Growing up I associated Christmas with what most children do....Santa, presents, yummy food, and Jesus. My parents did an awesome job at explaining that Christmas was Jesus' birth, but we never had Advent calendars, celebrated feast days, and I never knew that Advent was considered "mini Lent" until a couple of years ago.
Advent, just like Lent, is a time of preparation and getting excited for the coming of our Lord! It's a time to fast, pray, and grow closer to God. I've always loved Lent and so last Advent I committed myself to growing closer to Jesus during that time and absolutely enjoyed it. In this post, I want to share some of my favorite ideas to help celebrate and prepare for the birth of Jesus this Advent.
Advent Calendar
This is such a cool way to celebrate every single day. Write Bible verses on each card, write fun things to do on each one that show an act of service or humility, write the names of your loved ones and offer up that day for them...the possibilities are endless! Here are some crafty ideas on how to make one:
Advent Wreath
Growing up, we did have an Advent wreath, but I never understood the meaning of the candles until I was older. What I've always loved about the Catholic faith is the deep meaning and tradition of everything. Everything we do has such a beautiful story! If you don't know the meaning, this picture is awesome! I encourage everyone to create their own Advent wreath for your home!
Acts of Service
This can be incorporated into your Advent Calendar, but I know I've been slacking in giving back to the community. As a missionary, my life was consumed by service, but now I'm finding it more difficult and I'm more selfish with my weekends and evenings. Check out your local food banks, soup lines, donation sites, hospitals, nursing homes, Convents, and other areas who could use a helping hand this Advent season!
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Advent, just like Lent, is a time of preparation and getting excited for the coming of our Lord! It's a time to fast, pray, and grow closer to God. I've always loved Lent and so last Advent I committed myself to growing closer to Jesus during that time and absolutely enjoyed it. In this post, I want to share some of my favorite ideas to help celebrate and prepare for the birth of Jesus this Advent.
Advent Calendar
This is such a cool way to celebrate every single day. Write Bible verses on each card, write fun things to do on each one that show an act of service or humility, write the names of your loved ones and offer up that day for them...the possibilities are endless! Here are some crafty ideas on how to make one:
Advent Wreath
Growing up, we did have an Advent wreath, but I never understood the meaning of the candles until I was older. What I've always loved about the Catholic faith is the deep meaning and tradition of everything. Everything we do has such a beautiful story! If you don't know the meaning, this picture is awesome! I encourage everyone to create their own Advent wreath for your home!
This can be incorporated into your Advent Calendar, but I know I've been slacking in giving back to the community. As a missionary, my life was consumed by service, but now I'm finding it more difficult and I'm more selfish with my weekends and evenings. Check out your local food banks, soup lines, donation sites, hospitals, nursing homes, Convents, and other areas who could use a helping hand this Advent season!
Make a Nativity Scene
Get crafty and make a nativity scene. While you're at it, only include parts of it as your read through your scripture verses (in your Advent Calendar)!
Celebrate Day by Day
This can also be included on your Advent Calendar, but here are some fun dates to look forward to during Advent:
- December 1-24th: Start a Christmas Count-down candle
- Buy one here or make your own!
- December 8th: The Immaculate Conception
- Mary is given the gift of Jesus and is freed from the effects of Original Sin!
- On this day, honor your mother and what a gift she's been to you!
- For the last couple of years I've also made it a point to wear blue. :)
- December 12th: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Patronnes of the Americas! Go to midnight Mass and participate in the celebration! Many churches have a play in which children act out the meeting between Juan Diego and Mary, plus free food, and watch the Guadalupanas perform!
- December 13th: Feast day of St. Lucy
- Her name means light. To celebrate, have a night in and only use candles. In Sweden, girls dress in white gowns with red sashes and adorn crowns with 7-9 burning candles. So cool!
- December 16th: Start the Novena of the Holy Child
- When does Advent start?
- November 30th!!!
- Traditionally it falls on the closest Sunday to St. Andrew the Apostle who's Feast day is November 30th, so this year it falls on it.
I'm sure that I forgot some dates or fun traditions, but Advent is a beautiful time to reflect, pray, and await our Lord! Join with me in getting excited for such a beautiful time of year. What will you be doing this Advent?
In Jesus, Anna
UPDATE: Here's our Advent Calendar!
The frame was something I found at a Thrift store for $7. We used it at our wedding and it was the perfect thing to hang the gift tags I found at Target ($1 for 6 in the dollar section). Each day I included a daily Scripture reading, Feast day (if there was one), prayer(s), or a challenge for us to complete that day! It was so fun to make and I hope it inspires you to make your own. :)
The frame was something I found at a Thrift store for $7. We used it at our wedding and it was the perfect thing to hang the gift tags I found at Target ($1 for 6 in the dollar section). Each day I included a daily Scripture reading, Feast day (if there was one), prayer(s), or a challenge for us to complete that day! It was so fun to make and I hope it inspires you to make your own. :)
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