Home | Charis Buckland

‘Tis the season to be jolly! It was the Annual Baking Day the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Several years ago, Brett went from student ministry to Chick-fil-A. He had to work the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week which was not usual. I decided to do something fun, so Linley and Ella Kate were small and we put in Christmas-y pajamas and baked for the next day. Even though he has a job where he could take off Baking Day, he still leaves the house so we can make the goodies for the day of thanks.

This day always includes Christmas pajamas! Woohoo!

What goodies do you make? We love magic bars!

Crushing graham crackers is always fun.

Everyone must take a break and have some hot chocolate too!

I personally love Chex Mix!

It’s Christmas time! And birthday time around here! Since Jenna’s birthday is December 11 and Raegan’s birthday is December 15, we make the most out of this celebratory time of year. This also means so much CAKE! 

Only a few years ago did we think to entertain friends for their birthday parties because they were young. We realized after the first party, that if we wait until their actual birthdays, nobody is available by mid-December. With Nutcracker happening, the only time is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so here we are! 

They share a birthday party because, why not? The more, the merrier! After a friend’s dad laughed at the “annual Nutcracker birthday party,” I added “annual” to the party invitation. We serve a waffle bar and make gingerbread houses out of pop tarts. They may not be architecturally sound, but they sure taste good! 

I used to avoid asking people to come over out of fear of not serving good enough food or boring people. I was afraid my birthday cakes might not be cool enough because I make them out of cake mix boxes from the grocery store. I was afraid that guests might not have a good time. I also realized that was really self-focused.

People don’t long to be impressed. People want to feel at home and like they belong. People like a place to take their shoes off, sit on the couch, and enjoy real company with authentic friends. 

In 1 Peter 4:8,9, we as believers are told to “above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” 

I realized I had been so worried about what other people think, I had forgotten the purpose in inviting people into my home. We show love through opening up our homes for coffee, tea, or a meal of a bunch of boxed pizzas! We get to connect with friends in this way and share the love of Jesus with people who don’t yet have a relationship with Him yet!

I also realized on a practical level, people probably won’t care that my cakes are out of cake mix boxes and not store bought.

It’s okay if my home is still a rental house where I can’t paint how I would prefer or set up how I would like. After all, Paul entertained people in his rental home! I love that the Bible includes in Acts 28:30,31, that “Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” I love this. It’s inspiring to me to keep inviting even though I’m still not in my dream home. I will still choose to live life and enjoy it well. 

Like Paul, we can learn to welcome people into our homes and share Jesus without hindrance. Simplicity is okay. A simple birthday cake is fine. Simple home birthday parties are fine. Playing out in the backyard is fine. Simplicity frees us to a life that is open to go, do, stop, serve, or rest when Jesus calls us. 

It’s not about the extravagant parties, the beautiful decor, or matching place settings. People desire love and compassion. Simplicity is wonderful. Providing a space full of love, character, and joy draws people in where they can smile and rest. Enjoy how you can uniquely practice hospitality with what you have, with those around you! Share Jesus without hindrance! Merry Christmas time!

Love,
Charis 

Pic(k) of the day: People and their shenanigans with my phone…