Putting Straw in the Manger

We have a tradition in our family that encourages our kids to be especially giving during the holidays and also to remember the real reason for the season, the birth of Jesus. My husband made a wood manger that we place near our Christmas tree. I get a jar full of straw to keep on a shelf nearby. When any of the kids (and parents too!) do a good deed during the month, they get to add a piece of straw to the manger. By Christmas day the manger should be filled with straw so the Baby Jesus that we put in on Christmas Eve has a more comfortable bed.

~Michelle R.