The last few weeks all I’ve been doing is answering emails and Facebook messages about Truth in the Tinsel. We do have a FAQ page that covers most of the technical, download-y kind of questions.
Today, I’m going to answer some more questions, give some tips, clarifications and even a short video of little old me walking you through the ebook!
Ready? Let’s begin…
1. What ages is Truth in the Tinsel for? Are my kids too old? young?
I wrote Truth in the Tinsel when my kids were 5 and 3. I began doing this same make-an-ornament activity with my daughter when she was almost 2 years old. Last year, kids up to 13 years old were enjoying Truth in the Tinsel!
So, to answer the question: ALL AGES!
2. Is the book the same as last year? Do we have to do the same crafts again?
Yes, the book is the same as last year. If you follow the book exactly, yes, you will do the same crafts again. However, kids like traditions. Do you make the same candy-cane-red-puffball-pipe-cleaner reindeer every year? Do your kids like it?
Also, from year to year, your supplies, your kids’ abilities and your creative spur-of-the-moment ideas will alter the crafts.
If you’re really wanting to switch it up, grab the printable ornaments!
3. My kids won’t sit still to listen to the Bible reading parts.
That’s ok! You know your kids best. If they can’t sit still, read while they are making the craft. Or read a few verses at breakfast, a few at lunch and the rest when you sit down to do the activity. {Check out my tips for teaching the Bible to little kids!}
I do think it’s important to read the actual Scriptures from the Bible (and even from a Bible versus your computer) so, make an effort. But don’t get stressed out if it’s not the perfect scene you’ve imagined!
4. Does it take a lot of preparation?
If you are completely void of craft supplies, you’ll probably need to take a trip to the nearest craft store. But if you have some pipe-cleaners, beads, some fabric and a little string around your house, you’ll be ok. You can easily substitute materials and make up your own fun ideas. Check out the pictures on our Facebook page to be inspired!
5. Do I need a swanky advent calendar to go along with this?
Nope. There is a printable paper chain in the back you can use or you can make a simple one like some of these on our Merry Truth in the Tinsel Pinterest board or Advent Calendar Pinterest board.
6. What if my kids don’t want to do the craft?
I think a lot of this is about expectations and delivery. If you go into the craft with a smile on your face and we-can-do-it attitude, your kids will catch on. Don’t expect a beautiful craft project–let them make it themselves and let it look terrible if it has to!
The point of the ornaments is to let the kids use their hands to focus on an aspect of God’s Word.
7. Advent starts December 2nd. When do we start Truth in the Tinsel?
There are 24 activities in the book to correspond with the 24 days between December 1st and Christmas Eve.
You can start on December 1st for ease of counting (that’s what I’m doing.) Or you can start on December 2nd for traditional advent. Or you can start a few days before so you have a few days of margin! (<–that is genius, right there!)
8. Am I too late?
No way! If you join the fun on December 19, you’ll still be able to participate! I have put in several additional schedules in the book so you can choose one that works for you. There are schedules to just cover the basics of the story, highlight the main characters or work through the prophesies.
9. What if I mess up?
You won’t. There is no wrong way to do Truth in the Tinsel. It’s simply a tool to help you focus, spotlight and lead your kids to Jesus. Don’t worry about doing it right, better than others or in a perfect way. Just enjoy this special time with your kids!
10. And now, I’ll walk you through the ebook…
{subscribers, click to the site to see this video! but you might not wanna watch the last 3 seconds as I fumble with turning off the camera. *wink*}
If you haven’t bought your copy of Truth in the Tinsel—what are you waiting for?! Download it now! Only $7.99!
If you’re a Truth in the Tinsel alum, leave a comment & share your best tip!
ps: Do you love the pics of me and my kids Truth-in-the-Tinseling it? My super talented friend, Jamie Worley did the photography. If you are in the Atlanta area, look her up! If you’re not in the Atlanta area, you should still read her blog, See Jamie Blog!
linked to Top Ten {Tuesday} at Many Little Blessings
Hi!
This is my first year to use this material. My son is 3 and we live in Kiev, Ukraine. One thing I haven’t seen here is the clothespins used in a few of the crafts. Any ideas on substitutions? I think I can get thebclotespins with a spring but wondered if anyone else had other ideas.
You could just do a paperdoll of some kind. Maybe out of cardboard? Or a regular clothespin would work, too.
If your local craft store doesn’t carry them, try a department store or home improvement center. Bring a photo so they know what you are looking for. You can always improvise by gluing a small wooden ball to a piece of wooden dowel. And of course, I think you could use a spring loaded clothespin! I think one key point of the activities is that “anything goes” — there is no right or wrong, just guidelines.
Good tips, Laura!
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Hello! This is my first year doing this! My kids are 8, 6 & 3. I’m excited. Thanks for putting this together. And I have that exact same advent calendar you showed in your video and I have never known what to do with it…now I do!
Is there a misprint for the day 1 scripture? I see Isaiah 9: 2-7 for both day 1 and day 2. It doesn’t seem to correlate very much to “light.”
Not a misprint! We focus on light for day 1 and the kingdom for day 2!
Hello
. I went to enter details and pay for your E Book – Truth in the Tinsel but I could not. I am in New Zealand . I entered MasterCard details. Please can I do this from New Zealand.
Inez
Inez: You should be able to do it if you have a paypal account. I’d contact paypal with troubleshooting questions.
I downloaded the book last year, so I’m not sure if it’s changed this year–does the older version have the additional schedules in it? Or are they posted somewhere? I’m havinga hard time finding them.
I found it, I’m a dummy.