7 Quick Takes on Advent

I love Advent almost more than I love Christmas. There's sometimes more fun in the preparing I think. Nate and I are trying really hard to make this a prayerful time and not just a YAYCHRISTMASISCOMING time. However, Damian definitely understands "Christmas" and his excitement is contagious. He's so very ready to do everything--decorating the tree, going look at all the Christmas lights in the neighborhood, and, of course, making it to "Santa Day." We weren't even going to play up the whole Santa thing, but apparently it's born in them... Another day, another post... Anyway, I wanted to share some of the Advent-y things we are doing around the house in hopes that you could share some of your favorite advent traditions with me!

.1. 

Advent wreath

Pretty standard as far as Advent traditions go. We light ours every night at dinner, which may have been a bad plan because I don't know if this first purple candle will make it to Christmas. Damian loves it. Because fire. 

.2. 

Advent calendar

I found the free printable cards here. They're a little above Damian's level, but they have pictures so we can talk about the pictures and it's a good reminder for Nate and me. I had no intention of going all crafty and making one this year, but then slacker me missed out on all the not chocolate ones; so next thing you know I'm at Michael's buying small brown envelopes and tiny cloths pins (and ribbon and wreaths and and and.)

.3. 

Journeying Wise Men

These little guys are a favorite in this house. They're so jolly though! It makes me laugh. Anyway, they're slowly making their way around our house in hopes of not getting stolen by small hands/furry paws making it to Baby Jesus by the Epiphany. 

.4. 

Magnificat and Liturgy of the Hours

This is mostly something I'm doing, but I've really been enjoying saying the Morning or Evening Prayers out loud with the kids. It's also good practice for them in "being quiet." I let them  run around and play as long as their quiet, so far, so good. 

.5. 

St. Andrew Novena

I've always loved this one and have done it as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I got the St. Andrew Novena holy card from a priest for St. Nicholas Day. Sadly that card has been lost but there are wonderful printable versions. And because I don't have 15 fingers, I made a little decade + 5 bead string to help me keep track. I usually do it while cleaning the kitchen because multi-tasking is my middle name.

.6. 

Slowly decorating

Ok, so this is only semi-intentional. Despite Damian's pleas to decorate all the things all the time, it's not as easy as he thinks to get that done. I won't point fingers at why that might be, but I'll let you guess. Anyway, we're trying to explain that we have 4 whole weeks before Baby Jesus is born and can use that whole time to prepare for it. He is not impressed. (Notice my thanksgiving gourds still hanging out in the lantern. Slow and steady. Slow and steady.)

.7. 

St. Nicholas Day

I LOVE St. Nicholas Day. It's always been one of my favorite memories of Christmas from growing up. Yesterday, we all made St. Nicholas ornaments to help me teach Damian (and Clare?) the story of St. Nick. He was intrigued by this "Bag of Gold" but was wayyy more interested in coloring his beard and the glue. Always the glue.... You can find the printable we used here. Also, feel free to guess who did which ornament.

So there you have it. What are y'all up to this Advent??