Advent is, by far, my favorite time of the year but it can be such a busy time of preparation that it is easy to become discouraged if our focus shifts from the coming of the Christ Child to the hustle and bustle of our culture. Keeping Advent peaceful and meaningful can be done in a variety of ways. Our family spends time each evening sharing simple devotions. That can be as easy as lighting a small candle next to a picture of the Infant Jesus or by praying the Rosary as a family.
Our family's traditions of the lighting the candles on the Advent log and filling the Christ child's manger are things we have done since my oldest was a toddler. They are lovely traditions that work for our family. They may not work for yours as every family is different and unique. I think it is not important or prudent to adopt a bunch of different advent devotions, crafts or projects each year. There are many out there to choose from and can be overwhelming. Choosing or creating one or two traditions and doing them year after year is more important than getting swept up in the myriad of possible ideas. We want our children to remember simple, lovely, meaningful times of preparing our hearts for His coming.
If you have stumbled upon my humble site looking for Advent ideas, I have linked our family's traditions below. They look like many but really are only the two mentioned above. I am linking those posts below because I have noticed many visitors coming here in search of Advent devotions or information in constructing the Advent log. If you and your family need more information about the log, you can email me at the address in the sidebar and I will do my best to help you.
The Christ Child and the Manger
The Advent Log-Part II
Recent Advent Log Photo
Stir Up Sunday White Fruitcake Recipe
The Remaining Days of Advent/Christmas Devotions
Advent Sugar Cookie Recipe and Patterns for Week Two
Do stop by and see some beautiful Advent Logs made by other families:
Alice's Advent Log
Dawn's Advent Log
Kristina's Advent Log
Margaret's Advent Log
Tracy's Advent Log
Suzanne's Advent Log
Our family's entire advent archives can be found here.
Blessings and peace to you and yours this Advent season!
Warmly,
Rebecca
