With the first Sunday of Advent this weekend, I wanted to share a few of our most treasured family traditions. I look forward to this part of the holiday season most and try desperately to be as organized as possible for the December frenzy that ensues so that I can focus on my family and what means most to us.
Advent is a waiting and reflecting period. It’s a time of anticipation, gratitude and generosity, a time to slow down and really see one another. In our modern lives this is not as simple as it sounds. Busyness and chaos have been marketed to us as what December has become and it’s up to each of us to say – enough! Below are three of of our favorite traditions for Advent. Each emphasizes togetherness over consumerism while creating lasting memories for our family.
Many years ago I started collecting Christmas books to share with the kids. I wrap each one individually, reading one for each night of Advent. We light our candles while each of my kids takes a turn nightly opening a book to share with the family. It’s always fun to see who is going to open the family favorite, What Does Mrs. Claus Do?
Random Acts of Christmas Kindness
We started this 2 years ago and haven’t looked back! While we have always participated in giving trees, angel projects, food drives, etc. we now take it one step further and actively spread Christmas cheer to people throughout or neighborhood, schools, and community. These are simple acts that don’t cost a ton of money. They brighten people’s day, bring hope to others that there is more goodness in the world than not, and send the message that giving is receiving. I’ll be updating our Random Acts of Kindness List and posting here soon.
Last year I bought an angel chime that has become a really sweet way to end the day together. We light it just before we read our nightly book. There is something so mesmerizing by the glow of the candlelight and the soft sound of the angel chimes. Love this and cherish it deeply.
You might also like these posts too, Getting Organized for the Holidays and Elf of a Shelf . Happy Holidays!
image credit | style at home
What lovely traditions you and your family have. I adore the book idea. Another blogger I know from a group wrote a book of advent devotionals that I’ve been enjoying called Lighten the Darkness.