Christmas

Every Christmas wish list is filled with toys possessing a “wow” factor. The “wow” can be a reaction to a new technology—such as Webkinz or Liv Dolls—that interacts with an online world, or to clever mechanisms—like Transformers or Bakugan Battle Brawlers. Of course, not everyone reacts the same way to a toy. Manufacturers originally rejected …

Gather scissors fake flowers (make sure any hard parts are small enough to fit through the ball ornament’s opening) glue silver sequins clear ball ornament unsharpened pencil ribbon Go 1. Cut off stems from individual flowers. 2. Glue sequins randomly on the flower petals. Let dry. 3. Pull the metal top off the ball ornament …

Presents, lights, trees and cookies—most kids can’t wait for Christmas to come. Lydia W. can’t wait for Christmas to come for other kids. Last year, she celebrated the holiday by packing 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Lydia and Asa packed 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Gift of Jesus When Lydia was 4, she …

If radio had been invented in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah would have topped the charts. Composed in only 24 days, Messiah quickly became one of the most celebrated songs in history. Handel wrote Messiah for Easter, but today it is most often performed during Christmas. In fact, the “Hallelujah” chorus, the most popular section …

Dear B. Log, My house might be featured on TV tonight! Odyssey Channel 5 News came to do a story about our neighborhood Christmas Food Drive and Decorating Contest. It was awesome! People from all over town are driving through the neighborhood to look at the lights and drop off canned food donations. The giant …

I knew something was wrong the moment I saw my mom. All I wanted to do was grab a bowl of cereal and say, “Happy Birthday” to her before I left for school. But seeing my mom slump-shouldered with her back to the doorway made me wish I could help her somehow. I think if …

How many names do you have? You probably have a first, middle and last name. Maybe even a nickname. Do you know what these names mean? Parents often choose a name for their baby based on the name’s meaning. Names in the Bible also had specific meanings. They often described something about the person’s characteristics, …

I love my dad, and I’m not just saying that because he’s about to do final Christmas shopping. I love him because he knows a lot about everything. Here are his answers to a few questions I asked today: Me: Why is the sky blue? Dad: So you know where to stop mowing. Me: Why …

Gather construction paper (red and green) ruler pencil scissors glitter, stickers, pompoms and other decorations markers double stick tape or stapler Go 1. Using a ruler, mark 12 1-inch strips on red construction paper that are about 8 inches long. Repeat with green construction paper. 2. Cut out all the strips. List the names of …

Eden took a knitting class through Eagle Home School and discovered she really enjoyed it. Now she makes hats for newborns — lots of them. “A friend of mine was knitting and donating caps to the hospital, and I thought it was a good idea,” Eden says. This 12-year-old from Michie, Tennessee, fashions her creations …

Squeezing through the crowded Bethlehem street, Benjamin reached the vegetable cart just as a Pharisee plunked down coins for the last bunch of garlic. “Please! I need that.” Benjamin grabbed at the man’s sleeve, but the Pharisee shoved him to the ground. “Be off, shepherd boy!” The Pharisee frowned down his nose as if he …

The sounds of the city of Gophna faded with the setting sun. Miri watched as Mark dropped the silver and copper coins into Shak’s hand. Shak counted aloud, then sneered at Miri. “Your brother is a mite short.” One mite. One small copper coin. Now, because Mark hadn’t stolen enough, Miri would be whipped. Shak …

Maddie Science: Hey there, science fans. Maddie Science here. Christmas is right around the corner, and that means presents! My guests today are history’s most famous gifts. These three treasures traveled with the wise men to honor Jesus. Please welcome gold, frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense: Thanks for having us, Maddie. Myrrh and I don’t get …