501 Kids Holidays 2019 by 501 LIFE

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EDITOR'S NOTE

STAFF OWNERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith EDITOR The photo used for a Samuelson Christmas card featuring Finn and Jet.

Sonja J. Keith

The joys and challenges of parenthood

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

What a blessing to sit down with Ashton Samuelson for the cover story interview for this “Celebrating the holidays” issue of 501 Kids! Ashton and her husband, Austin, are the creators and owners of Tacos4Life, a favorite restaurant for many in the 501. Not only is the food great, but each purchase helps provide meals to address the world hunger problem overseas. What an incredible mission! In this month’s cover feature, Ashton shares the sweet story about how she and Austin met and fell in love, their journey that led to Tacos4Life, their precious family and special holiday traditions in the Samuelson home. When we discussed the challenges of being a mother and parenthood, Ashton was very open about the struggle that many women feel about “being

enough” for your children. Those feelings are real and it can be especially difficult during the holidays. Ashton finds strength in her faith and looks to her daily time with God to help her meet the challenge. Ashton and Austin are mindful of the need to be intentional with their children and have some suggestions that can help those managing work and family, including “shelving their phones” and date night for mom and dad. Great suggestions! It is so important to value the time you have with your children because in a blink, they will be grown. We would like to thank Ashton and Austin for sharing their family and their faith with readers! Here’s to a happy holiday season! -Sonja J. Keith

4 Events Photos with Santa and a Teddy Bear Clinic are among the fun activities planned during Dazzle Daze in Conway.

12 Parenting Meagan Lowry has some suggestions for teaching toddlers the joy to be found in giving to those less fortunate.

13 Activities Discover unique keepsakes to create during the holidays. Austin and Ashton Samuelson and their three sons – Finn (from left), Ford and Jet – are ready to celebrate the holidays (Pages 8-10) in fun and meaningful ways. (Mike Kemp photo)

ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Godwin Nick Walker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Levi Gilbert PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tom Keith

CONTRIBUTORS Brittany Gilbert Kellie Bishop

features&columns On the cover

Donna Spears

14 Parenting Holiday celebrations don’t have to break the bank. Kellie Bishop details budget-friendly tips for families.

Meagan Lowry

501 KIDS EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Angie Betancourt Leslie Burrows Dr. Sher Craig Stephanie Crockett Brittany Gilbert

Gloria Massey Nicole Rappold Lanette Rogers Amy Routt Stephanie Worthey

501 Kids is published five times a year by 501 Advertising and Publishing (701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.327.1501). The contents of 501 Kids are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 Kids. 501 Kids is produced on recycled paper.

EVENT

The Conway Regional Women’s Council will present the 18th Annual Dazzle Daze on Thursday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The Teddy Bear Clinic is a special activity for children during Dazzle Daze.

Teddy Bear Clinic

Event helps relieve stress of doctor visit Those people in scrubs are really not the boogie man. Scared children are not that hard to find in a typical doctor’s office as they tend to associate a clinic visit with needles and shots and being poked and prodded. Meghan Mallett, an advanced practice registered nurse with the Conway Regional Medical Clinic-Prince Street, says that does not have to be the case. Mallett, Mike Fahr, MD and emergency room physician at Conway Regional, Angela Foster, APRN, Mayflower Medical Clinic, and Emily Fahr will be onsite for Teddy Bear Clinics at Dazzle Daze this year. “The challenge is turning a scary place into a friendly one. That’s what we try to do with the Teddy Bear Clinics,” said Mallett. The clinics are all about using fun, dressing up and, yes, teddy bears to relieve children’s anxiety of going to a clinic or an ER. This is the third year for the Teddy Bear Clinic to be included in Dazzle Daze as an outreach effort for young children. Conway Regional will provide the clinic again this year with physicians 4

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Angela Foster is among the Conway Regional Health System healthcare providers who will be interacting with children during the clinic.

and APRNs as volunteers. Clinic hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Parents are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or another favorite stuffed animal along with their child to the event. Additional bears are avail-

able for a $5 donation. During the Teddy Bear Clinic, children get

dressed up with scrub hats, shoe covers and mouth covers. They receive toy stethoscopes and the providers let them listen to their own heart or their parents’ heart beating. Mallett advises that parents can also take action to prepare their kids for a doctor’s visit: • Role playing with doctor kits at home can be beneficial. • Watch television shows like Doc McStuffins that portray a doctor’s office as a place to go to get well. • Bring a stuffed animal on the clinic visit. • If going to the clinic for a sick child visit, parents can role play with a tongue depressor to prepare their child for the exam. • Sometimes, the nurse or physician can listen to the mom or dad’s heartbeat first or look into their ears to help prepare the child for their own exam. • The provider can also help by letting the child touch the stethoscope and tongue depressor to make the exam less scary. • Sometimes a provider can demonstrate the procedure using the child’s stuffed animal.

Dazzle Daze set Nov. 21-23

Sara Struble (left) and Aislyn Halk have their photo taken by Courtney Utley Photography with Santa during Dazzle Daze.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA The Teddy Bear clinic will coincide with the appearance of another Dazzle Daze crowd favorite, jolly ol’ Saint Nick. Santa will be available for photos with children at the North Pole booth, which will be located near the Dazzle Deli, in the back of the Conway Expo Center.

This will be one of the first opportunities for families to get that photo with Santa for holiday cards and greetings. Professional photo packages are available starting at $15 by Courtney Utley Photography. For more information about the Teddy Bear Clinic and Santa photos as well as opportunities to buy tickets to Dazzle Daze

The Conway Regional Women’s Council will present the 18th Annual Dazzle Daze on Thursday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. Since its inception, Dazzle Daze has raised more than $760,000, which has been used to purchase equipment at Conway Regional Medical Center, fund scholarships, patient and community programs and provide teacher grants. This year’s proceeds will help provide 3D mammography equipment at the women’s center. This year’s event has a new look with an expanded grand raffle and Dazzle Daze T-shirts. “We are creating a holiday market atmosphere,” said co-chair MissE Newton, adding that the event’s layout and décor will reflect the new theme. “We have made

changes to our grand raffle with 10 chances to win fabulous prizes. I am very excited about the changes to Dazzle Daze this year.” “Dazzle Daze is important to me because it’s an event that supports women’s health and health in our community through Conway Regional Health System,” said co-chair Shelia Isby. “It provides a network for women to meet, volunteer, shop and form everlasting friendships all while supporting a great cause.” 501 LIFE is a presenting sponsor. For more information, visit DazzleDaze.com.

Because

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Holidays 2019 501lifemag.com

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DAZZLE DAZE The Conway Regional Women’s Council will present the 18th Annual Dazzle Daze on Thursday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. (See Pages 4-5 for more information.) BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Breakfast with Santa will be held 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Antioch Baptist Church at 150 Amity Road in Conway. Tickets are $5 each for all ages and include all-you-can-eat pancakes and a photo with Santa. This event is sponsored by the Conway Kiwanis Club and all proceeds benefit children’s charities in Faulkner County. TRIBUTE TREE Conway Regional Health System will host its annual Tribute Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec 5. The Tribute Tree will be located near the east entrance to the medical center. Supporters can purchase lights and ornaments for the tree in honor or memory of friends and family, and the event is open to the public. Tribute Tree contributes to the community by helping fund scholarships for area students who dream of working in the health care field. The tree lighting includes refreshments, an opportunity to visit with Santa and a treat for the kids. For details, contact the 6

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Conway Regional Health Foundation at 501.513.5771. CSO CHRISTMAS CONCERT/ NUTCRACKER SWEETS “The Conway Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Israel Getzov, will present “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. “This year, the CSO is presenting a show like none other – a show that uniquely incorporates the old and the new,” said Getzov. “Enjoy Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and Tchaikovsky’s imaginative Nutcracker Ballet featuring the Arkansas Festival Ballet. Our talented Conway musicians will also perform selections from the powerful Trans-Siberian Orchestra with all of the lights, lasers and in-your-face guitar solos you could imagine. You surely will not want to miss this show!” For more information and to order tickets, visit conwaysymphony.org. Children can enjoy Nutcracker Sweets, presented by the Conway Symphony Guild, prior to the performance. The special preconcert event is $5 for children and free for accompanying adults. It includes treats and Christmas craft activities as well as an opportunity to meet the Arkansas Festival Ballet dancers and CSO conductor. Nutcracker Sweets will be held in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at 6 p.m. For more information, contact CSO Guild President Beverly Freiley at bevfreiley@ aol.com or 501.908.9855.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST The Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness Center in Conway will host its 39th Annual Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction and Bake Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7. The center is located at 705 Siebenmorgen Road. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. They may be purchased in advance at the Wellness Center or at the door. For more information, call 501.327.2895 CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Pioneer Village in Searcy will host its annual Christmas in the Village 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The Village will be decorated as if it was the late 1800s. There will be live greenery, building tours with living history docents in period costumes, knitted stockings hanging from the mantel, farm animals, live music and carolers, pioneer crafters, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cider with sugar cookies and more. The event is free and donations are accepted. For more information, call 501.580.6633. ‘A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS’ The UCA Reynolds Main Stage program will present a benefit performance of “Lightwire Theatre – A Very Electric Christmas” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The show features the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course

and ends up at the North Pole, his adventure begins. Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias light up the stage. Combining the arts of puppetry, theatre and dance, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope is set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Lightwire Theatre is internationally recognized for its electroluminescent artistry and poignant story-telling that is performed in complete darkness. For more information and to order tickets, visit uca.edu/reynolds. CONWAY MEN’S CHORUS CONCERT The Conway Men’s Chorus will present its 22nd Annual Christmas Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with free admission and parking. To help celebrate the holiday season, musical selections by the 50-plus voice volunteer group will include new and familiar favorites of the season such as “Do You Hear What I hear?,” “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen,” “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “O Holy Night.” In addition, there will be the Chorus’ traditional audience sing-along. The chorus is under the musical direction of Jordan Bennett with Paul Bradley on the piano. BETHLEHEM REVISITED Antioch Baptist Church in Conway will take visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the town where Jesus was born during this year’s Bethlehem Revisited, scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 11, through Friday, Dec. 13. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. The event will be complete with Roman guards, animals, shops, toys, storytelling and a live nativity. Free admission and cookies, hot chocolate and coffee are provided. For information, contact Brian Gunnels at brian@antiochconway.com.

New season set for Main Stage EdUCAtion Five shows remain in this year’s Main Stage EdUCAtion program at the University of Central Arkansas. The Main Stage EdUCAtion series, aimed at Arkansas school districts, debuted in 2015-16 to increase access to the arts for kindergarten through 12th-grade students. “This series is a big hit among educators across the state of Arkansas,” said Amanda Horton, director of Reynolds. “Last season, we served over 12,000 people, with schools from all corners of the state attending, including Batesville, Dover, Stuttgart, Fox, Hot Springs, Little Rock and more.” While most of the shows are for school groups, there are also a few public performances. The 2019-20 Main Stage performances include: “Lightwire Theatre – The UCA Reynolds Main Stage program will present a benefit performance of A Very Electric Christ“Lightwire Theatre – A Very Electric Christmas” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. For mas,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 more information and to order tickets, visit uca.edu/reynolds. p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. “Walk On: The Story To make a reservation for a school group, eduof Rosa Parks,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, cators should download and complete the form at Jan. 28. uca.edu/publicappearances/mainstage and email it “The Diary of Anne Frank,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. to Reynolds@uca.edu or fax it to 501.852.2375. “Catapult – The Amazing Magic of Dancing The Main Stage and benefit performance are Shadows,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Thursday, among the 28 events scheduled during the 2019Feb. 27. 20 season at Reynolds. (For a complete list of the “The Magic School Bus,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 season, visit uca.edu/reynolds. Not all shows are p.m. Friday, March 13. suitable for children.) Tickets can be purchased Benefits for Main Stage EdUCAtion online, by phone and in person. “Lightwire Theatre – A Very Electric ChristEducators with questions should contact mas,” 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Horton at 501.450.3682 or ahorton@uca.edu, or “Celtic Angels Ireland,” 7:30 p.m., Monday, visit uca.edu/reynolds. March 16. Holidays 2019 501lifemag.com

COVER STORY

Austin and Ashton Samuelson with their three sons: Finn, Ford and Jet. (Mike Kemp photo)

Reason for the season Celebrating holidays, parenthood by Sonja J. Keith

Ashton and Austin Samuelson celebrate the holidays with their three young sons in fun and unique ways that emphasize the real reason for the season. With a big smile, Ashton enjoys telling the story about how the two met in 2002 at a summer camp at Ouachita Baptist University while in high school. She is from Arkadelphia and he grew up in Vilonia. Nervous about walking into the cafeteria alone, she decided to sit with a guy – Austin’s best friend at the time – sitting by himself. “I sat down and Austin was putting up his tray and he said he just went right back in line and got another tray and came and sat down. I had no idea he had already eaten until much later when he told me the story. We became best friends pretty fast,” she said, adding that they had similar 8

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personalities and interests. They started dating, went to college together at OBU and became engaged before their senior year. They were married in June 2008 and on a “fun whim” moved to California. Ashton describes their time in California as a “wonderful chapter that God had in our story for a reason.” She taught first grade at a Christian school and he worked in commercial real estate.

A HEART FOR HELPING Ashton recalls that the couple would sometimes have to wait at a six-minute traffic light in an area frequented by the homeless. “Eventually, I just rolled down the window and started meeting these people and getting to know them and their stories. That led us to volunteering at the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown LA in the Dream Center. God just started capturing our hearts for people’s stories and hunger and

homelessness.” During a service at their church in 2010, they heard a World Vision presentation about world hunger. “(The speaker) told us two things that we always refer to as what changed our hearts to want to do the restaurant. He said at that time, 18,000 children were dying every day simply from hunger-related causes, and it’s completely fixable.” She added that the speaker described world hunger as the single, most solvable problem facing the world. “We left there changed.” The couple took a small step to be part of the solution by sponsoring two children in another country, which they still do today, but they wanted to do more. About a year later, “God brought us back home” for Austin’s job and she began teaching at Little Rock Christian. “That is when the chapter of the restaurant was born in our heart. It was kind of planted out there.”

They began working on an idea to create a restaurant – now called Tacos4Life – that would provide financial support to help combat hunger overseas. When a customer buys a meal, a portion of the money is used to provide a meal to a child overseas. Tacos4Life started with two locations in Conway. Today, there are 16 locations across several states. “Basically, we’re just the bridge and people are impacted on both sides,” she said. “It’s really our guests who are making the change and kids all over the world are being impacted by that.”

FAMILY OF FIVE Not only has the business grown, but so has the Samuelson Family.

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The Samuelson Family enjoys the holidays with some fun, family traditions, including baking a cake or muffins as a reminder that Christmas celebrates the birthday of Christ. Last year, the family added a new member, Ford (bottom middle photo), who was born on Dec 3. (Leslie Duffield photo) One of Ashton’s favorite moments during the holidays, which reminds her of her own childhood, is seeing her boys’ faces as they run to the stair rail on Christmas morning to look down at their gifts. Austin and Ashton have three sons: 5- year-old Jet, 3-year-old Finn and 10-month-old Ford. “We feel like God gave us those names,” Ashton said, adding that each name has special meaning and reflects a different season. Jet was born around the time that Tacos4Life was launched. He has been taught Isaiah 40:31: “Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” Ashton said the couple had to trust in the Lord during that time to get the restaurant business “to fly.” Finn’s name comes from the word defender in Psalm 59:9 – “God, I am looking to you, for you are my strength and my defender.” Ford comes from Joshua and means river crossing. “That’s kind of where we are now, in a different season of our marriage and our family. It’s that constant reminder of God’s grace and vision.”

CHALLENGES Ashton loves having three boys. “I love the energy and I love the passion that comes with my boys,” she said, adding that she has enjoyed seeing the differences in their personalities, which she describes as “spicy, silly and sweet.” With the challenges of family and running their own business, Ashton points to some specific practices that have helped the couple manage. “I wouldn’t by any means say we have figured it out, but these are some things that help manage our business and care for our kids.” The couple works to find “margin and breathing room” with one or two evenings at home each week where phones are “shelved” and the focus is on dinner and time spent together. During mealtime, the family participates in “Questions.” The children have to be seated and eating their food to get to draw a question from a bucket for everyone to answer. “Austin and I try to be intentional and ask things like ‘How were you able to be kind to someone today?’ or ‘Was someone kind to you?’” The two will also talk for about 10 minutes when Austin gets home. “The boys see us talking and connecting. We’re able to place our marriage first but still 10

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love on our boys,” she said. “We’re able to go into the evening more grounded. I really think that’s made a difference.” Ashton and Austin also enjoy “rocking chair time” with their boys. “We just love being together.” They also try to schedule a date night once a week, even if it’s just focused time on the porch at home. Ashton said there are challenges that come with being a wife, a mother to three small children and helping with the business. “Sometimes I try to do things out of my own self and I come up empty. I think the biggest challenge I find is there’s just not enough of me. Then I get overwhelmed and I want to quit.” She added that “even on her best day” she feels that she comes up short being a best friend to Austin and mom to three small boys. To help overcome, Ashton has developed the discipline to focus on her faith each morning, even when she’s tired and doesn’t feel like it. “I sit in the quiet before God and allow Him to fill me…Otherwise, I have this empty cup and I’m walking around trying to hand it to people to fill me instead of handing it to Christ at the beginning of the day.” By doing that, Ashton said she has the “peace and the margin” she needs.

CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS Austin and Ashton have created some special family traditions observed during the holidays. Each November, Austin and Ashton create a “Grateful Tree” with each son asked each day what they are thankful for. The responses are written down on orange Post-it notes to display on a paper tree on the wall. “It’s really cool because even before we get to Thanksgiving, they have been cultivating that heart of thankfulness,” she said, adding that as a family they go back and read all of the responses and she is always touched that her older sons say they are thankful for each other. Christmas decorations go up at the Samuelson house the day after Thanksgiving. Two years ago, they began displaying Jesse Tree ornaments. Designed like a traditional Advent calendar, an ornament representing a story in the Bible is added each day to the Christmas tree. The stories start with creation and the last one is the birth of Jesus.

Suggested resources • Risen Motherhood, which includes a website, books and podcasts that are faith-based. “It reminds you of the importance of placing Christ first in your life and gives you practical things that can help ground your life,” Ashton said. • Bible for Kids app which helps children explore stories in the Bible through an animated and interactive format. • Breathing Room Devotional app and breathingroom.org, which feature inspirational and spiritual content for women and moms of little children. • First 5 app, which provides devotional content designed to be used in the first five minutes of the day. Ashton said the ornaments are a meaningful way to decorate the tree that has also sparked conversations as each story is read from the Bible. “When you get to Christmas, it’s still Santa and all the gifts and everything, but we’re able to look at our tree and know the real reason we have Christmas is because of the gift of Jesus, which is the one thing that really transforms us,” she said, adding that the ornaments have been impactful to her children and have helped her, too. She said it is easy to feel inadequate and stressed over holiday responsibilities. “Christmas is about a gift that God has given and not what I need to do or how I have to measure up. It’s really about how Jesus already measured up for me. Sitting with the boys each day helps re-calibrate my own heart to the true meaning of Christmas.” One of Ashton’s favorite moments during the holidays, which reminds her of her own childhood, is seeing her boys’ faces as they run to the stair rail on Christmas morning to look down at their gifts. “It kicks off the day. It’s amazing,” she said. “The joy of parenting is seeing your children full of joy. It’s awesome!”

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PARENTING

Sharing the gift of giving by Meagan Lowry

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love giving gifts more than I love receiving them. There’s something so satisfying in finding something for someone and watching their face light up while opening it. Now that I’m a mom, I find that my desire to watch my daughter, Lennox, light up over a gift can quickly spiral out of control. Over the past few years I’ve tried to make sure my gifts are intentional. I’m so sick of the clutter that the holiday season can bring. You spend hundreds of dollars on toys and other knick-knack things that won’t get much use, and half the time they don’t even last. As a family, we have decided that experiences are more important to us than things, and so far we haven’t regretted that decision. This year, as we near Christmas, one of the things I want Lennox to latch onto is the joy to be found in giving to those less fortunate than we are. I want her to be a giver before a receiver. I realize that as parents, it’s our job to teach our children what that looks like. For us, that means that this year Lennox will be a part of helping us choose a child from the Angel Tree. The Salvation Army›s Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need through the support of donors. She will be the one to locate the gift they want. It seems small in the grand scheme of ways we can give back, but to the child who relies on these gifts to have Christmas at all, it will seem pretty grand. I never want to raise a child that believes Christmas is about them and what they will receive. Being the huge Peanuts fan that I am, I believe Linus said it best: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly 12 | 501 LIFE KIDS Holidays 2019

Lennox Lowry leaves out cookies and milk for Santa. there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” And that’s the simple truth of it. The ultimate gift was given to us in a manger, and He gave more than anyone else could. I want to echo that through Lennox’s childhood. So I wish you a very Merry Christmas and may the gift of giving be something that takes root in your home this year!

Meagan Lowry is a Texas native who has lived in the Natural State since 2009. She’s been married to her 501 born and bred husband, Zak, since 2012. Meagan owns her own business and works from home as a social media consultant for multiple companies.

ACTIVITIES

Exploring unique holiday keepsakes by Brittany Gilbert

If your child is in elementary school or out of it, you’re probably swimming in holiday keepsakes. You have your child’s handprint, their beautiful pictures and their homemade ornaments. I have been on the search for some holiday keepsakes that I consider to be unique.

Ribbon height keepsake ornament Empty ornaments are easy to find. Select a nice clear one in a holiday theme. Measure your child and put the length of ribbon in the ornament. Feel free to decorate the outside of the ornament with your child or leave it plain. The colorful ribbon will look nice by itself. On the outside of the ornament, attach a tag with a poem explaining the significance. Include your child’s name and the year it was created. Here is an example: This ribbon is very special, as you will soon see. Open and you will find that it’s the same size as me.

Handprint Christmas tree skirt We have a few trees around our house. One of the trees is full of keepsake ornaments. It has the ones my kids make or the ones that represent the things they love, as well as those with special meanings and the ones that we’ve inherited. For this tree, I created a special tree skirt that fits just perfectly. Every year, my kids put their handprints on the skirt. This craft is about as simple as it can get. I found a simple red skirt from one of the stores in town. I brushed white paint on their hands (you could do any color; I just wanted to stick to a traditional color scheme) to place on the skirt. The reason I brush rather than let them stamp their hands in the paint is just so that I get the most accurate handprint. There are no do-overs on this type of craft. You can do one hand or both. I do both but may re-think my approach in the coming years. Bigger hands take up bigger spaces, and I want to have room for as many years as possible. Above their handprint, I write their name and the year. It is such a simple craft, but we get tons of compliments every year. It stands out, doesn’t take up a ton of space (you need a tree skirt anyway) and is a great way to get those precious handprint keepsakes.

The story of Christmas, told by kids Kids are the best storytellers. The details they choose to remember and the things they consider

Brittany Gilbert helps her daughter, Everly, add her handprint to a special tree skirt keepsake. important in a story are so hilarious and/or very moving. They pick up on more than we realize, but they also confuse details or take things too literally. You get it. I love teaching my kids about the true meaning of Christmas. In fact, I find multiple ways throughout the month to make sure they really understand what it is we’re celebrating. We do an Advent calendar where the focus is on Jesus, and we constantly read stories, watch videos, etc., to make sure they understand the significance. This year, I am going to interview my kids and ask them to retell the story of Christmas. Costumes would definitely take this up a notch. I also plan to have my bigger kids draw and write

the story of Christmas, in their own words. This is a valuable lesson as well as a fun keepsake. Kids learn when they retell something and when they write things down, and above all, I want them to really get this lesson.

Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. She and her husband, Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at b.gilbert37@gmail.com. Holidays 2019 501lifemag.com

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PARENTING

Making memories

Budget-friendly tips for holiday celebrations by Kellie Bishop

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us again! We all have so many memories from the holiday seasons of our childhoods and feel pressured to make the holidays memorable for our own children. While there are many fun attractions, events and shopping opportunities that you can attend with your family, many of those activities cost money, which adds stress to an already expensive and stressful season. However, holiday activities do not have to be expensive. Let’s talk about some budget-friendly activities that you can do with your family this year to make memories without breaking the bank.

CRAFTS Children love to feel accomplished so crafting and making things are great activities for kids. This holiday season, you could make ornaments with your children. Homemade ornaments add a unique and sentimental touch to your holiday décor and allow your children to feel like they are contributing to the home. This also builds memories and those happy memories will resurface later in life when your child sees those ornaments on your tree each year.

FUN IN THE KITCHEN Another activity you could do at home is to bake cookies and gingerbread houses, then decorate them. Kids love to help with baking and then they can decorate the cookies and gingerbread houses however they want. These are inexpensive activities that you could do with items and ingredients that you already have around the house.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES There are also many activities you can do outside the home to make memories this holiday season. If your family enjoys singing, consider going Christmas caroling. This is an activity that is fun for your own family, while also bringing holiday joy to those you are singing to. There are several churches and other groups within the community who carol each year, so this may also be an opportunity to meet new people. Another activity within the community that you may want to attend is visiting with Santa Claus. There are several opportunities to visit with Santa at local businesses and events. Children love 14

| 501 LIFE KIDS Holidays 2019

There are several opportunities to visit with Santa at local businesses and events. Children love Santa and are usually excited to share their wishes with him each year. Santa and are usually excited to share their wishes with him each year. In addition to visiting Santa, you can take your family to view Christmas lights. There are places you can go to and pay money to look at lights, but there are so many houses and businesses within our community with fantastic Christmas light displays that are free to view. Load your family up in the car, make some hot chocolate and drive around while looking at Christmas lights. Kids love viewing all the different colors and light displays so this is another activity that is sure to be a hit.

HELPING OTHERS Finally, volunteering is a rewarding activity that you could do with your children this holiday season. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen or

another place where your children can feel accomplished as they help others. This also provides a great opportunity to teach kids the true meaning of the holiday season and to appreciate your blessings as you help those who are less fortunate. The holidays do not have to be an expensive and stressful time for your family. Consider some of these budget-friendly activities to build memories with your loved ones while maintaining your financial and mental well-being. I hope all of you have the most wonderful and joyful holiday season!

Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Central Arkansas pediatrics in Conway. She lives in Plumerville with her husband, Greg, their son and two dogs. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Central Arkansas and her master’s and doctorate degrees in pediatric primary care at UAMS.

Holidays 2019 501lifemag.com

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