourself if you'd like to download them below.

End of year gifts
Do you give gifts or prizes at the end of the year for your kidmin? I know many churches have discontinued the practice but we still take this opportunity to provide them with a great resource while thanking them for coming along each week. After all, many of the kids turn up each week on their own, and without the encouragement of family. 

Traditionally, books or Bibles have been presented but increasingly, and especially with the younger ones, we've provided quality dvds like the VeggieTales or AutoBGood series.  At least we know that they will watch these stories and we've found that they frequently share them around with their mates. All the kids receive a similar gift but we do provide quality children's Bibles for those children that don't have one. 

Add a special note
Including a presentation label with each gift provides the opportunity to personalise each gift and add a special note or encouragement for each child. You can include notes like: 'Thanks for always helping to clean up after kids' church,' or 'You are a great listener.' It's also a reminder that they received the gift from the church.

Just a practical note in closing...

I've found it is helpful not to glue the presentation label to the book, dvd or Bible. There will be times when a child will receive a gift that they already own. So slip the label inside the book cover or use removable glue-dots so that the gift can be changed if necessary.

Well... at least I have the presentation labels organised...  and I'd better plan another shopping trip for gifts.

Advent calendars, whether online, app, handmade or bought versions, are very popular and a helpful, visual countdown to Christmas. They're especially appealing for families and children who love the anticipation of opening a new window, box or package each day. 

But, in your preparations for your family and for your kidmin programs, don't forget yourself. This might be the perfect time to begin your own advent Bible reading plan. There are many to choose and online or app YouVersion Bible with their choice of reading plans is a great place to start. You can find them here.

Reading plan with music

Another option is this advent reading plan from She Reads Truth. Each daily reading includes a Scripture passage, short devotion, prayer, and advent action. It also includes a suggested song or Christmas carol to listen to while reading each devotion with a Spotify link to the music. However, some of these are not available in Australia and you may find it similar in your region. But you can always find a substitute on Spotify to listen to. So, whether it's through YouVersion or the Emmanuel reading plan from She Reads Truth site, it's certainly worth checking out and reminding yourself once agi .

Faith Village has put together a list of Advent readings and devotions that you also might like to check out.

Reading plan for kids and families

If you're looking for a Advent Bible reading plan for your kids and family, then check out this reading plan using the Jesus Storybook Bible. (see here) You'll find a downloadable reading plan with notes that you can cut up and slip inside your advent calendar pockets.