Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!  We are just about there, aren’t we? It’s the first of November as I’m writing this, and I’ve already seen several FB posts of people putting up their trees.  It does seem like November strongly signals the start of the festive season, wherever we may live.

The year seems to be flying by.  For those of you that have school-aged children, you are almost at the half-way point of the school year.  These next two months go by very quickly, with all the end-of-year celebrations and events that are taking place.  Whether they are school or ministry related, there’s a lot going on when it comes to celebrating the holidays.  I hope you’re able to carve out some time for your “American” holidays, even as you are living in another culture, but also take part in the way things are done locally, wherever you may be living.  Blending those things together is one of the great benefits of living overseas. 

This website has several articles about holidays abroad, and how to survive homesickness.  It also stresses the importance of observing the holidays of your country of origin, for your children’s sake. internations.org

Listed below are some educational resources that are seasonal or holiday themed that you can use for fun activities to do with your kids, even if you’re not home educating.

• www.Notconsumed.com/thanksgiving-and-christmas-activities/  Lists 76 super simple activities combining learning and the holidays.
• www.education.com  Many games and worksheets are free, and they also have a premium membership, and often offer half pricing on that.  There are lots of resources for all ages and educational needs. You can sign up to get their free weekly email.  The latest one was “Celebrate Gratitude: Meaningful activities to practice gratitude.” 
• www.allkidsnetwork.com  Holiday and Seasonal worksheets are available for free.

I know that the end of the year and especially the Christmas season are a busy time in ministry.  Make sure you take time to enjoy special events with your kids.   Appreciate that your children will be with you only for a few short years.  Enjoy and learn about how holidays are celebrated in your host country.  Most of all, be thankful that we are privileged to know the true meaning of Christmas, and that we are never alone.  Happy Thanksgiving, and a very Merry Christmas!

If you are reading this blog, and you have any topics you would like to see addressed as it relates to educating missionary kids, please send me an email with suggestions to:  pkonnerup@bbfimissions.com.