I always strive to make holidays less stressful and more enjoyable. To make the holidays a little less hectic, I vowed to offer experiences instead of things as much as possible. Instead of giving them a bunch of cheap things that will break the next day, just give them a few high-quality gifts. This reduces the focus on gifts and instead puts the emphasis on the meaning of Christmas and time spent together as a family.
Let’s enter Advent…
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(Note: If your family doesn’t participate in Advent, this post may not be for you. Instead, you may prefer to be generous with stocking stuffing ideas and creative ways to do so this year.) )
What is Advent?
Advent is the four week period before Christmas. It’s time for Christians to consider the meaning behind this holiday. Like Lent, it is a time of preparation. Advent is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to his second coming.
Various denominations, from Catholics to Lutherans to Protestants, all celebrate the season of Advent. Things like advent calendars have become popular activities even among non-religious families.
You might not know it at the store, but the Christmas season doesn’t end with Christmas, it actually begins. In fact, Christmas Day is the end of Advent and the beginning of the actual Christmas season. It also marks the beginning of the 12 Days of Christmas, which ends with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.
Why celebrate Advent traditions?
For us, Advent is an important time of reflection, preparation, and time with family. The significance of this season is often represented by the lighting of candles on calendars and Advent wreaths. These Advent customs help us focus on the true meaning of the Christmas feast (more on these below). And ordinary people who are looking forward to the excitement of Christmas, waiting, waiting, waiting.
Would you like to learn more about the weeks of Advent or want to start celebrating Advent at home? Here are some ideas from our own family traditions.
advent wreath
advent wreath It has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. These probably originated in pre-Christian Germany, but were later modified and adopted by both the Lutheran and Catholic churches.
A typical Advent wreath includes a green wreath and four Advent candles (three purple and one rose). A purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, and another candle is lit every Sunday. Purple candles remind us of prayers, repentance, preparatory sacrifices and good deeds performed during this period. Rose candles are lit on the third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete Sunday. This one It marks the halfway point of Advent and thus represents a time of joy.
Some newer wreath traditions include a fifth candle or white candle in the center. This Christ Candle represents the Savior Jesus Christ.
How to make an advent wreath at home
I decided early on to make an Advent wreath from scratch (surprised anyone?). Not only to save money, but also because I don’t like most candles and wanted to use beeswax candles instead. I also didn’t like the idea of a wreath that hung in the attic all year long and served no purpose. So I decided to make a non-toxic and reusable advent wreath.
Side note: Many years ago I had an Advent wreath with candles that I owned for years. One summer, when I was storing it in the attic, all the candles melted and created a huge mess.
As it turns out, there aren’t really any search results that will help you with this. So I looked into what I had at home. I really like the final product. If you’re like me, you may already have what you need lying around your house.
DIY advent wreath
This simple Advent wreath can be made in minutes. After advent, it can be disassembled and used for other purposes until the season returns.
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Note
Use colored twine instead of ribbon for a more rustic look.
If your family likes doing crafts together, it might be fun to put together a DIY Christmas garland and spruce up your home.
advent calendar
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. There are countless variations and styles (including several themes). There are often little rewards for each day. There are also store-bought items like this.
But we prefer handmade yearly calendars. Our handmade advent calendars encourage a spirit of giving and kindness.
We have a hanging fabric wall calendar with a small envelope pinned to each day of Advent. Inside each envelope is a card with a small deed or act of kindness that we can all do that day. This helps us all stay focused on giving rather than receiving.I used this DIY tutorials as templates and a printed card with an act of kindness to place in each mini envelope.
Nativity set (or Creche)
For our family, the Nativity scene (also known as the nursery) is a special reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. It is a visual representation of the birth of Christ and the story of Christmas. The Nativity depicts Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in a manger, along with shepherds and animals. Some sets have angels, wise men, and other Bethlehem visitors. Here’s what we put out at the beginning of Advent each year:
- The Kid Set: There are always babies and toddlers at home. Their grandparents gave them an unbreakable nativity set one year. Perfect for small children who want to make their own crafts.
- fontanini: The number of figures in Fontanini’s Nativity set continues to grow. We will add one each year. I love these because they don’t break easily and they look pretty realistic.
- willow tree: This is also a set we have at home. I like the simple look of it, and it’s placed in the middle of my dining table this time of year.
Advent Traditions: Christmas Angel
Some people do “Elf on the Shelf” but we do “Christmas Angel”! Stuffed angels can be found in just about anything, and they act as props to get kids (and parents!) thinking about what acts of kindness they should do for others. Ours encourages kids to leave notes and do something kind for someone. It also gives you ideas on how to be kind. Sometimes angels leave kindness by giving chocolates or small gifts to children along the way.
advent books for kids
These are great children’s read-aloud books for Advent that the whole family will enjoy.
Not so fun tradition: Krampus!
Family traditions happen in funny ways. This Advent post cannot tell the full story of Advent traditions without including Krampus.
Never heard of it?
I didn’t even know about this famous German Advent tradition until I heard about it.
Krampus is pretty scary A half-man, half-goat figure. He is well known throughout Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. According to the story, Krampus travels with Saint Nicholas, leaving coals for naughty children and scaring them into misbehaving. The eve of St. Nicholas Day is also called “St. Nicholas Day.” Krampusnacht, or Krampus nights in Austria and other parts of Europe.
Krampus is not a Christmas angel, but it is a story that stuck with my children. They listen to this song every Advent and enjoy building up the tension before celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. Listen to a fun, light-hearted version of. Click here for Krampus story.
Other Advent and Christmas traditions
- feast of seven fish – Every year on Christmas Eve, our family celebrates the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The kids and I cook 7 different seafood dishes (lots of small courses). You don’t have to start with all seven, but we always enjoy this tradition.
- Christmas tree – Most families (including ours!) decorate a Christmas tree every year. This tradition probably originated in Germany and has been going on for hundreds of years.
- devoted – If you want, your family can have a daily devotional. The Old Testament book of Isaiah records the coming of Jesus, and of course the New Testament is full of Christmas stories.
- saint nicholas day – Our family celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 6th every year. St. Nick is the inspiration for modern Santa Claus. The children prepared shoes for “St. Peter.” Nicholas” will commemorate the day by preparing healthy treats and highlighting acts of kindness.
- caroling – Tour neighborhoods, nursing homes, and hospitals (with permission) and spread some cheer with Christmas carols.
Does your family celebrate Advent? What are some of your traditions?