Advent Calendars and Christmas Countdowns

It's almost December 1 and the first Sunday in the season of Advent is almost upon us. We have a beautiful advent wreath that we use during family dinners. Traditionally you use three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white center candle called the Christ candle.

This website does a good job of explaining it. Click here to read about the meanings of the candles. It is a wonderful tradition and a good way to prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child. 

Image taken from the Living Hope website linked above.

We don't have the purple and pink candles because I got about 28 white ones from Doug's grandparents. So, we use what we have and so can anyone else. Here are a few cute ones I have seen around that I may try someday for something new or in addition to mine. The one below would look pretty on a mantle or side table.

This is taken from here

Image taken and tutorial found on EAB Designs

Image taken from Hennymats

I think you could probably chose any tray, big bowl, a pretty charger, and add greens, favorite ornaments, rocks, shells, etc as a filler and add candles and make your own custom advent wreath. I have seen some advent wreaths where people have tied colored string around white candles to differentiate between the candles. You could always add numbers to the candles to mark weeks 1-4. Now, I got myself thinking....



I also want to have some activities for the kids. I want a mix of winter activities, Santa Claus anticipation, and  biblical tradition. 

Here are 24 ideas I have come up not in any order Let's see how many I actually get to!

1. Donate a new toy to Toys for Tots or any other similar group.

2. Go pick out a favorite Christmas book and snuggle with Mommy to read it together.

3. Write a letter to Santa Claus and mail it.

4. Make a paper plate wreath and explain the symbolic significance. Use the story I posted earlier for symbolic meaning.

5. Put on jammies and get in the car to go see Christmas lights in the neighborhoods.

6. Go to the Duluth Tree lighting and a family!

7. Set up the Little People Nativity set and act out the story.

8. Pick out some canned food to take to the local food bank.

9. Sing Christmas carols.

10. Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and drink green Grinch Punch.

11. Make paper chains that countdown to Christmas. You can add prayers for family, friends, and others who need them.

12. Make birds seed ornaments. See here for tutorial and recipe.

13. Read "Twas the Night before Christmas."

14. Go to the "Lights of Life" at Life University.

15. Decorate Christmas cookies.

16. Make an ornament for our Christmas tree.

17. Make a candy cane (on paper, with fruit, etc.) and explain the meaning of the Christmas candy cane.

18. Go to Advent evensong at Church.

19. Watch Charlie Brown's Christmas.

20. Make Christmas cards for family and friends.

21. Send a Christmas card to a soldier and thank them for their service.

22. Make an angel and talk about the good news she brought to the shepherds.

23. Have a sleepover with Mom Mom and Pop Pop

24. Have a Christmas Party (school party).

I have bought an over-the-door shoe organizer and see how I like it as a Children's Christmas countdown. I am still figuring out how to put numbers in front of the clear pockets.

I like the idea of this one. 

Taken from Creative Storage Ideas

I may change it and just put numbers on the outside of an envelope using colorful sharpies or fun paper and little gift boxes or small toys or candies wrapped in tissue paper. I'll post my version later. 

It sound's like the laundry timer just went off, so that's my cue! Bye!

Life isn't as boring being a baby now!

Woohoo! I can sit up and play! At least, that's what I think Henry is saying. He has always seemed to be "bored" being a baby. He was always trying to sit up even when he was very brand new. Well now, he can sit up to play even if it is just for a little while.

Remembering the Reason for the Season

I came across this story yesterday while looking for ideas to include in our daily advent calendar. It has great explanations for the many symbols of Christmas. You probably remember some of them from Sunday school, or from that Christmas category in Jeopardy, but it is a great little story and a good refresher for the adults. I wish I could give credit to the author, but it is unknown.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

One week before Christmas, a well-known visitor made a surprise appearance…

I had just finished the household chores and was preparing for bed when a noise startled me. I cautiously opened the door to the front room. To my amazement, Santa Claus stepped from behind the Christmas tree! He placed one finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.

“What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. Then I realized that Santa had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. The eager, boisterous soul we all know was very sad. Santa offered one, simple statement, “TEACH THE CHILDREN!” I was puzzled—what did he mean? Anticipating my question, with one quick movement he brought forth a great bag from behind the tree.

I stood there bewildered. Santa explained, “Teach the Children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. So many people today have forgotten what Christmas is really about!”

Santa then reached into his bag, pulled out a tiny FIR TREE, and placed it on the mantle. “Teach the Children that the stately fir tree remains green all year round, showing the everlasting hope of mankind. The needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of our prayers that always reach God.”

Santa again reached into his sack and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the Children that the Bethlehem star was the sign of promises long ago. God promised to send a Savior to deliver the world. The bright star pointed to the fulfillment of that promise—God’s only Son had been born!”

Next, Santa pulled a CANDLE from his bag. “Teach the Children that the candle symbolizes that Jesus, God’s Son, is the light of the world. When we see this light remember the One who overcomes the darkness.”

Once again Santa reached into his sack. This time he removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. “Teach the Children that the wreath reveals the endless nature of God’s love. Real love never ceases. Nothing can stop God’s amazing love.”

Santa then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. “Teach the Children that Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we show to others because God has given us His very special Son. Don’t forget to tell the Children that Saint Nicolas was not part of the first Christmas in Bethlehem.”

Santa then reached into his sack and carefully placed a CANDY CANE on the tree. “Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff rescues sheep who have strayed from the flock. God never gives up on people who wander from Him.”

Next, He removed a delicate ANGEL and lifted it to the very top of the tree. “Teach the Children that angels shouted the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. These heavenly messengers sang ‘Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good will to everyone on earth!’”

Finally, Santa pulled out a beautifully wrapped GIFT. He said, “Teach the Children that God deeply loves people, so He gave them His most precious gift—Jesus, His only Son. When the wise men arrived in Bethlehem, they bowed before the Child and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is why we give gifts to others each Christmas.”

Then Santa paused. He stared at the tree and seemed to be pleased. I saw that the twinkle had returned to his eyes. He turned, looked at me, and smiled. Santa offered these final words, “Remember to teach the Children the true meaning of Christmas. Please don’t put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant. Jesus Christ is the real reason for the Christmas season. I am glad to join all others who bow down and worship Him, our Lord and God.” —Author Unknown

Getting Ready for Christmas

With Thanksgiving behind us, we are officially in the Christmas spirit here! We have our tree up, although slightly leaning to one side. It's made in Italy.

This year we also put up a small topiary style Christmas tree with all of Doug's Christmas ornaments from his Granny. They are white ceramic with gold trim. The look very pretty.

We also have a green ceramic Christmas tree that Doug's Granny made too. I was so happy to get it passed down to us, because the one that I used to have in my room when I was little has mysteriously disappeared.

My Mom Mom has gotten Doug, Jack, and Henry their needlepoint stocking. I think the four of them look great together. My huge stocking was made by my Mom, and my Mom Mom finished it by stitching in my name. 

Another one of Granny's ceramic masterpieces. This is a wind up moving piece.

Here are our reindeer on top of our entertainment stand. 

                                     I am not sure who made this... I guess I should ask, but this was always
                                      in my house growing up every year.

                        These are the jingle bells that fell off Santa's sleigh and landed in our yard!

                This might be going under a Pinterest Craft Fail.... I was trying to make a wreath out of the balls that I forgot to put on our Christmas tree this year. Well, it takes a lot of them and they all bunch up. I had to make a bow on top. Jack likes it, so it may go onto HIS wall this Christmas!

These used to be school decorations I would put in my room, but now they go on Jack and Henry's bedroom doors.

Henry's little tree. He has been sleeping better with the extra light. He might need a New Year's Tree and a Valentine's Day tree, and a St. Pattie's Day tree..... if you know what I mean.

My baby ornament. 

Jack's baby ornament from school.

One of my favorite wedding ornaments from my family in Evansville.

I love that old bear.

This was my favorite ornament when I was a little girl. I was only in ballet for a quick minute, but I loved her.

                                                  I hope everyone is finding their Christmas spirit! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble! We are getting ready for the holidays here. We managed to get all of our big Thanksgiving feast shopping done over the weekend. Doug and I are getting ready to host our first Thanksgiving. The kids will have to remember Daddy's turkey, because I am not going near it! I might make a delicious thanksgiving fish someday! Besides the turkey, we are having all of the rest of the traditional fare. My mom is bringing over pumpkin soup, bean salad, and pumpkin pie. I will be making cornbread stuffing, brussel sprouts, mashed taters, and be opening my favorite can of cranberries. It might just be the sound of the jellied cranberries when they squelch out that I really like.

 Jack and I will be making pilgrim hats and turkeys out of Oreos, Whoppers, and other yummy candies. We will see how they turn out. If they don't go as  well as planned, Jack and I will just eat all of the evidence of failure up!!! I wish I could post up the pictures of our handiwork, but we have lost our camera! Boo! I think it might have bounced out of our pockets during our trick-or-treating. Good thing Black Friday Sales will be out on Friday.

Oreo Turkeys How To:

Pilgrim Hat Cookies How To

Jack dressed up from his school Thanksgiving Feast. His teachers did amazing jobs with their  outfits!

Jack's Thanksgiving Book from school.

Just the two of us... and one in the crib

Just the two of us... almost. Mom Mom and Pop Pop are having a sleepover at their house with Jack. They are taking him to the Atlanta Zoo tomorrow, which leaves us almost free for an at-home date night. Doug and I celebrated with Chinese take-out and wine! Going to watch a movie that is totally inappropriate for a three year old! Woo-hoo for an above G rated movie!

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween and I hope y'all did too! Henry wasn't feeling too well, but we all made the day special anyway and Henry had some fun despite his cold too.

Jack had a Fall Fun Festival on Monday and had a great time. They went from classroom to classroom playing different games, making crafts, having snacks and from what I can tell from the mess on his shirt, they ate pizza too. :) This was their big Halloween fun.

On Halloween day, Jack went to school where they did some small Halloween fun, and Doug stayed home with us. Doug, Henry, and I hung out and did some needed chores around the house. We leisurely did them since we have all been under the weather. Later, Doug took our little pumpkin to the doctor to make sure his cold hadn't gotten into his ears or chest. He's okay, but we have an antibiotic we can fill just in case. Then, we all headed over to my mom and dad's house for some chili and snacks before trick-or-treating. I made mummy hot dogs. If you haven't had them, they are delicious. They are like big pigs in a blanket, but look like mummies for some Halloween fun. 

Jack was the cutest fireman and Henry was his little fire dog. When I can find our camera from last night, I will add a few pictures. It was certainly difficult to get the two of them to behave for the camera especially at that time in the afternoon. I think next year will be easier. :) We had a good time walking around. We had Henry in the stroller bundled up in our Halloween quilt and Jack was quite happy to run along with his pumpkin candy collector and his spinning pumpkin flashlight. He was a perfectly polite trick-or-treater. Doug and I were so proud of him. Besides trying to actually go into their homes, he remembered to say "trick-or-treat" and thank-you each time. He's a good boy. After awhile, Henry had it, so we walked back to my Mom and Dad's and Jack went to a few more houses with Pop Pop while we got the little pumpkin ready for bed. Jack came back and was thoroughly tired and just a little bit frightened of the scary Joker mask someone had on. (Thanks a lot, buddy! He's still talking about that "bad man mask" today.) 

The kids and I hit Target for the 50% off Halloween deals so we will be ready for another fun time next year! Now, we are getting ready for Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!