Putting the Christ back in Christmas

After Thanksgiving my Mom saw a cute Advent calendar at Target and said "Why don't you get this for the kids?"  The thought of having to get more gifts for everyone was daunting, and I said, "nah"...  Then at Church on Sunday my eldest brought home an advent calendar.  After looking at it I decided for the first time to celebrate Advent this year.  It has been a perfect opportunity to put the Christ back in Christmas.  We are focusing on spending time together as a family, and doing things for others.

Logan made an advent wreath out of construction paper and we began by lighting the first candle on Sunday.  Every night we have done different Advent activities together as a family.  After dinner we start out in prayer, and then read a Christmas book together. 

 

We've made homemade Christmas ornaments, watched Rudolph together in our big bed, and talked about ways to spread Christmas joy.  We found a local sharing center that provides emergency aid to children and families in crisis, and bought some new shoes for a child to open on Christmas morning.  Tonite we will be making Christmas cards and sending them to our soldiers overseas, and this weekend we will be making Christmas cookies to deliver to our neighbors.

 

The kids look forward to our Advent activities all day, and it has been such a joy to make the time together.    I hope these are traditions that will carry on for many years to come. 

 

I would love to hear what you guys are doing to celebrate the season!  xo

Comments

[sara's art house]

I love your ideas- thanks for sharing!!

[emily @ chatting at the sky]

This is great. Thank you for sharing your sweet celebrations with us. I love all of your great ideas and that Charlie Brown ornament is so cute. Thanks for linking up to everyday unwrapped!