In the upcoming weeks, I'd like to share some of our family's Advent and Christmas traditions. One of my favorites centers around the Christ Child and His manger.
On the first day of Advent, an empty manger is set out in a prominent place in our living room. Nearby is a basket containing soft bedding of hay, straw or paper Easter grass (in a natural color). Throughout the Advent season, the children can place a piece of hay in the manger when they have done an act of kindness, made a sacrifice for others or said a prayer for someone in need.
As the Advent season progresses, it is fun to see the children reminding one another to do kind things so they can make a soft bed for the Christ child's arrival. The spirit is jovial and encouraging as they spur one another to be good.
On Christmas Eve, the bed is made, filled with all their love and prayers for others in the form of hay. They go to bed, awaiting His arrival (and OK, the presents too!). On Christmas morning, He has come! We place his manger on our dining room table in the center of the feast. Our statue of the Baby Jesus is almost life sized. The little ones really take to Him, since He is the size of a real baby, kissing His little fingers and touching His head.
This tradition is special to our family because it is a tangible way during Advent to show our love for others and, therefore, for Him. The manger and Baby are on display until Epiphany, the day that we celebrate the Adoration of the Magi. The statue remains, during the Christmas season, as a reminder of the real Christ child, born some 2000 years ago, who still fills our hearts and families with His love.
