Celebrate Advent This Year!

What is Advent?

December 2, 2011 By Christy

I like to think of myself as proactive. On-the-ball. With it. Not going to let a teachable moment go by. That’s me. Well, that’s what I like to think, anyway. Truthfully, if I was all those things all the time you probably wouldn’t want to be my friend. (and I do so like you!)

This year for Christmas though, I want to observe Advent. I want to teach my kids that there is more to Christmas than making Christmas lists, going to a Christmas Eve service, and opening gifts.

Do you know what Advent is? I didn’t until I started doing a little bit of research. It turns out, lots of people don’t know about Advent. Lots of Christians, even.

I found this out-of-print book at the library by Maria Trapp (of Sound of Music fame). My sister-in-law found it on Ebay and loaned me her copy. Maria Trapp knew about Advent:

These weeks before Christmas, known as the weeks of Advent, are meant to be spent in expectation and waiting…This atmosphere of “hurry up, let’s go” does not provide the necessary leisure in which to anticipate and celebrate a feast.

Maria knew how rushed we get. How we can start to forget that Christmas is about a little baby come to earth. A gift from our Father. In her book she gives a few practical ways that Advent was observed in Austria. She talks about Advent wreaths and nativities and giving gifts of sacrifice to Baby Jesus, the Christ-child.

Advent started on November 27th this year, but it’s not too late to choose a tradition or two and implement them into the Advent season at your house. The first time I did an Advent wreath I don’t think we started until mid-December. Your kids probably won’t remember that you missed a bit of Advent, they’ll just remember that you did it.

I am running a series on my blog this month that includes some ideas on how to celebrate Advent and some resources. There’s also a link-up for your holiday posts. Please come by and Prepare for Jesus with us!

Jennifer

I love that Advent seems to be making a resurgence this year. Or maybe I’ve been living under a rock the past few years. this is the first year my family is really embracing Advent, and I love it. I love the gentle focus it brings to our Christmas season. And it’s fun Anticipating Him more than presents!!

http://www.onefunmom.com Christy

I know, Jennifer! Everywhere I look in BlogLand there is lots of Advent information! It’s great!

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Krickchick2

My family is from Germany and Advent has always been a big part of our Christmas tradition. I love that it is coming back, especially with it’s true meaning. Thanks.

http://www.onefunmom.com Christy

Oooh, I hear that Germany is THE place to be during Advent! I would love to get there someday!

Michelle Bonneau

I am so happy to see this up I loved the advent wreath we had as a child ! I grew up Catholic and I just assumed when I went out on my own in the world and into the Christian Church advent was part of it.. boy was I surprised lol . I had given up advent traditions altogether because I assumed they were only practice by the Catholic church since so many of the Christians I knew had never heard with I am over joyed this tradtion is making a comeback and I can now start it with my own children!

http://www.onefunmom.com Christy

Yes, Michelle! I only learned anything about Advent at first because my husband’s family is Catholic. These are great traditions and important for every family.

http://www.enrichedfamily.blogspot.com Chrissy

Christy,

A few years ago when I got off the wheel of craziness of the “norm”‘ and started to seek out a “Christ-Like” focus I started late in the month. You are right, I made our wreath 12 days before Christmas. I just made up for what was needed and the kids never knew. I try to be diligent on planning ahead and starting on the accurate time, but there are seasons when this doesn’t happen. So, I am just doing the things that are meaningful, special, and needed to keep our Focus.