Advent, one of my favorite times of the year. A time of preparation for the coming of Christ, to truly focus on what is important in our lives. As much as I love the holiday decor and Christmas shopping, what I enjoy even more is the time to take a step back and remind myself of the spiritual meaning of this season. I remember back in grade school, my teacher Sister Francis Mary ingrained in our minds “Jesus is the reason for the season” and it’s a theme I plan on passing onto my children. We live in a world with so many wonderful resources right at our fingertips, so I wanted to just share a few that would be a simple way of implementing the Advent theme into your homes.
ADVENT RESOURCES
My friend sent this over to me and I was thrilled. I’ve never been a fan of the elf on the shelf trend, but this I can get into. It makes sense to bring Mary into focus during Advent, and what a fun way to make a more personal connection to Mary through “Mary on the Mantel.”
A great way to cultivate a home of love and kindness during Advent. With each act of kindness, a piece of straw is set in the manger with the hope of it being filled with love on Christmas day for baby Jesus.
This is a hands-on way of telling the story of Christmas and encouraging your little ones to think of what they are grateful for leading up to the big day.
Get creative with Catholic Icings many amazing, and often times free resources. So many great ideas, for all ages.
Maranatha: The Story of Our Savior for Kids is full of guided reflections, activities, coloring and learning about the catholic faith. For ages 6-12.
Keep an Advent calendar, an easy and simple way to countdown to Christmas and anticipate the coming of Christ.
Make a Jesse Tree; a tree decorated with ornaments based on symbols of Old Testament events preparing for the coming of Christ. You can create your own or purchase, I especially love this one from Catholic Family Crate.
Advent Tree
Leave your tree bare or add an ornament/lights every Sunday in Advent as a symbol of our waiting for baby Jesus. Fully decorate on Christmas Eve or day in celebration of Jesus’ birthday.
Having a nativity scene set up in your home is a nice visual reminder for both kids and adults of what Advent is truly about. To really build the anticipation, don’t set baby Jesus in his cradle until Christmas morning.
Incorporate family prayer and meditation into this Advent season with these beautiful reflection cards from Reliquary Supply.
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