Last year I did a series of various ways to celebrate Advent. But this year we are going to make a more specific effort to actually celebrate as a family. Our children are two and five, so much of what is traditional may or may not work for us. But I put together a list of things we are going to attempt.
Since my children are a bit too young for my own Advent devotional, I got this e-book last year; but was too busy to do it. This year I’m working it into our homeschool curriculum. I plan to take a break from our usual lessons, except perhaps for phonics and math, and instead use this to guide our lessons for the month of December. I know we probably won’t do it every day, because let’s face it, life happens. But I think it would be a fun, hands-on way to engage my children’s interest.
Christmas Count Down Chain
This is a simple idea, and one that I think may possibly be incorporated into Truth in the Tinsel. My daughter is constantly asking how many days until Christmas. We’re going to make a paper chain so she can count for herself. (So she works on her counting skills and I avoid a constant repetitive questions. Win, Win.)
Advent Wreath with We Light the Candles
I’m also considering pulling out the Advent devotional I used as a child and begin the tradition of lighting the advent wreath. They may be too young and it may not work, but I want to try anyway. Some of my fondest memories of Christmas as a child were sitting as a family around the Advent wreath, the nightly reading followed by the singing of a carol. This is something I want to begin to share with my own little family.
Jackie Lawson’s Animated Advent Calendar
The last several years, my mother has purchased animated advent calendars from Jackie Lawson for the whole family. While these are generally non-religious, my children still enjoy the idyllic wonder of exploring different parts of the Christmas village or the various rooms of the English manor as the pre-Christmas events commence. The antics of the adorable animals (especially the dogs) are a big hit as well.
How do you celebrate Advent with your family? I’d love to hear your ideas.
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