CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Gift ideas, family drama, opting out + How Mennonites do Christmastime

[@HK-sw7qr]

Jayna's dress is the first thing I noticed. Beautiful color and looks so good on you!

[@carolyndymond4065]

Its a really lovely green dress.

[@lisafriesen7148]

Me too!!! LOVE IT!

[@RoseanneReimer]

1000% agree with Jayna's hottake!! I literally follow a recipe completely about 3% of the time😂 I do often write down what I did different.

[@sarahdewalt5433]

Both of you are dressed so gorgeously in this episode!! I'm only a little ways in, but excited to listen to the rest. So glad you all take the time during this busy season to chat and include us in your lives!

[@darleneg2492]

Jayna your comment that your Christmas tree comes from Walmart so your good, was hilarious! 😂

[@scotserve]

Jaynas dress is beautiful she looks so beautiful in it. Josh and Eric sound so familiar they will help anyone who needs it. I've noticed it with josh and Eric sound just the same two good men and two lucky ladies..

[@hilltophomestead1328]

Jayna on journaling a recipe "ain't got time for that" 😂 My kindred spirit ❤

[@melaniesnyder9165]

😂😂😂 The beep with Jayna's reaction totally looked like she said a swear word. 😂

[@ev7758]

Jayna is so calm and lovely.

[@saram3156]

Yes indeed and now let's fill in the blank spot here for "vivacious and lovely", too! 😂 I guess we quieter girls who might envy Megan's zip aren't so quick to comment 😢

[@wandagordon6453]

Jayna, that dress is beautiful on you. So sorry to hear of the passing of Eric’s grandfather. In our conservative, Christian home, we always celebrated Christmas. It was very simple, not lavish. I love simple! At 60 years old, my husband and I are now the old ones. We have grown children and grandchildren. They say I’m hard to shop for because I never want anything. I’m happy if my family is healthy and we’re all together making our traditional gingerbread cookies and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas! This year I told them to make a donation of any unknown amount to a charity of my choice. It’s local charities that I personally know. Easy and no stress. God bless y’all. 😀❤️

[@janetreyes2777]

Megan, thank you for your structure and coming up with a wonderful podcast. I love watching you girls and your different perspectives. Keep up the good work!

[@ravensharp1901]

Jana’s dress is stunning!!

[@TheMintycrow]

To Jayna, the boatneck style on the dress is absolutely beautiful on you!

[@janetreyes2777]

Jayna, you’re hilarious about your rant on not celebrating Christmas! I don’t do decorations, a tree, or lights because my kids are grown but we enjoy the time spent together and still give gifts because our heavenly father wants to see us happy and enjoying our family and time here on earth. Sure we could do that any day, but with work schedules everyone gets Christmas off so it works out. We should always be happy to celebrate Jesus no matter what day it is!

[@scotserve]

Jayna you look absolutely beautiful in your gorgeous dress. I'm sorry about your loss but you're one brave woman so look after yourselves.

[@marciadichiara5688]

Loved this!! I laughed and thought back to how we celebrated with our children who are now grown. This year we will all be together with grandchildren at our house. I am very excited as one child moved down south from us and haven’t seen the kids in over a year. My grandson is eight who lives nearby and it is so much fun to relive everything through the eyes of a child, wishing you both and your families, a joyous and blessed holiday season

[@mariahkaufman670]

I LOVE BOTH OF YOUR DRESSES

[@alicardon1013]

I love jayna’s take on celebrating Christmas 👏🏻👏🏻 I’m with you, sister.

[@gloriabashara4961]

Megan, I love the dollar tree Christmas characters idea. If you shared it on social media or the podcast next year I think a lot of people would appreciate it! I’m not crafty at all so I need all the step by steps.

[@jennerzlistens1522]

Yesssss Jayna! Being able to break the recipe rules 🥰 and who has time to write down what you did?! 😆 Beautiful dresses ladies! 💞

[@cherylreed4377]

Love this - great video ladies ❤ i love candy canes and peppermint anything 😂🎉

[@mindybgilmore]

Jayna! That dress is gorgeous on you!

[@karynshouse8097]

I love your chit chats! And I truly share your sentiments, Megan, on "Some of the comedians I've endured!" The tone of your voice grabbed me because I feel exactly the same. Thanks for brightening my day once more. I enjoy listening to you two while I work in my kitchen or drive down the road to run errands. Merry Christmas!

[@cowtownjanet4450]

Meagan, please please i ask with the upmost respect to not assume everything is a “Mennonite cultural thing”. I grew up Presbyterian and am now Baptist. We always had modest Christmas concerning gifts etc. , when younger we did caroling 😮, our older groups go around to nursing homes, we have sent out Christmas cards as long as I can remember, we give food baskets to families who are in need and gifts to children who won’t be getting anything, we have Lottie Moon offering at Christmastime to help support missionaries, and many of us still exchange homemade gifts or gifts from our church craft fair. I pray God will continue blessing “Honey I’m Homemaker” as you both strive to share a godly perspective on Homemakimg ❣️

[@brianpace7866]

Y'all play off each other well. Chemistry I believe it's called. It's good seeing a Christian Mennonite perspective on You Tube and social media. 🎥🎙️🎙️

[@amoleis61023]

We give out cookie boxes to our friends group and sometimes like a DIY mug cake mix stored in a jar. The mix can then be made later.

[@SarahELong100]

Jayna, I would love to see a video about your embroidery. I would love to see your work, hear about how you learned and advice you have for getting started.

[@lindatawera8013]

Jayna love your velvet look dress, so stunning

[@jaynaburkholder1507]

Thank you!

[@carolyndymond4065]

​@jaynaburkholder1507 yes it's a beautiful dress.

[@angelinamccarville]

@@jaynaburkholder1507the dress is stunning, but you are equally stunning in it (if not more)!!

[@neilloeppky609]

We usually had chicken noodle soup and jello on our big Christmas family gathering at my grandparents. There was usually someone or another suffering from the flu or some other winter sickness that it always worked out great! But we all love chicken noodle soup regardless. -Greta L

[@rosemaryharris6064]

I agree with Jayna about the recipes. My sister and I were just talking about that this morning. If someone gives you their favorite recipe and you think it's not going to be good or to your liking, it's not disrespectful to them to make changes. That's better than throwing it out. But I agree with Meghan to make note of changes for the next time . I've done that with our church cookbook and appreciate the notes that I have made when making it again. Your videos are refreshing and I look forward to them. I agree that remembering the real reason for celebrating Christmas is especialty important for the Christian. God bless you both and your families.

[@cyberbren8198]

Jayna, I've been meaning to tell you I enjoyed when you showed how you did a dupe of a local sandwich on an IG story. You could do a sandwich series!

[@miminana-hd6nf]

Lovely dresses. I agree with Jayna. Recipes for "cooking" are a suggestion. I can look at a recipe and say, "I will take that out and put this in". Baking is a skill. I make a few things well, and follow recipes for them.

[@bethanyhutchinson6714]

Wow! I never considered that not everyone went to a Christmas service! I’m Catholic, so it is a holy day of obligation no matter what day it falls on. We’ll be heading to church two days in a row this Christmas-Sunday for the sabbath and Monday for Christmas

[@eidemiller1]

Jayna's tree is from Walmart not the forest. Now that is funny!!!!! Jayna you really need to start a KZbin channel.

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I second that!❤

[@aileneshots]

I was practically whooping and hollering with joy I love when Jayna goes off! It's refreshing to hear someone have a solid opinion in these days we live in!

[@sweetkentuckymama7710]

Yes!

[@wendygaonach3908]

Interesting about Ascension Day - it's a national holiday in France. France was a Catholic country, but is very laicized (not sure if that's an English word or not...), but Ascension Day is still a holiday, as is Pentecost, and All Saints' Day. Lovely conversation today, and very informative! My condolences to Jayna on the passing of her grandfather-in-law. Merry Christmas!

[@sallys.2707]

Nearly all our bank holidays are catholic celebrations: Ascension, All Saints Day, Pentecost Tuesday, Easter Monday, Christmas, the Assumption. (+ National Day, the two WW armistices, May 1st and January 1st)

[@ellenchapman9981]

I was raised in a conservative Christian home, and had a very simple Christmas too. When our kids were little, we kept it simple too. I agree that Christmas is very important and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ should be done joyfully and without guilt!!

[@jordanbwagner]

So fascinating hearing about the holidays celebrated. I'm an American in Germany and Ascension Day is a public holiday in Germany! Everyone has the day off :)

[@ArabellaBoo]

“Mine’s from Walmart so I’m good” 😂 that made me laugh so much!

[@jaynaburkholder1507]

Yea I was pretty proud of that joke haha😂

[@momoflittleladies]

Jayna - sorry about your loss. Love your dress!!

[@jaynaburkholder1507]

Thank you!

[@ruthturkington1736]

So sorry to hear of Eric’s grandfather’s passing. May the Father of all compassion comfort you and each in the family!

[@DS-hw9jd]

This year I asked for a sourdough starter kit! Dehydrated starter, a new cutting board, a dough whisk, and bread lame.

[@ruthturkington1736]

Wow Jayna’s dress is beautiful!

[@rebelrose4934]

Growing up I had the best of both worlds ( at least I feel like it). Momma made sure we knew what Christmas was really all about from a young age. I would be so excited to see the Manger scenes, and I would take my toys outside to ours in our yard and "give them" to baby Jesus to make sure he had presents too. At the same time we did the trees and lights and had all the fun of commercial Christmas too. Don't get me wrong, we were poor and presents weren't always new, or a lot, but we still have amazing memories because she did so good with it all. She struck a balance I hope to recreate with my kids.

[@TheLokoki]

Talking about more holidays : in France, where we are mostly Roman Catholics we do celebrate Ascension day (it is a national day off) + Pentcote (the day the holy spirit is gifts to us by god to help the apostles go their way and tell the Word) + Assomption day (the day Ste Mary goes to heaven). All are national days off !

[@bethanyhutchinson6714]

That’s so wonderful you have those holy days off! ❤Love from a fellow Roman Catholic❤

[@gigib4076]

What a fun chat about the holidays! We have a lot of traditions started by my mom that I do with my family and I’ve added to them over time✝️🎅🏻🎄🎁

[@pamelapigue]

Ladies, always enjoy your time. You both look so pretty. Thank you for sharing.. Pam from Florida

[@janiecala]

When my children ask why we don't do Christmas lights...I just say "we are supposed to let our light shine to those around us and not hide behind the lights of the world." Christmas trees are pretty but I do feel we have to watch what we bring into our homes...after a while we are trying to live with one foot in the world and try to have one foot with Christ and that doesn't work. So yes it does concern me when I see conservative Mennonites going all out for Christmas. I do decorate for winter (just to keep the house cheery during the drab winter months) but not necessarily for Christmas.

[@cora_99]

THANK YOU!! I so appreciate that you have real REASONS behind your opinions about Christmas!! I'm in your boat! I decorate my house for every season, and winter is no exception 🤷‍♀️ I'll attend a friend's "Christmas party" sometime in December but my husband and I don't observe it privately; we don't have kids yet, but in general, the idea of mixing a religious holiday with gifts makes me a little uncomfortable, since I think it can easily eclipse the whole purpose of the celebration, even subconsciously, so I'm not sure how we'll navigate that, but we have time to figure it out. I don't preach against Christmas to people, and I try to be tactful, but I won't lie about it either - I think Jeremiah 10:1-5 is NOT out of context, that it perfectly describes an Asherah Pole, which is a Pagan Idol - in my opinion, if one wouldn't bring a Buddah statue into their home, why is a Christmas tree any different? But, I know people who patiently argue that the evergreen tree represents Christ's eternal life, and that it all points back to Christ, and so forth ; they're welcome to it if they like, I know they only mean well, so I leave them to it, but am irritated when they insist that I don't have a right to obstain, if I do prefer.

[@saram3156]

​@cora_99 I'm fascinated reading y'all's takes on decorating for Christmas! I think I can see where you're coming from. If lights and gifts don't sit right with your conscience I wouldn't start either! Thinking of some of the simple sweet souls I know who go all out for Christmas in no different a way than one might go all-out with colors or with laughter, may I hazard a comparison with men who say the sight of ladies' elbows is immodest? Endless things in our lives have ties to paganism and cults--I'm thinking of the days of the week, how they're named after gods. . . but to be fair, I suppose if saying Sunday and Monday and March made someone feel guilty, then maybe they ought to use better words for themselves? The elbow comparison isn't good, now that I think of it, because we have Romans 14 to address this exactly, about those who eat meat and those who don't, and how there's no excuse there for conflict. How much "slippery slope" anxiety is prudent, and how much is "a spirit of fear"? I do like sensitive hearts like yours.

[@janetlovesjesus100]

​@@cora_99 Jeremiah 10 is talking about wooden idols, made by man. As is Isaiah 44. They cut down a tree, burn part of it to keep warm, then fashion an idol, which they bow down to and pray to. These passages are not talking about Christmas trees. They are talking about idol worship. Anything can be an idol. Jeremiah 10:5 also says they cannot do evil or any good. They are nothing.

[@micheledavis3735]

Thank you so much...I truly needed to hear you deride Jewish holidays.

[@shariwagner3002]

👵💜 I had a magnolia wreath years ago and loved it. After years of use, I tossed it after Christmas several years ago with thoughts of replacing it. Magnolia leaf wreaths had quadrupled in price. You are very lucky to be gifted the leaves. I missed the two of you ladies. I always get ideas. Now I have ideas for gifts. Thank you both for sharing your lives.👵💜🎄🎁

[@-Brige-]

Hi, I speak Swiss german, which is not too far away from Pennsylvania dutch. "Reading" made me think of the german word "richten", in the sense of "straighten" or "making ready". You might "richten" food (Essen richten). Not sure if your word ist the same. For the salad dressing: for me, salad is not going to happen without prewashed, precut and prepackaged salad and store bought dressing. I gave up on fresh salad long ago, after throwing away oh so many rotten salads from my fridge🙈 I wish you a merry christmas! Greetings from 🇨🇭

[@grammy3875]

I loved this video! You girls are the best! ❤

[@LauraS1104]

I saw a great advent thing. The book of Luke is 24 chapters so if you start on December 1st you’ll be finished the whole story of Jesus by Christmas even.

[@annijewiss3142]

Brilliant video I love it when you chat it’s like having a girly afternoon with you, as I’m wrapping some gifts. I love to hear all about your family traditions both past and present. My husbands present to me this year is a year’s subscription to Ascension Press as I’m a Catholic and our church uses their content for our studies and I wanted to delve deeper and learn more. Xx

[@BickyToya]

I keep a running list of things I want for Christmas throughout the year. This year it's things like denim skirts, skirt pajamas, perfume, lip mask, weights, ect

[@SherrieRead]

Jayna the recipe rebel 😂

[@susancunningham5847]

As a grandma mom I love gifts with pictures of my grandkids. I also love homemade goodies

[@kristaleisure7978]

Loved the video- beautiful dresses by the way! Hope you and your families have a blessed Christmas season and make many new memories! Jayna- so sorry about the loss in your husband's family. Just remember to cherish the good times and memories.

[@tammycwik718]

I have to opt out of many things this Christmas I have a lot of legal things going on and the attorney fees are really hitting me hard and I am glad you said what you did

[@adrienne5836]

Loved the chat! Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@Ajsupermonkey]

My church does a Christmas morning church service also! It's so special 😊

[@silviagamez-marin3595]

I asked for perfume every Christmas, new running shoes and new bras. That gets up into a few hundred $$. So sometimes I spread it thru to mothers day. I do all the Christmas shopping so I always buy myself stuff thru the christmas season and then I wrap it and say, "Thanks honey. It's exactly what I wanted.

[@louellagraves9541]

I love your recipe philosophy. I use it once as written, then I make it my own. I also make up a lot!!!!

[@scotserve]

I was brought up with putting our tree and decorations 12 day's before and 12 day's after. All my stuff comes off and put away after the 24 day's of Christmas. Im from the UK and I've noticed even here people put the stuff up ìn November. It seems to be getting earlier every year. And Megan you still sound like you have a bad cold. So keep yourself nice and cosy and get better and enjoy yourselves.

[@carolyndymond4065]

My daughter put hers up in October she really loves it, she's been like this since covid and it makes me think about all the people who didn't make it.

[@susanbontrager1610]

Great hot take , Jayna! Love creativity when it comes to cooking !

[@reynaldamartinez3168]

Muchas gracias por su video...❤ Bendiciones y un fuerte abrazo desde Indiana.

[@SherrieRead]

Oh my goodness I commented too early. Jayne’s tree from Walmart was hysterical 😂

[@mki5139]

St. Nikolaus day is celebrated in Austria, Germany and Hungary on December 06 and brings a little present to the children. The present is mostly mandarins or oranges, walnuts and a bit of chocolate. The Christmas tree is put up on December 24 by the parents and we hide it from the children. After dinner the mother rings a little bell in the room where the tree is, the father opens the door and this is the first time when the children see the tree with lighting on it. We tell the children that Jesus brought the tree to our house to bring love and light into our family. We exchange gifts on December 24 in the evening after dinner before we go to midnight service to the church. On December 25 we have a big family lunch which goes into late afternoon. Wishing you all a happy Advent and Christmas time. 🙂🎄🎆❤‍🩹

[@Liffster]

St Nicolas Day is celebrated in France with books and chocolates! And you must polish your shoes so that he will leave your gifts in them.

[@mki5139]

@@Liffster oh yes, I forgot, thank you for reminding me. We need to polish our shoes as well. If they are not cleaned St. Nicolas will put only stones in.

[@judithbn8699]

So funny, in the Netherlands it’s called Sinterklaas and we exchange gifts (wrapped in a funny way; google ‘Sinterklaassurprise’) and the most exciting bit as a kid was putting your shoe close to the front door (we didn’t have a chimney) with a carrot in it (for Sinterklaas’s horse) and then checking the next morning what Sinterklaas put in it!

[@michellejarvis9475]

My husband and I decided years ago not to exchange gifts - best decision we ever made :)

[@emilymorris864]

Because I have been quick to let you girls know when i disagree with you 😂😊I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Christmas ideas. Megan your line is honestly beautiful . I think your friends would honestly love a gift of some of your line items . I know I would . A couple of pouches and a candle would be an awesome fav things gift ❤

[@jaynaburkholder1507]

Thank you! Thanks for sticking around even when you disagree sometimes ❤

[@rochelle520]

Jayna, your dress is beautiful Megan, yours looks cute with your baby bump too

[@margaretcrane7477]

I have 5 family birthdays in December plus Christmas. Both my daughters were born in December.

[@cindyflinchbaugh7155]

My husband and I don't exchange, to much pressure to get the perfect gift. Making this decision about 10 years ago has made Christmas less stressful for me.

[@rachelspencer2588]

This year we did something different. After our 5 kids decorated the tree, my husband and I did not redo decorations in attempt to make it look "perfect" (probably a new tradition for us!). It's not all about the tree, and we want it to be a good memory for the kids that they decorated the tree. Relieved so much stress from my husband and I!

[@JUSTME-ei5nh]

Jayna has the most beautiful skin

[@callofthewildfan]

Loving the holiday episodes! Keep up the good work y’all!

[@margiev4237]

When our children were young we started the tradition of getting our tree, decorating our house, eating a fun snack style dinner and exchanging gifts on the first Saturday of December. We had a very small gift budget and I took each child out shopping separately to pick out a gift for the name they had picked. We have continued this tradition and now we have grandchildren who enjoy it as well. Our children are thankful we do it this way as this gives us a very relaxing December and we have lots of time to enjoy Christmas events and hosting people. As they all have their own families now this doesn't conflict with any of their extended families. Christmas Day is left for attending church and spending time with family without the pressure of gift giving.

[@lonnajoy]

I totally agree with Jana on recipes!😊

[@Hislilkid]

We are Catholics and oh my we have never done gifts for each other for Christmas even from childhood. This ain’t just about us but the whole or most of the Church members. So usually how we go about Christmas is that, we fast and abstain for the Advent days leading up to Christmas and on the Christmas Day we begin the celebration at Church - a Christmas Mass. At midnight usually. Oh my it’s sooo beautiful. The timings can however vary in different places and different Parishes. We usually have this at midnight. And another one in the morning for those who couldn’t make it. And it’s all about Jesus. The Priest reads the Birth of Jesus passage from the Bible ( New Testament) and when it comes to the part where the Priest reads Jesus was born - we have crackers going off, lights suddenly coming on and a beautiful song starting. Wow. Then the Christmas Mass ensues. In the end we all have cake. Like its the birthday cake for Christ. And then we split and go home to families. Morning we break our fast or abstinence as we call it by having Cake, eggnog or wine and meat. Food can vary. Our family don’t do alcohol so we have cake and mock eggnog and meat. The meat can vary too. Could be a huge roast chicken and roast lamb or ham or veal. Food totally varies too from family to family. But it’s a hearty huge breakfast in celebration of Christ’s Birthday. We just have lots of balloons or Santa claus caps for the kids to wear and play afterwards at the home we are hosting. We have a hearty lunch too or it could be a hearty dinner. Either the lunch or dinner would be on a lighter note and just chilling with family. For us Santa Claus is actually Saint Nicolas - a rich man who lived for Christ and gave it all up for the poor for Christ’s sake. So we do tell our kids the real story of Santa Claus. We tell our kids that this day is all about Christ - it’s His Birthday. So Jesus should be getting the gifts. So we usually take them to homeless kids’ home or destitute home or people in need and give them cakes and gifts and teach them that’s how we gift Jesus. And we basically have the whole day with family. My kids are too small and they it’s Jesus’ Happy to you . Jesus’ happy to you. And even grandparents don’t gift usually on Christmas. They just usually have a lot of goodies out for the lil ones and keeps telling them It’s Jesus birthday so let’s eat a chocolate. Let’s have cake for Jesus’ birthday. Or let’s do a balloon. And so on. And yes we do Nativity Crib and a Christmas tree and a star in front of our house every year. And we do it on December 1st by tradition. Christmas star indicates the star which came and stopped above the Manger where our Saviour was born and tries to say we have Jesus born in our homes too. And Christmas tree symbolises everlasting life a gift Jesus gave us by His birth. That’s why we choose a perennial tree like the pine. People started calling all these pagan probably they all take everything Catholic pagan. But Catholics do everything so Christ centered. Another fact is that Christmas Day date isn’t from the Hebrew calendar or recorded anywhere. But in the early AD when there was a huge number of gentiles converting to Christianity, they were ripped off their pagan celebrations. And they didn’t have anything to celebrate as of. They had traditions of celebrating big of their harvest etc. And Jews also had celebrations during the winter times like their Rosh Hashanah and even the converting Jews wished for Christian celebrations. And at that time, there was no separate Churches or groups under Christianity. Everyone was under the Pope. Its the origin Church until the revolution came about. So the Pope according to His rights and checking facts about Christ’s birth, Pope Julius 1 declared December 25th as the Christmas Day. And all decisions made by the Pope usually goes after a lot of prayers and discerning with the Holy Spirit. I hope I didn’t bore you Megan and Jayna 😀

[@krissymatthews1996]

Yes Christmas is a man made catholic holiday, hence Christ/mas. No one knows the date of Christ's birth and God doesn't tell us to celebrate Christ's birth, but He does tell us to remember His death and resurrection which we do every first day of the week by taking communion. You can't put Jesus into something He was never in to begin with.

[@Hislilkid]

All I was saying was if we’re celebrating Christmas, which most people do, we should be doing it for Him. Christ centered. If we were celebrating our kid’s birthday, wouldn’t we be celebrating him? his birth.? Than each other? Just my thoughts.

[@NITSUD-yr6rg]

I agree ladies- That verse is taken out of context. It's talking about wooden carved idols that they made to worship. Not an evergreen christmas tree. God bless you!

[@acornsandlillies8788]

We still do Ascension Day where we live.

[@ashleyyoung5947]

We don’t do adult Christmas gifts with ether side of the family but my birthday is the 15th so I get a couple of things then. Every one of the things on my list is from Fox Sparrow. ☺️.

[@sarajones2396]

We are expecting our first baby in January so for Christmas I asked for a new robe and some nice loungewear. Might work for you too Megan!

[@jessb4784]

Im a reformed christian so many things are similar in our society- church on Christmas morning and some people usually older generationsdecideding not to have Christmas trees ect.

[@hoosierlady3085]

Loved this!! Merry Christmas!!

[@janwea108]

I agree with Jayna - I think recipes are just a guide and measurements are a suggestion 😅 And I love your dress!!

[@katebennett5118]

I asked for a nice big cast iron skillet and a steam mop!

[@judyrempel9465]

I was going to order the same dress as Megan's😆 Not sure yet if I will but it's beautiful! Both dresses are! And I totally agree with recipes being a suggestion lol I say they're for inspiration😆

[@denisewreford121]

I had this video on while running on my new treadmill and the BEEP happened right as I completed lap ten and I thought it was my machine 😂 I thought, “Wow does this thing beep every ten laps?!” Hahaha

[@TheMennomilist]

I hope it doesn't bother you that I leave a huge comment (I listen and then comment as I go). I agree about candycanes. I am not a peppermint fan in general. I haven't bought my husband a physical present in a long time. I do agree that the Mennonite way of gifting is toned down, because there is a lot more wisdom taught in what you own. Makes me think of the book "Living More with Less" by Doris Longacre. Have you read it? Christmas trees do stem from Nimrod (Noah's great-grandson who did not follow God) - as his mom-wife put his ashes in a room and a tree grew from it and she wanted people to worship him by putting offerings under the tree. Many Vikings and Druids did take from it. Saturnalia was celebrated for a long time to celebrate Caesar's birthday on Dec. 25th and mass was held to think about Christ instead during that time in the Catholic church in the 3rd century, and so that is where the term and first celebration of Christmas comes from - as it was celebrated to help witness to people, but many people brought their pagan traditions with them. I studied origins of holidays for several years and it is very interesting to learn!! But yes, "Christmas" is about Jesus. :) hehe. I am a fan of Advent during Christmas, personally. Our church also does church on Christmas. I love singing Christmas hymns from the books at church. It is one of the best things. I am halfway through my card writing! I loved your story about the cards, Jayna. I want to try this seafood brisket thing you spoke of!

[@careyelaine1231]

My husband said my Christmas list was boring this year...he's not wrong. Our 3rd baby is due early January and I don't have a lot of fun ideas but last year I got my parents, grandma, and aunt photosbare frames. My mil already had one so I got my family all the same brand so you can upload bulk pictures to all the frames at once and they all love it. This year I put one on my Christmas list so my kids can see pictures from other people in our family because they love seeing their cousins and family on them

[@r.m.podlewski1887]

One year when our children were really bugging us about getting a Christmas tree, my Husband went out into our barn & made a manger, filled it with hay & brought it in the house. We laid “baby Jesus” in it and strung tiny white lights from it up to the ceiling attached to a star. It really helped the kids & our guests see the TRUE meaning of Christmas. We set our presents under the manger that year.

[@bethanyhutchinson6714]

That’s beautiful!

[@justjennifer8448]

Jayna had me giggling so much! I agree with you about people trying to turn Christmas into something bad! Drives me nuts! I told my husband the other day something similar. We or no one we’ve ever known has EVER worshipped tress 🤨We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! ✝️ It isn’t like halloween where actual evil and satan are promoted as fun or morally ok. We’re all aware we don’t know the actual date of Jesus’ birth nor his death. But we will set aside a day to celebrate both! I always feel so frustrated when people become so attacking of Christians for this. Ok rant over… Also, no problem here either Jayna. My tree came from Hobby Lobby.😂😂😂 I hope both of you ladies and your families have a blessed and Merry Christmas!🎄

[@dionysiapalmer3945]

Fun to watch..Merry Christmas from summery South Australia!! Nice touch you got dressed up. My last velour/velvet dress was as a child..looks stunning on you both. May i suggest your banner be framed or done on canvas & framed in a red border

[@bunchesofdents]

We do a favorite things party every year! The rules are everyone brings 3 of the same "favorite" item and it can't total more than $21. (Think soap, mug, favorite drink). We set everything up and pass out numbers to everyone. You just go up and down the number line until everyone gets to pick 3 new favorite things.

[@pyewacketpeggy8329]

Try Lodge Candy Canes.

[@rachelmaples9692]

Are your dresses from Amazon maternity? Or just regular dresses. They r pretty!

[@elkforests]

Im on a weird end of gift giving where i love to get people elaborate or expensive gifts, but i dont want the other person to feel awkward or stressed about getting me something expensive or elaborate. So then im on tue fence if i just make it the year where i get the small simple thing, or go all out with what my heart wants to get them... (ive been blessed financially but a baby is on the way so we will see how much longer this "problem" continues anyways😆)

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I’m so excited to watch now while my toddler naps! Thank you both for being an inspiration and happy holidays!🙏💖🙏💖🙏💖🙏💖

[@tinagraber7485]

Just a idea: megan- for you parents do gift certificates to their favorite restaurants. Then, it encourages them to eat with friends they haven't seen for awhile or may have been want too, just haven't... Also we just started with our kids Doing a need gift , a want gift, and a wish item. That way your not spending a fortune on each kid.

[@cherylricard2755]

Santa Claus is based after St. Nicholas. A Christian who used his own money and time to help kids and women in need. His feast day is actually Friday on the anniversary of his death. We use the story of St. Nicholas to help teach our children to be generous to others. Our kids don't get many gifts around Christmas. We actually end up spending more on the needs of other people, the kids get to help pick out the high chair a mother needs, or some clothes a teenager needs etc.. Every year our church has a giving tree that has anonymous tags on it. The church searches out people in need in the community and then helps coordinate getting them the things they need. Every year our kids each get to pick a tag off of the tree and go shopping for that person.

[@ratniebenezer2721]

I love Christmas! Some years now it is just the 2 of us as one child lived in Asia for 20 years! They are here this year but have to let them visit the other parents as we had them for Thanksgiving! The other daughter was here for TG to celebrate with her sister & nieces & us. They will go to Orlando to be with her in laws. Our college grands want money & I have done money for all of them as they buy after Christmas when there are more sales! But I try to get one thing for all of them like an ornament or a book. Loved your thoughts & your pretty dresses. You are beautiful inside & out! God bless you & your families. ♥️🎄

[@georgiasmith9477]

Such a fun episode! 🤩