22 Daddy Christmas Tips
Pastor Mark Driscoll has spent the past few weeks tweeting 22 tips for Dads at Christmastime. I think they rolled out at a rate of about one or two a day.
Taken in small bites via Twitter, they were insightful and encouraging. When I look at them all together, they are very convicting. Dads are called to provide spiritual leadership, and we don't get a break over Christmas.
Don't get me wrong...I've helped out around the house over the past few weeks, decorating the house and making a bunch of candy we give to family and friends every year. But have I led my family to connect with Christ this December? Not really. I'm too busy making sure that the kids finish their school semester well. I shouldn't be surprised if my kids grow up thinking that grades are more important than Jesus.
Anyway, here's Driscoll's complete list of Daddy Christmas Tips. We still have 17 good days to lead our family to celebrate the season in the right way. Pick a few and get on it, Dad!
According to Mark Driscoll:
A dad needs …
- … a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
- … to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt, bless, and serve?
- … to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is you calendar ready for December?
- … to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
- … to make memories and not just give gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
- … to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
- … to schedule a big Christmas date with his daughter(s). Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy Daddy-daughter date?
- … to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son(s) going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
- … to help get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
- … to ensure there are some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, can you smell cookies and cider?
- … to snuggle up and watch fun shows with the kids. Dad, is the DVR set to record old classics and holiday shows?
- … to connect with Mom during the holidays. Dad, do you have some fun date nights or getaways planned for you and your wife?
- … to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do they get lights or a small tree in their room?
- … to read about Jesus with and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
- … to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
- … to help his kids learn to be generous and give. Dad, whom do your kids want to buy presents for outside of your family?
- … to check the local guides for what’s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family.
- … to not let technology eat away family time during Christmas break. Dad, will you make sure the electronics are turned off so your family can interact, play games, talk, etc.?
- … to take the lead in family devotions centered on the birth of Jesus. Dad, have you picked out parts of the Bible to read together over dinner during the holidays?
- … to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?
- … to study the incarnation of Jesus Christ to help prepare him and his family for the holidays. Dad, do you have some reading lined up?
- … a break during the holidays. Dad, it’s not a sin to watch some football, nap, or relax a bit so long as you’ve taken care of your other priorities first.