Every Fold a Prayer: How to Wrap Christmas Gifts as an Act of Worship

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!! Christmas is SO CLOSE, Mamas!

If you're like me, you're running around like crazy trying to prep all those precious last minute details for the big day tomorrow...perhaps you're finishing up decorating, preparing meals, arranging for visiting family, or gathering and wrapping presents. There's so much to be done, it's easy to get distracted by the hurries and the worries.

But don' forget to slow down and Thank God!

With all the to-do lists and hectic planning, it's even more important to take time to slow down and reflect on God's Grace. Tomorrow is Jesus' Birthday after all. Remember that every small task you undertake is an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord - even something as simple as wrapping a present! That's right, Mamas- you can even use buying, making, and wrapping Christmas Gifts as an Act of Worship!

Speaking of presents...we try not to focus on them too much in our home at Christmas, but let's be completely honest: they're part of the fun!!!! I can't help but shower my kiddos in Christmas gifts - always from Christian businesses of course, like Hobby Lobby!!!!

So with the business of the season in mind, I'll keep this post short - focusing on how to use gift-giving and gift-wrapping as practices to continue honoring God and Jesus Christ in your home.

Tutorial: Christmas Gifts as an Act of Worship-

Wrapping a Gift as an Offering to the Lord

Supplies You Will Need

• Neutral-colored wrapping paper: cream, soft beige, or gentle taupe (to reflect purity and humility)

• Blue ribbon or twine (symbolizing heaven, faith, and the hope we have in Christ)

• Scissors

• Tape

• Optional: small tags for scripture verses, delicate crosses, or a tiny angel ornament

  
  

Step 1: Prepare Your Heart and Your Gift

Before beginning, pause to pray. Ask the Lord to bless your hands and the gift you are about to wrap. Remember that each act of service, even in something as simple as wrapping a gift, can be an offering unto Him. Approach your task with intention, remembering that this gift is a symbol of His love.

Place your gift box on a flat surface. Consider it a vessel, a small representation of the blessings God has placed in your life.

Step 2: Lay the Foundation

Roll out your neutral wrapping paper. As you cut, do so mindfully—just enough to cover the gift completely. Let the simplicity of the paper remind you of Christ’s humility in the manger, and of how God calls us to give without pride or show.

Place the gift in the center and fold the edges with care. Each crease should be made with attention, reflecting the order and reverence that God brings to our lives.

Step 3: Secure with Care

Use tape to fasten the paper neatly. Let this act remind you that God’s promises hold us together, even when life feels fragile. Ensure every corner is secure; every fold and seam should reflect diligence and devotion.

Step 4: Add the Ribbon of Heaven

Take your blue ribbon—this color of faith, hope, and heavenly truth—and place it gently over the gift. Cross it over the top as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the eternal love it represents. Tie a bow, letting the ends fall gracefully, as a visual symbol of God’s blessings overflowing in abundance.

Optionally, add a small cross charm or delicate angel ornament in the center of the bow. Let it be a quiet witness to the Lord’s presence in all you do.

Step 5: Attach a Scripture Tag

Write a short verse or prayer on a small tag. Perhaps Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, or a brief note of gratitude for the recipient. Secure it to the ribbon with care. Let the words serve as a gentle reminder of Christ’s love and the true reason for this season of giving.

Step 6: A Prayer Over the Gift

Once wrapped, hold the gift in your hands and offer a quiet prayer. Pray for the recipient, that they may feel God’s presence, joy, and peace as they receive it. Ask God to bless your act of service, that it may reflect His glory and love.

Step 7: Present With Reverence

When giving the gift, do so with humility and joy. Let your heart be in the giving, not the receiving. Remember that even the simplest gesture, done with love and faith, can be a powerful testimony of God’s goodness.

Reflection: The neutral paper symbolizes humility, the blue ribbon signifies faith, and every fold, crease, and prayer reminds us that even ordinary acts can be sacred offerings. Gift-giving, like all acts of service, becomes a ministry when offered with a heart fully surrendered to God.

Share your prayers and blessings - and your Christmas gifts! - with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh

Hobby Lobby has an amazing selection of gift wrapping for all your Christmas needs:

Illustrated Greenery Wrapping Paper

Greenery & Bells Kraft Wrapping Paper

Snowflakes Kraft Wrapping Paper

Kraft Wrapping Paper

Blue Double-Face Satin Ribbon - 7/8"

Sage Green Wired Edge Uncrushed Velvet Ribbon - 1 3/8"

remember to always find meaning in the little things

Meet “Emmanuel on the Mantle”: A Christ-Centered Alternative to Elf on the Shelf

Hi Sweet Mamas! I hope your Christmas season continues to be filled with God’s Love and Jesus Christ’s Light.

Quickly Addressing a Social Media Incident:

Before I launch into this week’s post, I want to quickly address something that happened on my social media last week:

To promote my last blog post celebrating Mary, I created and shared a lovely Mary tribute video on my Instagram and TikTok- I selected Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven” as the audio, but for some reason when the video was posted, it had some kind of creepy music over it instead. I have no idea how that happened, but as I discuss on my socials, I do wonder if it was some kind of evil demonic influence trying to suppress my public sharing of God’s Word. 

The Devil is always trying to stop us from ministering the Gospel…but I won’t let evil stop me. Remember, if you suddenly feel your spiritual battle with the Devil increasing, it’s likely because the Devil recognizes you as a powerful force for Christ who needs to be taken down. 

I’m taking it as a sign from God that my work is even more important now than ever. I’m reminded that God leaves us signs everywhere, in the smallest of things- even in social media posts.

How I’m Escalating my Christ Worship Even More:

While praying and reflecting on how I can ramp up my Worship even further this Advent season, I had a friend and fellow Christian Mama at my church as me if our household observes Santa Claus as part of Christmas.

I explained to her that we don’t observe Santa- there are several reasons for this:

1. I don’t want to lie to my kids that Santa is real, and have that lie cause them to doubt when I tell them the truth of Jesus Christ and God

   
   

2. I do not want to encourage the secularization of this religious holiday in my home

   
   

3. I do not want my children to perform “being good” for a false idol like Santa - I want them to learn that Santa isn’t always watching, because God is always watching, and that they should perform good deeds in the name of Jesus Christ all year round, not just for Santa during December

   
   

I encouraged my friend to adopt the same practice in her Christian home…and I’ll encourage the same for you. Even if you’ve celebrated Santa in the past, it’s never too late to come clean to your kids, and you might even use it as an opportunity to discuss the true meaning of Christmas and have a conversation about Christ. 

She sighed, and admitted to me that she wants to have a Santa-less, Christ-honoring Christmas in her home, but that she feels social and family pressure to give her kids the secular Christmas the outside world thinks they “should” have. In particular, she shared with me that her mother-in-law had gifted them an “Elf on the Shelf” this year, and that her children were so excited to have an “Elf” the way their friends at school do. 

(Which is why all Christian Mamas who want to ensure their kids grow up in the Light and Truth of Christ should homeschool, or at least have them in Church-affiliated private schools…but that’s a longer blog post for another time.)

I found myself slipping into the temptation to judge this Mother, my weakness and pride overcoming me for a moment. But then I heard God in my Heart reminding me that my purpose is to help guide Mothers back onto His path, which requires kindness and understanding. I can empathize with wanting to give your children a special Christmas, and being afraid to disappoint them. 

Maybe what this Mama needed wasn’t simply denial or restriction of popular Christmas celebrations, but instead, a Christian alternative.

I couldn’t shake the idea…how could I help her give her kids the experience of “Elf on the Shelf” while maintaining a Christ-Focused Christmas celebration?

And that’s when it came to me –

A Christian “Elf on the Shelf” Alternative:

“Emmanuel on the Mantle”:

I pulled out my sewing kit and fabric scraps and got to work creating this homemade “Jesus” doll. Like “Elf on the Shelf,” he can be placed around the home each night, perhaps staged next to a tiny Bible verse or prayer prompt for your kids to follow. 

It’s an excellent reminder that Jesus is always with us, and is always watching. It’s Jesus who sees us when we’re sleeping and knows when we’re awake, who knows if we’ve been bad or good.

Placing Jesus everywhere around your home is also a wonderful symbol of his omnipresence in our lives - Jesus is always here: in your cupboards, in your toy chest, under your Christmas tree, in all those tiny little loved spaces.

So, here’s how you can create your own “Emmanuel on the Mantle” doll and interactive activity for your kids this Christmas!

Tutorial: How to Create Your Own “Emmanuel on the Mantle”

+ Daily Christ-Centered Activities for Kids

If you’re ready to bring Jesus into every nook and cranny of your home this Christmas and give your kids a meaningful, faith-filled alternative to the secular “Elf on the Shelf," here’s your complete guide to making your very own “Emmanuel on the Mantle” doll.

This project is simple, heartfelt, and filled with purpose. You can create it in one evening, and begin the tradition the very next morning.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You don’t need anything fancy—just basic craft or sewing supplies you might already have.

You’ll Need:

• Light-colored cotton, linen, or felt fabric (for the face, legs, and hands)

• Brown or cream cotton, linen, or felt fabric (for the robe)

• Colored fabric scraps (for the sash or accents - I used red velvet)

• Poly-fil or cotton stuffing

• Black paint, paint pen, or sharpie (for the eyes)

• A needle and basic sewing kit

• Fabric glue (optional if you prefer less sewing)

• Yarn, embroidery floss, or wool roving (for hair- I used brown wool roving!)

• Scissors

• A small floral or greenery wire piece for crown (optional)

• A small cross charm or ribbon (optional)

• 
  

Step 2: Create the Body

1. Cut two matching “gingerbread-man” shapes from the light cotton fabric—about 8–10 inches tall.

   • This will form Jesus’s body.

     
     

2. Paint the face before sewing the pieces together:

   • Two small black painted ovals will do- keep it simple!

     
     

3. Add hair using yarn, embroidery floss, or wool roving:

   • Cut short lengths of your hair material

   • Stitch or glue them along the top of the head

     
     

4. Place the two body pieces together, right sides facing out, and stitch around the edges.

   • Leave a small opening at the bottom.

     
     

5. Stuff with Poly-fil until firm but cuddly - make sure he can still bend at the top of his legs in case you want to position him sitting!

   
   

6. Stitch the opening closed. Your little Emmanuel is starting to take shape!

   
   

Step 3: Sew the Robe

1. Cut a rectangle of fabric large enough to wrap loosely around the doll.

   
   

2. Cut a hole for the neck.

   
   

3. Slip it over the doll and secure with a bit of stitching at the shoulders - sleeves optional!

   
   

4. Create a sash from a strip of fabric and tie it around the waist, over one shoulder

5. Optional: add a wreath crown

   
   

6. Optional: Add a tiny cross charm to the sash.

   
   

Step 4: Blessing the Doll (Optional)

Place your hand on the finished doll and say a simple prayer, such as:

“Jesus, may this little reminder of Your presence fill our home with Your light. Help my children feel Your love and learn Your truth through this tradition.”

This step is optional but often makes the moment special and reverent for your children.

Step 5: How to Use “Emmanuel on the Mantle”

Just like Elf on the Shelf, Emmanuel moves nightly -- but the purpose is entirely different.

Instead of mischief or behavior manipulation, Emmanuel brings Scripture, love, and gentle guidance.

Each night after your children are asleep:

1. Place Emmanuel somewhere new in the home.

   • Mantle

   • Bookshelf

   • Under the tree

   • By the breakfast plates

   • In the toy bin

   • Near the bathtub with a “God washes us clean” note

   • Anywhere!

     
     

2. Add a small message:

   • A Bible verse

   • A prayer focus

   • A small act of kindness to complete

   • A question prompting reflection

   • A simple reminder of God’s presence

     
     

3. Keep it holy, gentle, and rooted in Scripture.

   • This tradition is not about surveillance or fear, it’s about constant companionship with Christ.

     
     

Daily Ideas for Emmanuel’s Messages:

Scripture Prompts

• “Today, read Luke 2:10 together—Jesus came to bring Good News!”

• “Let’s remember: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’ Psalm 23:1.”

  
  

Acts of Kindness

• “Today, choose one toy to give away to bless another child.”

• “Let’s make a card for someone who needs encouragement.”

• “Give someone a hug and remind them Jesus loves them.”

  
  

Discussion Prompts

• “Where did you feel God’s love today?”

• “What’s one way we can show Jesus kindness in our home today?”

• “What gift can you give Jesus that isn’t a ‘thing’?”

  
  

Simple Presence Reminders

• “I am with you always. – Jesus”

• “You are God’s beloved child.”

• “Jesus sees your heart, and He loves you deeply.”

  
  

Step 6: Christmas Morning Tradition

A beautiful final step:

On Christmas morning, place Emmanuel near a Bible opened to Luke chapter 2. Encourage your children to sit with Emmanuel as you read the story of Jesus’s birth together.

This creates a powerful memory that keeps Christ at the center.

Share your prayers and blessings with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh

Want to start your own "Emmanuel on the Mantle" tradition, but don't have the time or skills to make your own doll?

(First, I do recommend you start practicing those skills, homemade is always better! And I want to remind you that you should never "not have time" for the Lord and honoring your Faith....)

But for now.... Check out the "Finding Jesus" Countdown to Christmas Doll from Seek Him First, as well as these Christ figures and "cheat supplies" from Hobby Lobby:

Finding Jesus Doll

Mini "Jesus Loves You" Figures at Hobby Lobby

Bendable Muslin Doll Base at Hobby Lobby

remember to always find meaning in the little things

Dear Mary: Musings and A Reflection on Motherhood, Advent, and Jesus Coming

Hello again, sweet mamas!

As we all know, we are in the middle of the season of Advent (check out my last post to see how I'm honoring Christ every day with my daughter using our immersive Advent Calendar!). This is such a sweet time to remember what the Christmas season is really about.

It’s a season of anticipation. I know my three little ones are definitely anticipating all the treats and presents under the tree, which is fine! Kids love that about Christmas! But truly, Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and Savior and what started the ultimate sacrifice.

Advent means “coming,” and that’s exactly what it is: the coming of the divine Christ, human on earth, and the anticipation of His second coming. 

But in this season, I can’t help but think about Mary. From one mother to another, her sacrifice and trust in the Lord makes her the Ultimate Mother...so I wanted to write an open letter to Mary, in part inspired by “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” by Amy Grant (If you’re a mama - even if you're not! - turn on that song and read this letter with me!)

A Reflection on Motherhood, Advent, and Jesus Coming:

Mary, 

How does it feel to carry a child that was never yours? Knowing that your child would be the ultimate sacrifice? To face so much scrutiny, being so young, and unmarried- forced by a census to travel to a land you don’t belong in to give birth in a stable? How does one young woman find that much strength and courage? To listen to the angel Gabriel as he tells you that you’ve been chosen to carry the son of God - how does that feel? To be an ordinary girl one moment, and in the next, the vessel for reunification with God? How does it feel knowing you have to carry this child, raise Him, perfect and blameless, just to know that He will be mocked by the world? Be brutally killed? How will it feel watching your baby that never belonged to you tortured and beaten? 

People don’t often stop to think of a mother’s sacrifice. I wonder if anyone ever stopped to consider your feelings: Were you scared? Unsure? Anxious? How did it feel to rely on Joseph and the sweet secret you had with God? Mothers have always been expected to put their children before themselves, in the same way that Christ does with all of us. Imperfect as we are, He still loves us and chases us with His whole self. I always try to do right by my kids. The second I became a mother it stopped being about me. As a mother, I do not matter, and that is the most beautiful gift of all.

Mary, thank you for raising Jesus in his earthly home. I would be so scared...but you are strong. I will pray for and draw from your strength. Thank you for being what every mother wishes she was- selfless, brave, and remembering that there are so many things that are bigger than herself. 

PS- love these beautiful Nativity themed balls from Hobby Lobby! Gonna have to snag some for my tree this year!

Tutorial: “Jesus Is Coming” Advent Candle Jar Craft

A gentle, reflective craft inspired by the waiting and anticipation of Advent.

Supplies:

• A tall, smooth candle (the thicker the better for burn time)

• 1 Mason jar or any clear glass jar - to serve as the Holy Vessel for your thick candle

• A piece of clear vellum

• Any white sticky substance for adhesion- like Mod Podge or diluted school glue

• Tissue paper in any color- I prefer white, beige, and beige!

• Paintbrush or foam brush

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Jar

Make sure your jar is clean and free of any blemishes. The jar will represent Mary: soft, open, and ready.

2. Prepare Your Candle

Choose a candle that feels good in your hands- something sturdy, something that stands tall, something that says, “Jesus is coming.”

3. Wrap it Up

Wrap the vellum around your candle nice and snug. Not too tight… not too loose…Just enough to gently embrace the candle without suffocating it. Secure it with double-sided tape.

4. Wet the Jar

Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the jar to get it wet and ready.

5. Tear Tissue Into Pieces

Tear pieces of the tissue paper and gently stick to the sides of the jar where you’ve slicked on the Mod Podge to create a stained-glass effect. Gently cover the top of the tissue with another layer of white Mod Podge (don’t worry, it dries clear!)

6. Put the Candle in the Jar

Place your wrapped up thick candle inside the sticky jar.

When you turn it on, the warm glow will represent Jesus Coming as Christmas draws near.

7. Light the Candle

When you’re ready, dim the lights and light your candle.Watch the glow warm up from the inside, gently illuminating your jar.

Now...

Take a breath.

It’s Advent.

It’s reflective.

It’s soothing.

It’s deep.

And it’s entirely between you and the Lord –

He is Coming.

How to Use Your Advent Candle Jar

• Light it each night during Advent.

• Say a short prayer for peace, hope, or courage, just like Mary needed.

• Use it during story time or during your readings of Scripture.

Share your prayers and blessings with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh

Want to create your own Advent Candle Jar? Hobby Lobby has everything you need!

Check out these supplies from Hobby Lobby:

SureTight Glass Mason Jar at Hobby Lobby

Ivory Ribbed Candle at Hobby Lobby

remember to always find meaning in the little things