I shouldn’t be surprised but I always am. The Christmas decorations are in the stores really early aren’t they? We’re encouraged to shop even earlier this year to make sure we get the items we want. I prefer waiting till much later and trying not to let the holiday become something I dread. It’s not supposed to be that way. It should be a special time in so many ways.
Personally it helps me to remember what Christmas is all about. I grew up with a father who was a pastor who always read the story of baby Jesus from the Bible each Christmas. The food and the decorations were important and traditional to our family. (We learned later that none of us really loved the Norwegian rice pudding – but that’s a different story!) Those were the things we loved about the season.
What if we changed our expectations? How can we make this season special without putting so much pressure on ourselves?
Things are difficult for many families right now. If you are a parent struggling with how to provide for your kiddos, we want you to know that the APPLE Pregnancy Care Center is here for you.
For 40 years, we have been in the Chippewa Valley, providing education, mentoring, and support for families. Our “Bright Course” Program enables you to learn from hundreds of topics, while earning points to purchase maternity and baby clothing, car seats, strollers, cribs, toys and much more. We are here to offer the support you need and the items that will help you as a parent.
We’re always so amazed at how the people in this community donate their new and used items to the Center to help the families we serve. Every day someone walks in our Center to donate items they no longer need. What a great way to bless others, while recycling the things your kids have outgrown.
The women and men we see each week are so thankful that APPLE is here. Being a parent is a fantastic experience, but we all need encouragement and help to do that well. If you or someone you know would like to learn more, please give us a call or stop by for a quick tour. We’re here to help and hope that your Holiday season is a wonderful and special one.