Wednesday, November 28, 2007
this year, we're really going to observe advent. we talk about it every year and last year we got somewhere with some of our traditions, but this year, we're really going to observe advent, and celebrate christmas on the twelve days after christmas, culminating in a 12th night celebration.

i am noticing a lot more talk of "getting presents" between rowan and sawyer this year. they're getting more and more excited about christmas, and while i don't want to steal their excitement in the giddiness of receiving, i want them to also begin to get excited about giving. i know they have it in them. this year, i made a raggedy ann doll for my niece ramona, and the boys fell in love with her as she grew from fabric in a bag to torso with a face to doll with hair and clothes. they constantly asked to play with her and did everything they could to keep raggedy ann a secret from ramona until we opened gifts on thanksgiving night. i think it was sawyer who just couldn't wait any longer and told laura (ramona's mom) about the doll the day before thanksgiving. but when it was time to give the doll to ramona, as she opeend the present, sawyer stood over her dancing from one foot to another, totally giddy to see raggedy ann in her new owner's arms. when she opened the present sawyer scooped up the doll and held it up high for her parents to see and then finally gave it to ramona.

so in advent, we will prepare our hearts from the coming of the chirist child and His return. i am looking into some celebrations for the different days in advent (the four sundays, st. nicholas day, st. lucia day, etc..). i'll share what we find and what works and flops this year. i have a feeling it will take us a few advents to figure out what traditions are good for our family. but i can't wait to see what takes shape as we learn how to prepare our hearts for the coming of the King.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 7:02:20 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 9:14:21 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
I really admire your family's dedication to Christ and teaching your children Christianity.
Your house seems so full of love and well, just full.
PeonyJen
Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:09:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
I remember as a child growing up that my Mom always had advent ceremonies at the house on Sunday nights but I really don't remember much more than that about it. Please do share any good information you have on it as I would like to learn more.
Thursday, November 29, 2007 10:15:50 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
Okay, back again with some info for you. Over at "Looking Towards Heaven"s blog, she has a great post with links to some interesting resources on advent and keeping your kids Christ focused during the holidays. Thought I would share.

http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/
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