We recently had a guest homilist at church and one of the things he said really stood out to me: “Isn’t it funny that Christmas has become a time of extreme consumption to celebrate a Savior born in extreme poverty?” Whew. Gut punch.
This year, I’m looking forward to a super simple Advent. For the first time ever, I managed to finish just about all of our shopping before Thanksgiving and it’s so nice not to have that stress hanging over my head! I look forward to preparing our home and our hearts this month, staying off of social media and the news, and seeing the wonder of the season through the eyes of my children. I’m so grateful for our rich Catholic traditions that guide us through the month and help us remember the reason we celebrate in the first place.
A few other things on my calendar (affiliate links below):
- roll beeswax Advent candles
- say the Saint Andrew Novena
- read through the book of Luke & The Sermons of St. Francis de Sales on Advent & Christmas
- work on my 3rd year of December Daily scrapbooking
- set out a new puzzle to work on
- get to Confession
- celebrate Saint Nicholas with chocolate coins and a new game for family game night
- dry orange slices to decorate the kitchen
- make homemade cinnamon gingerbread man ornaments, also for the kitchen?
- brainstorm a few ways that we as a family can give generously
- celebrate the Immaculate Conception with a big family dinner
- take the kids on an evergreen-seeking nature walk
- celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe with a Mexican feast
- observe the Ember Days
- drive through town to see the lights
Love the new blog look!!! Way to go.
We are really trying despite the craziness that has been 2020, to embrace this Advent like a mini Lent… preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ our King! We love our Catholic faith and Traditions!! 💜❤️💚
Same here. Definitely feeling led to prepare in a deeper way this year.
Such a great list! Unfortunately this Advent/Christmas wasn’t exactly what I had hoped in terms of doing fun/meaningful things
So sorry to hear that. Hopefully you’ll get to do something fun or meaningful in the months ahead.