Advent represents the days of anticipation leading up to our celebration of the birth of Christ into the world. Daily or weekly reminders of the biblical account and the seasonal traditions of festive food, decor, and activities have gone on for centuries. Today is a great day to pull out the Christmas decor, the Advent candles and wreath, Advent calendar, and the Christmas music and start the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
For the family:
Plan on a delicious family dinner of comfort food. Bring out the cherished Advent Candles. Traditional advent rings have four candle stands. I have the one we grew up with (pictured at top) and I treasure it! Usually there are Sunday readings and the candles are lit at that time.
Some guides have a daily reading. If so, light the first candle and read Day 1 from your church’s Advent booklet. I love the handcrafted 24-day Advent set I found from Joywares. I had to wait a year to get it but it was worth the wait! I use it in addition to my treasured traditional ring.
Need an Advent reading plan? Get started with these below. Nearly every denomination will have a free online resource.
- Billy Graham Organization Advent Guide: http://bit.ly/2fNumSi
- Life Way Advent Resources: http://lfwy.co/2fTlygT
For the littles:
Bring out the Advent calendar and prepare 24 little surprises for each slot. Some people put in candy, others have a small token of the Christmas story from the bible. One year each box in our little advent log cabin contained a riddle that, if solved, led the children to where a surprise was hidden. There’s literally hundreds of ideas on Pinterest for Advent fun. Here’s a great site for bible-based advent fillers: http://bit.ly/2gNmVeI
Going to a Christmas tree farm with parents and siblings, putting up the tree, and sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows is a great memory-making start to the Christmas season. Children have so much hope for a happy month! Play upbeat, fun Christmas music in the car. Search online for a “cut-your-own” tree farm or head to a nearby Christmas tree lot.
Using an artificial tree? Try this wonderful essential oil blend that is made from real trees. It brings the Christmas tree farm to you!
For adults:
Just adults or older teens in your family? Kick off December with dinner out at a local venue and head over to a Christmas light show. If you are too full to walk, many are drive through! Search online for your community listing of lights and music displays. Head home, light the fire and watch your favorite Christmas movie.
Here’s a sample of what I found in my own community: http://bit.ly/2fTEgoT
Best Hot Chocolate Recipes from Bon Appetit
