7 Ways We Celebrate Advent
1. Advent Blocks
Each morning, we gather around the table to read a story and turn the numbered blocks to reveal the image that matches the story of the day. Advent Blocks help us to remember that we are celebrating Emmanuel, God with us!
2. Advent Devotional
Each evening, we read “The Way to the Manger” 25 day devotional.
3. Advent Wreath
We make an Advent wreath using a fresh wreath, leaves & berries from the yard, candle sticks, and candle holders. We place the wreath in the center of our dining table. On each Sunday of Advent, we gather around the table to sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, read Bible verses related to the 4 themes (Hope, Peace, Joy, & Love), pray, and light candles.
4. Advent Countdown
Our boys love our fabric Advent calendar to help them count down the days until Christmas. There are so many fun yearly Advent calendars you can buy too: chocolate, Legos, Play-Doh, and other small toys. We’ve also made red and green paper chains to help us count down the 25 days of December.
5. 24 Book Countdown
Before December 1st, I wrap up 24 books (we own 24+ Christmas books, so each year I just choose 24 books to wrap from our collection). Every night leading up to Christmas, our children unwrap a bedtime story.
6. Christmas Traditions
Delivering our favorite Christmas mix to friends and family, decorating gingerbread houses, a visit to Santa, watching our favorite Christmas movies, making paper snowflakes, and driving around to look at Christmas lights are a few of our favorite Christmas traditions. We make a list of our favorite family traditions to help us celebrate intentionally.
7. The Shepherd on the Search
Our shepherd arrives on December 1st along with his book. We read the story where the shepherd shares how he will be hiding throughout the house all month long. Our boys love waking up to find the shepherd’s hiding spot. On Christmas morning, he is found by the manger scene with the first gift of Christmas. The boys unwrap the box to find baby Jesus (from our family nativity scene).
