The advent season leading up to Christmas is a reflective and special time. Here are 7 ways to celebrate the advent season!
7 Ways To Celebrate The Advent Season
This year, more than ever, I’m aware of how fleeting everything is and how many blessing I truly have in my life. Do you celebrate the advent season? Advent is traditionally the time of year where we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Advent is also a time of joyful expectation and preparation.
My goal for our family this year is to keep the Advent season simple, but full of meaning. Here are a few of the ways we will be celebrating Advent this year.
1. Create A New Family Tradition
There are so many ideas for traditions out there that sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. For me, it helps to stick with just a few key traditions each year so that I don’t spread myself too thin. We have young children in our family, so that also dictates what types of traditions work best for us in this season of life.
This Christmas my oldest daughter is at the perfect age to start soaking everything up. As a new tradition this year, we started memorizing the beginning section of The Night Before Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore. I love the idea of reciting it together each Christmas season and I believe that the gift of poetry memorized as a child is truly one that keeps on giving.
2. Create Your Own Advent Candle Wreath
Lighting candles in general feels special, but creating your own advent candle wreath feels extra special. If you didn’t grow up in a home that lit an advent candle wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, it might feel a little daunting or formal. But don’t let it. The traditional advent candle wreath is a simple way of marking the four weeks leading up to Christmas in anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Years ago, when I was looking for a advent candle wreath for our family they were either too expensive or I didn’t care for the design. Rather than a traditional advent candle holder, I ended up using a 4 piece candle holder in the shape of a star with a plain cedar wreath placed around it. It feels simple and meaningful to me. Don’t be afraid to rethink traditional items to make them a better fit for your family.
3. Read A Classic Christmas Book
This is something I’ve always loved the idea of, but wasn’t really that intentional about until this past year. Nothing puts you in the Christmas mood more than slowing down and reading a classic Christmas story. I love to reread the same ones each year, but picking a new one to try each Christmas season is also a fun idea.
4. Read The Christmas Story
The Advent season and Christmas are meaningless to me without the Christmas Story at the center of it. This year will be our first year (since we finally have at least one kid who’s not a baby) reading through the Christmas Story in Luke chapter 2. Reading it together as a family is a tradition I plan to do consistently each Christmas, and of all the traditions, the one I hope sticks with them the most.
Pick A Pine Tree Book // Christmas Reading Calendar (free!)
5. Children’s Advent Reading Calendar
Christmas books hold a magical place in my heart, so an advent reading calendar is right up there when it come to favorite traditions. This is our second year using Everyday Reading’s Christmas Book Advent Calendar, and it doesn’t disappoint. Part Christmas art and coloring and part reading prompts, it’s the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. The best part? It’s free!
6. Using Special Ornaments
Sometimes the best traditions are the simplest ones. Our Christmas tree is pretty much the same each year, and I love that about it. Maybe we’ll change it up sometime down the road, but for now, having the same ornaments up each year is such a fun tradition. The ritual of unpacking familiar family favorites, along with the strong memories they evoke makes decorating the tree a fun trip down memory lane each year.
7. Make A Special Treat To Take To Neighbors
Spreading Christmas cheer is one of the best ways to celebrate the season. This year, more than ever is the perfect time to drop a special treat off on your neighbors doorstep! Everyone could use a little Christmas joy right about now. 🙂 Make your favorite cookie or try a new recipe. If you need treat ideas, these coconut caramels are so yummy and can be made in your microwave!
May your Advent season be peaceful and full of joyful anticipation, friends!
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