When I was around 8 or 9 years old, my mother brought home a felt Advent calendar - a cute green Christmas tree on a red background, and below it - 24 numbered pockets, each with a Velcro-backed felt ornament. I remember the excitement of getting to move each of those ornaments onto the felt tree, especially as we got down to number 22 and 23 and 24!
That was how my love of Advent began - in a small girl's excitement to the countdown before Christmas.
And now, Advent is one of my very favorite times of the year!
Traditionally, Advent was a time for people to prepare for Christmas - spiritually AND practically. Many churches still encourage their congregations to make use of the Advent season to deepen their faith. It's a time to reflect over the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future.
But it is also a time for fun and excitement!
I’ve been crafting a family Advent for nearly 25 years! And over those years, I’ve tried LOTS of things…some worked, and some didn’t.
This Advent season, I'd love to share some of my favorite ideas for making great memories and enjoying this special time of year! And sprinkled throughout there will be some very special offers for my email subscribers only! And on New Year's Day, one lucky email subscriber will be randomly selected for a FREE Essential Session! (Follow this link to get signed up for the drawing!) Join me for a fun, memory-making Advent season.
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To get you started (and give you a little taste), I’ve got an Advent Wreath tutorial for you!
10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ... Everyone loves a countdown, right? Well, an Advent wreath is a countdown of sorts, but it's also quite a bit more than that. There is a lot of symbolism and meaning wrapped up in it - but you don't have to know or understand all that to enjoy it. (It is interesting to learn about, though!)
Enjoying an advent wreath with your family can be a memorable way to wait for Christmas together! Putting one together can be as simple or elaborate as you like!- 4 simple candlesticks surrounded by colored glass marbles (the craft ones that are flat on one side) on a plate or tray.
- a simple Advent candle holder (found in most craft stores) - usually brass, sometimes pewter or ceramic. Some of these are decorative and don't need anything else added to them. Others are plain and could use the glass marbles or some greenery laid around them.
- a full-on wreath with candle holders wired to it. Check on line for ideas, if this is up your alley!
Easy way to "dress it up" a bit is to add some greenery. Any evergreen you have on hand will do - holly, magnolia, cedar, pine, even rosemary, would add a touch of freshness and scent!
Each week you light one additional candle, adding candles as you go through the season. So week one you have one candle lit, week two - two candles lit, week three...you get it! The weeks in Advent each have a theme: the first one is Hope, second is Peace, third is Joy, and the fourth is Love.
Using your Advent wreath can be a daily or weekly thing. But what do you do with it? Here are a few ideas:
- Find an Advent devotional to read to your family right after dinner. Light the candles, read the reading and enjoy some nice Christmas music.
- Simply make a daily ritual of lighting the Advent wreath (during or after dinner, maybe) and letting it burn for a bit.
- Use the time to have each family member share a favorite memory from a past Christmas.
- Ask family members to share what they'd like to do this year and use the time to plan your holiday season together.
- Discuss and plan ways you might bless others this holiday season.
There is no right or wrong way! It's all about making memories and learning the joy of waiting for something good.
The number one Advent Rule? EASY DOES IT!
There are so many things you *could* do to celebrate Advent, but none you must do! Our holiday seasons are already so packed! Advent should not add stress!
If you want to incorporate Advent in your holiday - try slowing down and simplifying your holiday season. Pick ONE thing to add (maybe an Advent wreath) and ONE thing to delay until after Christmas ( we save most of our holiday movies and specials for Christmas and after).
Most important - make memories and enjoy your family! After all – ADVENT IS FOR MEMORIES!
Join me this Advent – for fun and memory-making, lots of special offers AND a chance to win a session! Sign up here!
